Paper short abstract:

Decolonizing conservation will require transformational shifts in the approaches, ideas and conceptual frameworks of dominant institutions, organizations, governments and communities. Decolonization of conservation must enable Indigenous systems to function with autonomy (i.e. language and culture, knowledge, decision-making, stewardship, etc.). How can we co-create or support decolonized Indigenous-led conservation?

Paper long abstract:

Decolonizing conservation will require transformational shifts in the approaches, ideas and conceptual frameworks of dominant institutions, organizations, governments and communities. Decolonization of conservation must enable Indigenous systems to function with autonomy (i.e. language and culture, knowledge, decision-making, stewardship, etc.). How can we co-create or support decolonized Indigenous-led conservation? How should we think about our respective roles in achieving such an ideal? A relatively new approach called Ethical Space (Ermine 2007,Crowshoe 2007-2019, Indigenous Circle of Experts 2018). Ethical Space is an invitation for different systems to come together, to encounter and engage with one another, in an innovative relational framework that supports transformational outcomes.

Ethical Space will be described in terms of process and outcome, framed by emergent standards like international law pertaining to Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity and conservation, as well as domestic standards such as the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Ethical Space also includes established standards such as law, policy and practice. Ethical Space attempts to create a strengthened leadership role for Indigenous Peoples, strives to achieve implementation of emergent standards /rules of engagement between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples and encourages the advancement of reconciliation.

Works Cited:

Ermine, W. 2007. The Ethical Space of Engagement Indigenous Law Journal 6 (1) 193-203

Crowshoe, R. Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Piikani Nation, Treaty 7, Various Teachings, Presentations and Oral Contributions 2007-2019

Indigenous Circle of Experts Report and Recommendations 2018 We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in the spirit and practice of reconciliation Online: https://www.conservation2020canada.ca/home PDF Available at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57e007452e69cf9a7af0a033/t/5ab94aca6d2a7338ecb1d05e/1522092766605/PA234-ICE_Report_2018_Mar_22_web.pdf