Both traditional Indigenous and Western sciences are needed to inform a more holistic philosophy and practice of wilderness conservation. At this critical time when Earth’s wild nature is fast disappearing, it’s vitally important that Indigenous People and other ‘non-western’ cultures can more effectively communicate with each other, and with non-Indigenous partners, to build collaborative management approaches worldwide. The Hé Sapa resolution adopted at WILD12 creates that common language through a deepened and Indigenized conception of wilderness.
What do we mean by deepening and Indigenizing the concept of wilderness?
The current definitions of wilderness articulated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, among other national and international bodies, are grounded in western science and thinking. They do not acknowledge that nature is multi-dimensional and that it transcends the material and physical realms, as Indigenous Knowledge does. By defining wilderness as pristine lands independent of human interference, they also erase the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on and stewarded these territories through natural and customary laws since time immemorial. The current western wilderness concept and related policies can be strengthened by the depth that Indigenous Knowledge provides.
Three reasons why it’s important to Indigenize the concept of wilderness
- Many protected wilderness areas were established on the sovereign and unceded territories of Indigenous Nations in ways that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples. Healing and Reconciliation is required.
- Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Systems (IKWS) contain specific, place-based information, management wisdom, law, policy and guidance that has guided Indigenous People to keep wild places healthy and intact for generations. This knowledge is needed for more impactful, holistic solutions.
- Adhering to IKWS is one way of upholding Indigenous rights, as per the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).