Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Natural Resource Management

by Charles R. Menzies (Editor)

Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Natural Resource Management examines how traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is taught and practiced today among Native communities. Of special interest is the complex relationship between indigenous ecological practices and other ways of interacting with the environment, particularly regional and national programs of natural resource management. Focusing primarily on the northwest coast of North America, scholars look at the challenges and opportunities confronting the local practice of indigenous ecological knowledge in a range of communities, including the Tsimshian, the Nisga’a, the Tlingit, the Gitksan, the Kwagult, the and the northern Dene in the Yukon. The experts consider how traditional knowledge is taught and learned and address the cultural importance of different subsistence practices using natural elements such as seaweed (Gitga’a), pine mushrooms (Tsimshian), and salmon (Tlingit). Several contributors discuss the extent to which national and regional programs of resource management need to include models of TEK in their planning and execution. This volume highlights the different ways of seeing and engaging with the natural world and underscores the need to acknowledge and honor the ways that indigenous peoples have done so for generations.

274 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Éše'He Ȯhmé'éhnėstse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was originally introduced to this book during my sophomore year in undergrad. Going to a Native American college and very interested in issues surrounding sovereignty this was one of the greatest pieces of literature that could add to critical thinking and liberal arts.

Now, months after graduation and working in the professional world I have re-read this book over the summer. I have returned to some of the selected essays three or four times.

This is a great book to refer to academic thought that analyzes practices from nearly a century ago. Specifically, industrial resource extraction, production, and awareness of local community and cultural issues. Fisheries, canneries, field observation begin to establish the importance of communities that have lived in areas for generations. By looking at indigenous peoples and local western communities within Canada it important to try and record knowledge and understanding of people who have seen the changes of industries that come and go.

Trying to build sustainable practices and find new industrial approaches is one reason that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is important.

It is also important that people stand up and preserve the environment and acknowledge different laws of governance and subsistence with rural localities and indigenous homelands.

For environmentalists, indigenous peoples, and eco-minded industries this is a great read to review and analyze new practices and areas to research.

[else fine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the articles about fish traps and kelp.