Sharing the Message

Conferences, Seminars, Speeches

Description:

The Heritage Centre participates in numerous conferences, seminars and workshops, and is generally recognized as a credible spokesperson for First Nations' environmental approaches. Only one example is described here. At the Thirteenth North American Prairie Conference (August, 1992, Windsor, Ontario) the Executive Director of Heritage Centre presented the keynote speech. The conference was intended to demonstrate a partnership to achieve a common objective of promoting cultural sharing and understanding of our distinct natural heritage, including its protection and restoration.

The Executive Director presented the following comparison of aboriginal and government approaches to resource management. This table touches many of the themes addressed in this Handbook.

Aboriginal approach:

• Local managers
  
• Use of knowledge specific to local area
  
• Holistic approach
  
• People part of environment
  
• Problems resolved at community level by community
  
• Harvesters are managers
  
• Resource territory is the same as the life-space territory
  
• Resources are shared by the community
  

Government approach:

• Distant managers
  
• Use generalized knowledge
  
• Compartmentalized, technical approach
  
• Environment separate from people
  
• Problems resolved far away, through bureaucratic, political system
  
• Bureaucrats are managers
  
• Resource territory is not usually where people are living
  
• Resources are state assets allocated to private users
  

Outcome:

Participation increases the First Nation's visibility and credibility. These activities are useful for sharing knowledge and approaches with many other parties, many of whom are actively interested in the environment. In dealing with industries that are perceived to be a threat to Walpole Island, however, the First Nation prefers to meet them individually.

Support:

Conference was sponsored by City of Windsor Department of Parks & Recreation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, WIFN Council of Three Fires