The Aboriginal Sustainability Network (ASN)

The Aboriginal Sustainability Network (ASN), is an information sharing portal designed to advance sustainable development in aboriginal communities. It is currently comprised of a number of aboriginal communities including the Tsou of Taiwan, the Taroko of Taiwan, the Unama’ki Mi’kmaq of Canada, and the Ngāti Hauiti iwi of Auteaora/New Zealand. As explained on their website, "The project is investigating the potential of a workshop-based, Internet-supported network for the exchange of knowledge and strategies amongst communities working to develop environmental sustainability."

The ASN was founded in 2005 by Bill Hipwell at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

They have hosted a number of workshops on environmental stewardship. Through their website they also widely share information on sustainability.

Their web-site is intended as a virtual “community of practice”, a place where aboriginal communities can exchange knowledge and strategies for cultural survival and sustainable development.

Aboriginal (indigenous) nations from around the world are welcome to contact the project team to discuss joining the ASN.

For access to ASN resources click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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What we can Learn from Walpole Island First Nation

The Walpole Island First Nation experience is a living example for the wider world because they are a remarkably sustainable community. They  have managed to retain a very high level of biodiversity that includes many plant and animal species found nowhere else in Canada. The sustainability success story of Walpole Island First Nation has been achieved through their native philosophies and their traditional values and attitudes, which are based on respectful human and environmental interactions.

Walpole Island Indian Reserve is nestled between Ontario, Canada and Michigan, USA at the mouth of the St. Clair River. Occupied by aboriginal people for thousands of years, it is today home to 2,000 Ojibwa, Potawatomi and Ottawa. Having a common heritage they formed the Council of Three Fires--a political and cultural compact that has survived the test of time.

The people of Walpole Island view life in a spiritual, holistic and dynamic way, but they believe that sustainable development must be defined in practical terms They understand that as our ecosystem knows no political boundaries, neither should sustainable development. They know that we need an integrated approach to reconcile the environment with economic development.

Their environmental programs and ecosystems have earned international acclaim and World Heritage status.

Here is a short list of some of the things that can be learned from the Walpole Island First Nations people.

1. Relationship between people an the natural world (cannot be seperated)
2. Respect all aspects of the environment both locally and globally
3. Recognize that people are dependent on the physical environment
4. View of the land and water as sacred
5. Responsibility to future generations
6. Responsible use of resources
7. Preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural environment
8. Environmental quality = quality of life

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Indigenous Ecology in Environmental Education

Aboriginal environmental philosophies recognize the complex and interdependent relationships between human beings and nature. While differences exist across Aboriginal communities, there are commonalities in their environmental philosophies. Generally speaking, Aboriginal philosophies offer an ecological ethos focused on spirituality, stewardship and sustainability. Indigenous philosophies can teach people how to reconnect with nature and show them how to establish mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationships.

According to Native American educator Gregory Cajete, “The accumulated knowledge of the remaining indigenous groups around the world represents a body of ancient thoughts, experiences and actions that must be honoured and preserved as a vital storehouse of environmental wisdom. ... Modern societies must recapture the ecologically sustainable orientation that has long been absent from its psychological, social and spiritual consciousness”

For thousands of years before Europeans arrived in North America, indigenous people lived in harmony with the land. The environmental failings of European way of life should be obvious. A couple of hundred years after the white man arrivedin North America, the continent is suffering from widespread pollution and pervasive environmental degradation. Species have been decimated, the land is being plundered for oil and other resources and the waters are being polluted by industrial and agricultural effluents.

Indigenous ecology provides intercultural knowledge for the non-native community but they also offer benefits which extend to Aboriginal students. The inclusion of indigenous perspectives can help to foster engagement that values Aboriginal experiences and culture and promotes self-esteem and better learning outcomes.

Indigenous philosophies show us the way forward by offering a deeply spiritual ecological world view.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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