Paper short abstract:

Findings from ethnographic observation of a hydro-electric dam project suggest process elements—scope, language, resources, and power, along with opportunity to explore beliefs underlying positions-- that must be attended to for just environmental decision-making and collaboration.

Paper long abstract:

Anthropologists and mediators both act as translators of perspectives; however, while conventional mediators may be wary of cultural factors, ethnographic understanding may be especially valuable in environmental conflicts and collaborations, where not only different interests, but also ontologies, intersect and often compete. For example, observation of the controversy over "Site C" (a hydroelectric dam under construction in northeastern British Columbia), and the environmental assessment process demonstrated the value of an ethnographic lens. Ethnographic interviews with both project proponents and opponents uncovered beliefs underlying the parties' positions that were not otherwise apparent, and observation of public hearings revealed the importance of process—scope, language, resources, and power—to environmental-decision making. Many participants described the process in terms of symbolic violence. Conclusions from this research reveal not only the weaknesses of this environmental assessment process, but, turned around, suggest key elements for just environmental collaborations, and the potential role of anthropologists in encouraging them.