Naming, Knowing, and Listening: Deepening Our Understanding of Personhood in Place and Space

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In many Indigenous cultures, the natural world is not simply a resource or a backdrop to human existence—it is a network of living relations. Mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests are Ancestors, Teachers, and Knowledge Holders. They are conscious, interconnected beings with roles, responsibilities, and ways of knowing. They exist with agency, autonomy, and spirit.

In recent years, we have seen essential movements led by Indigenous Peoples to protect these living relations through the legal concept of personhood. While this concept reflects strategic and visionary leadership, it also invites us to reflect on how legal systems can evolve to honour natural law and relational responsibilities fully.

Personhood as Protection: Reclaiming Relationship in Law

Indigenous Nations have led efforts to grant legal personhood to places and spaces to reassert relationships with lands and waters through recognition, stewardship, and care.

Here are three well-known examples:

  1. The Whanganui River, Aotearoa (New Zealand). In 2017, the river was granted legal personhood through the Te Awa Tupua Act, affirming its identity as a living and indivisible being. Whanganui iwi (tribes) had long maintained the relationship expressed in the phrase “Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au”—I am the river, and the river is me.
  2. The Magpie River (Muteshekau-shipu), Quebec, Canada. In 2021, the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit and the Municipality of Minganie recognized the Magpie River as a legal person, granting it the right to flow freely and maintain its biodiversity. This step blended Innu relational values with legal innovation.
  3. Te Urewera, Aotearoa (New Zealand). Once a national park, Te Urewera is now recognized as its own legal entity. No longer owned by the Crown, it is governed by a board rooted in Tūhoe knowledge and law. The act marked a return to Indigenous stewardship based on belonging, not ownership.

These examples show how personhood can shift power, reassert Indigenous relationships to land, and reframe governance. They are not about control—they are about honouring the relational nature of land.

Expanding the Conversation: Are There Other Ways to Relate?

 

While personhood is a valuable and strategic legal tool, some Indigenous thinkers and Knowledge Holders are asking more profound questions: Is personhood the only or best way to express the agency and autonomy of land, water, and ecosystems? Or is it simply one way—among many—that humans are trying to re-learn how to live in a relationship with the natural world?

Legal personhood is rooted in human systems of law. It translates nature’s being into a framework designed for humans to understand and work with. In doing so, it can unintentionally reinforce anthropocentric norms—even as it tries to disrupt them. It can create situations where humans still speak for the land, even when the intent is to honour it.

So perhaps the question isn’t whether personhood is “right” or “wrong,” but how we continue to evolve our systems from recognition to relationship, from ownership to responsibility, and from control to care.

Listening to the Land: Mother Earth as the Decision-Maker

 

In Indigenous philosophies, Mother Earth is not passive. She is the ultimate knowledge holder and discretionary decision-maker. Her movements—through storms, regeneration, and seasonal shifts—demonstrate her agency. She knows how to maintain balance. Sometimes, that balance comes with fire, drought, or flood.

We risk forgetting this truth when humanity positions itself as the sole decision-maker. We must remember that we are not the stewards of nature; we are part of nature. Good stewardship is not about imposing control—it’s about listening, learning, and following the laws already in place.

Relational Governance: Beyond Legal Recognition

The future of protecting land and water may lie in legal personhood and the resurgence of relational governance—governance guided by natural law and responsibilities, not just rights.

This means:

  • Protocols of consent and relationship-building with land, not just legal agreements.
  • Ceremonial and cultural practices that connect us to place and teach humility.
  • Indigenous place names that encode ecological knowledge and spirit.
  • Community economies that work within the capacity of the land are not in opposition to it.

These frameworks honour the land as a relation—not as an entity to be interpreted through legal terms alone.

Speaking With, Not For

 

Indigenous-led personhood efforts are potent steps in reclaiming the relationship between land and law. But we must also remain mindful that speaking for land—even with good intentions—can sometimes reproduce colonial habits of thought.

Let us instead learn to speak with the land, remembering that the land has always spoken—our role is to listen, support, and respond kindly. When we move from human-centred protection to land-centred relationships, we begin to embody what it truly means to live in good relations.

Mother Earth is not ours to define. She is our relation to honour.

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

(Image Credit: James Shook, “Whanganui River,” Wikimedia Commons)

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Reimagining Our Relationship with Natural Resources: A Path Toward Climate Resilience through Natural Law and Decommodification

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Introduction: A Warning and a Call for Transformation

In an era of ecological crisis and climate disruption, it is increasingly clear that the colonial constructs that define our current economic systems—especially those that reduce the natural world to commodities—are no longer sustainable. As humanity grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse, we are called to rethink how we understand the value of nature. This is not a moment for fear but for hope rooted in responsibility. The time has come to reconstitute new forms of recognition for natural resources—forms that draw from natural law and Indigenous worldviews and move us toward decommodification processes.

Understanding Natural Law: A Foundation for Balance and Reciprocity

 In many Indigenous traditions, natural law is a set of guiding principles that govern the relationships between all beings—human and non-human. It is rooted in observation, interdependence, respect, and responsibility. Natural law recognizes that humans are not above nature but are part of it and that every element of the natural world holds intrinsic value beyond economic worth.

In contrast to colonial legal and economic systems prioritizing ownership, control, and extraction, natural law prioritizes relationality, responsibility, and continuity. It is about living by the rhythms and rules of Mother Earth rather than trying to dominate them.

Lumber and Natural Law: A New Way to Value Forests

Take the Canadian lumber industry as an example. Under colonial economic systems, forests are measured by board feet, market value, and export potential. Trees are seen as units of production.

Under natural law, however, a forest is not just timber—it is a living ecosystem. It provides medicines, oxygen, shelter, cultural teachings, and spiritual connection. Decommodifying lumber means recognizing and protecting these broader values. It could involve setting harvest limits based on ecological regeneration, requiring community-governed stewardship, or embedding cultural protocols and consent in forestry operations. This approach would align extractive industries with the natural cycles and laws of the territories in which they operate.

What Happens If We Don’t Change? A Vision of 50 Years Without Decommodification

 If we fail to implement decommodification processes, the next 50 years may see natural resources pushed beyond their limits:

  • Forests depleted beyond regeneration, triggering mass species extinction.
  • Waterways are poisoned or privatized, denying future generations access to clean water.
  • Sacred sites are destroyed for short-term gains.
  • Climate systems pushed into irreversible tipping points, affecting global food security, migration, and public health.

Without intentional change, our value systems will prioritize profit over planetary survival.

Decommodification as Policy: What Could It Look Like?

 Decommodification doesn’t mean halting all use of natural resources—it means rethinking how we value and manage them. Policies rooted in natural law could include:

  • Community-Led Stewardship Models: Return governance of lands and resources to Indigenous Nations and local communities.
  • Ecological Carrying Capacity Laws: Mandate that extraction levels stay within nature’s regenerating ability.
  • Cultural Impact Assessments: Alongside environmental reviews, evaluate resource projects’ cultural and spiritual impacts.
  • Rights of Nature Legislation: Recognize rivers, forests, and ecosystems as legal persons with rights to thrive.
  • Circular and Regenerative Economies: Design systems that reuse, restore, and regenerate rather than extract and discard.

Each of these policies would build toward an economy that is aligned with rather than in opposition to the Earth’s well-being.

Technology and Innovation: A Partner in Responsibility

 When aligned with values of responsibility and sustainability, technology can support a future of balanced resource use. Imagine:

  • Biomaterials replacing fossil fuels.
  • AI and data analytics monitoring ecosystem health in real-time.
  • Traditional Knowledge databases informing climate-smart agriculture.
  • Clean energy grids co-designed by Indigenous communities.

Technological innovation can either accelerate the destruction of nature—or help us restore and protect it. The choice lies in the values we embed within our systems.

Decommodification and Climate Action: Mitigation and Adaptation

 Decommodification of natural resources is not just a philosophical shift—it is a practical strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation:

  • Mitigation: Reduced extraction and emissions through regenerative systems.
  • Adaptation: Stronger community resilience through land-based governance and ecological health.
  • Equity: Ensuring all peoples, especially Indigenous Nations, have agency in climate solutions.

By recognizing that nature is not a commodity but a relation, we build the cultural, spiritual, and ecological foundations for long-term resilience.

A Shared Future Rooted in Respect

The consequences will be severe if we continue to commodify and exploit nature. But if we reimagine our relationship to the Earth through natural law, decommodify our policies and economies, and act with love for future generations—for all our relations—we can create a just, thriving future.

Now is the time to ask: What do we value? And how will we ensure that our grandchildren and their grandchildren inherit a planet where they can live well, in balance, and in beauty?

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: Fellipe Ditadi, Unsplash+, licensed image)

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The Indigenous Climate Hub Launches New Podcast Series Amplifying Indigenous Voices on Climate Action

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The Indigenous Climate Hub is proud to launch its new podcast series—a powerful digital storytelling platform designed to elevate, empower, and honour Indigenous climate change leadership across Turtle Island. Available now on Spotify (http://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/indigenous-climate-hub), this podcast series shares stories of Indigenous Peoples leading climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, engaging in environmental stewardship, and applying traditional and ecological knowledge to address the climate crisis in their homelands.

With new episodes continuing throughout 2025, the podcast offers a growing collection of compelling interviews and narratives, highlighting the diverse and resilient responses of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to climate-related challenges. These stories are deeply personal and powerful — and belong to the individuals and communities who share them.

“We are excited to create a podcast where Indigenous knowledge keepers, youth, land defenders, scientists, and community members can share their experiences in their own words,” says Indigenous Climate Hub podcast co-host Dr. Shyra Barberstock. “This podcast is about amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples on the frontlines of climate change — and those whose leadership offers solutions rooted in generations of wisdom.”

 

Call for Participants

The Indigenous Climate Hub podcast team is actively seeking Indigenous interviewees who want to share their stories of:

  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • Environmental and land stewardship
  • Traditional and ecological knowledge
  • Community-based solutions and innovation
  • Climate and land-based education

Sharing Indigenous stories through this podcast series is an opportunity to reach a national audience, inspire others, and contribute to a growing archive of Indigenous-led climate solutions. It’s also a chance to be part of a supportive network that values Indigenous voices, land-based knowledge, and leadership.

Join the Conversation

Your perspective matters whether you’re from a northern fly-in community or a southern urban centre. We want to hear from you if you’re an Indigenous person with a story to share.

To participate in the podcast or learn more, visit https://indigenousclimatehub.ca/podcast/. Follow us on Spotify to listen to new episodes and help amplify these vital stories by sharing them with your networks.

About the Indigenous Climate Hub

The Indigenous Climate Hub supports Indigenous Peoples and communities across Canada by providing tools, resources, and knowledge-sharing opportunities focused on climate change. The podcast is one of many initiatives designed to connect Indigenous voices and leadership in the face of the global climate crisis.

For media inquiries or to express interest in being featured on the podcast, please contact us using our Contact Form.

 

– The Indigenous Climate Hub

 

(Image Credit: Will Francis, Unsplash)

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Proposing A Global Indigenous Centre for Climate Change Resilience: A Vision for the Future

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In the face of escalating climate change challenges, Indigenous Peoples worldwide remain steadfast as the stewards of the Earth’s most ecologically vital regions. Their knowledge systems, sciences, and philosophies have sustained human and non-human relations with nature for millennia, offering profound insights into resilience and adaptation. Recognizing this, establishing a Global Indigenous Centre for Climate Change Resilience would be a monumental step toward leveraging Indigenous expertise in shaping a sustainable future.

This imagined Indigenous-led institution would provide a global platform for Indigenous Nations to unify their voices and influence climate policy, adaptation strategies, and resource management. Free from political interference, this Centre would operate on co-definition, co-design, and co-development principles—ensuring the perspectives of Indigenous communities, ecosystems, and non-human relations are equally represented in shaping the planet’s future.

Serving as a hub of innovation and action, where Indigenous leaders, scientists, policymakers, educators, and knowledge keepers collaborate on meaningful solutions. The Centre would focus on preserving Indigenous ways of knowing and integrating them into cutting-edge climate science, policy development, and implementation strategies.

Four Critical Pillars of Climate Action

To address the pressing issues of climate change, the Centre would focus on four fundamental pillars universally recognized within climate action frameworks:

  1. Climate Change Adaptation

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to current and expected climate conditions. Indigenous knowledge systems have long mastered adaptation, developing ways to work harmoniously with natural cycles. The Centre would facilitate:

  • Knowledge-sharing hubs that connect Indigenous Nations and researchers across different regions, ensuring that adaptation strategies are customized to diverse environments, from the Arctic to the Amazon.
  • Community-driven initiatives focus on reviving traditional ecological knowledge, such as sustainable water management, climate-resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions to prevent soil erosion, flooding, and habitat loss.
  • Education and training programs tailored for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to implement adaptation solutions that honour the land, promoting resilient food systems, wildfire mitigation, and habitat restoration.
  • Developing climate-resilient infrastructure using Indigenous construction methods that have been perfected over generations, such as passive heating and cooling techniques, eco-friendly building materials, and sustainable urban planning.
  1. Climate Change Mitigation

 Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing natural carbon sinks. Indigenous Nations have maintained balanced ecosystems for centuries, making them essential leaders in climate mitigation. The Centre would:

  • Advocate for sustainable land management practices, such as rotational grazing, agroforestry, and controlled burns, which have been scientifically proven to increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
  • Support Indigenous-led renewable energy projects, including off-grid solar, wind, and hydroelectric initiatives that provide clean energy while respecting the land and natural cycles.
  • Develop policies promoting circular economies, reducing dependency on extractive industries, and fostering regenerative economic practices that emphasize environmental harmony over mass consumption.
  • Enhance forest and ocean conservation efforts by expanding Indigenous land tenure rights and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that protect rainforests, mangroves, and marine ecosystems—some of the planet’s most significant carbon sinks.
  1. Resilience and Restoration

 Resilience is about building stronger ecosystems and communities in response to climate disruptions. Indigenous approaches recognize that nature itself is a regenerator, and human intervention should focus on supporting these natural cycles. The Centre would:

  • Implement land and water healing initiatives, applying Indigenous ecological restoration practices such as wetland renewal, seed banking, and permaculture to revitalize degraded ecosystems.
  • Promote Indigenous architecture and urban planning models, ensuring that future city and community development aligns with land-based principles rather than extractive, unsustainable infrastructure.
  • Establish cooperative agreements with global institutions, ensuring Indigenous ecological governance is fully integrated into international resilience strategies, from the UN to grassroots environmental organizations.
  • Develop Indigenous-led disaster response frameworks, incorporating traditional knowledge in disaster mitigation, early warning systems, and emergency response planning.
  1. Policy and Governance

 Effective climate action requires policy reform grounded in Indigenous worldviews. This Centre would advocate for Indigenous-led policies at the global level and work towards embedding Indigenous governance in national and international climate strategies. This includes:

  • Creating an Indigenous Climate Policy Advisory Council that influences global climate agreements, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are represented at climate negotiations such as COP summits.
  • Establishing legal protections for Indigenous lands, advocating for international recognition of Indigenous land rights as essential to climate mitigation and biodiversity protection.
  • Partnering with governments, academic institutions, and NGOs to promote co-managed conservation areas where Indigenous governance and traditional ecological knowledge inform land-use policies.
  • Leading policy reform efforts to ensure Indigenous values—such as the Seven Generations Model—are incorporated into long-term climate planning, shifting away from short-term profit-driven models.

The Professions Needed for Success

To operate effectively, the Centre would require a diverse range of Indigenous professionals, including:

  • Climate Scientists & Environmental Researchers – Experts in Indigenous earth sciences, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
  • Traditional Knowledge Keepers & Elders – To ensure teachings and methodologies are rooted in cultural wisdom and land-based traditions.
  • Community Planners & Architects – Specialists in sustainable Indigenous urban design and eco-friendly infrastructure.
  • Legal Experts & Policy Advocates – Champions for Indigenous rights in climate governance and policy frameworks.
  • Agricultural and Forestry Specialists – Practitioners of regenerative farming and forest management.
  • Water and Marine Experts – Leaders in protecting freshwater and oceanic ecosystems.
  • Data Analysts & AI Specialists – To integrate Indigenous knowledge with emerging technologies for climate modelling.

How This Centre Benefits the World

The proposed Global Indigenous Centre for Climate Change Resilience would benefit Indigenous communities and serve as a transformative model for non-Indigenous Nations. By demonstrating effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, the Centre would inspire global partnerships that prioritize ecosystem health over profit-driven agendas.

Examples of its impact include:

  • Guiding governments in climate-resilient land management through Indigenous stewardship models.
  • Assisting corporations in transitioning to sustainable business practices, ensuring economic growth aligns with ecological responsibility.
  • Providing training for urban and regional planners to integrate Indigenous land-use principles into modern cities, fostering more resilient communities.
  • Enhancing conservation efforts by implementing Indigenous-led biodiversity protection initiatives, ensuring that conservation efforts do not displace Indigenous communities but rather empower them as stewards of the land.

A Call to Action

Indigenous Peoples are not passive observers in the climate discourse; they are the solution-bearers. It is time for the world to listen, learn, and act—for the benefit of all life on Mother Earth. By establishing a Global Indigenous Centre for Climate Change Resilience, we take a monumental step toward securing a future that honours the land, respects ancestral knowledge, and provides a sustainable path forward for all.

 

(Disclaimer: The proposed Global Indigenous Centre for Climate Change Resilience is not a project in progress by the author—it provides information and inspiration for consideration by academics, NGOs, and climate leaders. All ideas presented are open-source, and organizations and individuals are welcome to use the information to benefit climate change initiatives and projects.)

 

– By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: ChatGPT AI-Generated Image)

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Decolonizing Urban and Regional Planning: Haudenosaunee Knowledge, Stewardship, and Climate Adaptation

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As an Indigenous geography scholar and researcher, I increasingly focus on the realities of climate change and its profound impact on ecology. In a recent class I co-instructed at the Queen’s University School of Urban and Regional Planning, I introduced students to ancestral Indigenous planning, centring on a 12th-century Iroquoian community model. The discussion illuminated how human interactions with the land and natural resources were determinants of community planning and fundamental to sustaining the delicate balance of human and non-human relations.

Exploring the interrelationship of people and place through the cultural geography of the Haudenosaunee, we delved into how identity itself is shaped by land and its natural actors. For a class filled with aspiring urban and regional planners—along with three practicing city planners—the experience was transformative. It quickly became apparent that planning must move beyond rigid zoning practices and embrace place-based autonomy, where decision-making aligns with the rhythms and needs of the land itself.

Haudenosaunee Knowledge and Climate Adaptation

The prevailing mindset in modern urban and regional planning has long been dictated by frameworks rooted in industrialization, urban sprawl, and resource extraction. Much of the profession adheres to highly regulated, standardized practices that prioritize short-term economic gain over long-term environmental sustainability. Yet Indigenous planning offers a profound alternative that considers the interconnectedness of people, land, and ecological cycles.

This perspective challenges the conventional notion that humans design space for habitation; instead, it asserts that we must enhance and harmonize with the natural rhythms of place. When we examined Haudenosaunee planning principles, students responded with genuine curiosity and awe. Concepts such as ensuring the autonomy of water sources were central to settlement adaptation, using topography for protection, and identifying prime lands for cultivation were revelatory for many.

The more students engaged with this knowledge, the more they recognized that contemporary urban and regional planning must evolve to address the growing need for sustainable living. Climate change is no longer a future concern—it is here and reshaping our landscapes. If planners and policymakers fail to integrate climate adaptation and Indigenous value systems into their frameworks, they risk perpetuating unsustainable models that continue to degrade the environment.

The Iroquoian Longhouse: A Model for Sustainable Design

A compelling example of Indigenous planning is the Iroquoian longhouse, a structure that served as both shelter and a communal space. Built from natural materials such as elm bark, the longhouse was constructed with deep respect for the land—only taking what was necessary, ensuring sustainability, and allowing trees to replenish. The longhouse’s design reflected a life-cycle systems approach; structures were built for 30 to 40 years before being returned to the earth, where they naturally decomposed and reintegrated into the landscape.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (‘Exterior View of Traditional Iroquois Longhouse’).

The students were fascinated by the idea that communal spaces were designed with a finite yet renewable existence. In contrast, modern urban development often prioritizes permanence and expansion, creating structures that outlive their usefulness, contributing to urban decay and environmental strain. What if, instead, our urban centers were designed with adaptability in mind? What if materials used in construction aligned with ecological cycles rather than being treated as disposable waste?

The Power of Education in Transforming Urban Planning

Education systems are critical in fostering openness to new ideas and methodologies. However, much of the current urban planning curriculum is rooted in post-war suburban development models emphasizing efficiency, uniformity, and mass production. Integrating Indigenous value systems, environmental determinants, and climate change considerations into planning education is essential in fostering a holistic, future-focused approach to community development.

The challenge, of course, lies in decolonizing the profession itself. Innovation in urban and regional planning is often stifled in favour of “tried and true” practices prioritizing economic stability over ecological well-being. Yet, if planners are to truly serve the needs of future generations, they must expand their thinking beyond conventional models. Indigenous planning philosophies, such as those practiced by the Haudenosaunee, represent just one of the hundreds of cultural contributions that can help reshape human-centred design into more inclusive and regenerative.

A Call to Action: Expanding Thought, Embracing Change

If climate change is to be effectively addressed in community development, it must be at the forefront of planning discussions, not an afterthought. Recognizing the significance of place-based planning, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems is not an elective enhancement but a necessary revolution.

Urban and regional planning must evolve beyond rigid regulations and embrace the knowledge that has sustained Indigenous communities for millennia. The interconnectedness of land, water, climate, and human habitation must become central to planning efforts. This requires an intentional shift in education that welcomes new perspectives, cultural inclusivity, and Indigenous methodologies as fundamental learning components. It is not merely about integrating Indigenous knowledge for inclusion but about recognizing its profound value in creating sustainable, resilient, and thriving communities.

In the face of climate change, the question is no longer whether we need change but whether we are willing to embrace it. The wisdom of Indigenous planning offers a pathway forward, one rooted in reciprocity, sustainability, and deep respect for the land. Now is the time to expand our thinking, decolonize our approaches, and integrate climate consciousness into planning.

For the future of our communities, ecosystems, and generations, we must choose transformation over stagnation, reciprocity over exploitation, and sustainability over short-term convenience.

 

– By Rye Karonhiwanen Barberstock

 

(Header Image Credit: A.C., Licenced, Unsplash+)

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Connecting Stewardship to Climate Adaptation and Resiliency: A Bioregional Approach

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A quick search of terms like stewardship, climate adaptation, and climate resiliency yields a wealth of information. Yet, so much remains disconnected from the more profound human responsibility of protecting and nurturing the spaces we call home. These spaces—our homelands or homescapes—are not just abstract environmental concepts; they define our identity, relationships, and responsibilities to the world around us. They are shaped and sustained through the ecological knowledge and stewardship practices of those who inhabit them. And yet, a critical question arises: How do we, as human beings, truly honour and protect the sacred—the life we live, the land that sustains us, and the interdependent ecosystems that define our very existence?

Too often, humanity perceives climate as a background force, something we attempt to control rather than something we must adapt to. The imbalance we now face—climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation—stems from a fundamental misunderstanding: nature does not depend on us; instead, we rely on nature. The climate is not ours to dictate; it follows its natural laws, sustaining life for millions of years before human intervention. So where does this disconnect between people, environment, and climate originate? The answer, in part, lies in the absence of grounded ecological knowledge in our education systems.

Bioregionalism: Grounding Learning in Space and Place

Bioregionalism is a vital concept in addressing this disconnect—a way of understanding the world through ecological and cultural relationships within a given region. Bioregionalism teaches us to see land, water, plants, and animals not as separate entities but as interwoven elements of a living system, where human and non-human lives are interconnected. This framework shifts the focus from political boundaries to natural ones, encouraging stewardship practices that align with the unique characteristics of each region.

Bioregionalism, at its core, is about living in accordance with a place’s natural rhythms. It is about recognizing that every region has its ecological wisdom stored within the landscapes and carried forward by the people who have lived in harmony with it for generations. By integrating bioregional thinking into education, we can teach students to read the land, understand the waters, and observe the interdependence of life forms within their local environments.

Education as a Pathway to Ecological Literacy

Imagine an education system where learning extends beyond textbooks and classrooms, where students are introduced to the knowledge systems embedded in the life of plants, animals, and ecosystems. What if science classes involved studying the wisdom of the forests—learning how trees communicate, how soil regenerates, and how plant and animal communities sustain each other? What if geography lessons were rooted in the concept of homescapes, teaching students to see the land not just as a resource but as a living entity with agency and autonomy?

This is not a radical idea; it is an ancient one. Indigenous knowledge systems have long recognized the agency of nature, acknowledging that every tree, plant, and animal is part of a vast and intricate network of reciprocal relationships. The idea of stewardship is not about controlling nature but respecting it and understanding that every action has consequences that ripple through the ecosystem.

Source: Getty Images (Licenced, Unsplash+)

A Call to Action: Integrating Stewardship in Everyday Learning

To address climate change and environmental degradation, we must move beyond temporary solutions—tree-planting initiatives, carbon offsets, and green technologies—toward a fundamental shift in how we relate to the Earth. That shift begins with education. Stewardship must be embedded in early childhood education and carried through to post-secondary learning.

We must cultivate an education system that teaches children to observe the land with curiosity and care. Instead of asking, “How can we use this forest?” we should ask, “How does this forest sustain itself, and what role do we play in its survival?” Rather than teaching sustainability as a separate discipline, we should weave it into every subject—science, mathematics, history, and the arts—ensuring that students understand the ecological and cultural context.

Reconciliation with the Land: A Future Rooted in Resilience

As humanity faces the irreversible effects of climate change—rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, ecosystem collapse—the urgency of reconciling our relationship with the land has never been greater. While some environmental changes may no longer be reversible, our approach to the future can be transformed. The path forward is not simply about mitigating damage; it is about reconstituting and reconciling our environment to restore balance.

This means supporting regenerative agriculture, restoring degraded landscapes, and fostering a profound cultural shift toward bioregional stewardship. It means moving away from extractive economies and toward caretaking economies, where the land is not seen as a commodity but as a community to which we belong.

By embracing bioregionalism, we shift our mindset from exploitation to reciprocity, from short-term gains to long-term resilience. When we look down at the soil rather than up at the sky for solutions, we begin to understand that climate adaptation is not about technological fixes but about reconnecting with the original knowledge systems that have always existed—knowledge that reminds us that the Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.

A Future Where Life Thrives, Not Just Survives

The urgency of climate change calls for more than reactive measures; it calls for a profound, structural transformation in how we live, learn, and govern our relationship with the land. Bioregionalism guides this transformation, grounding climate adaptation efforts in place-based knowledge and ecological wisdom. It reminds us that the solutions to climate change are not found in isolated policy decisions or technological interventions but in how we educate the next generation to see, respect, and care for the world around them.

Let’s take up the challenge of integrating ecological literacy and bioregional thinking into our education systems. We can create a future where humans act as stewards, not dominators—where forests, rivers, and lands are seen not as resources to be consumed but as relatives to be cared for.

This is not just an environmental imperative but a moral one; it is the work of our time and the legacy we will leave behind. Will we choose to thrive alongside the land, or will we merely fight to survive? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.

 

–  By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Header Image Credit: Arnaud Measureur, Unsplash)

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Small Berries, Big Lessons: A Reflection on Nature’s Wisdom and the Impacts of Climate Change

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I am reminded of a surprising and cherished memory of a gift that arrived at my office door one July afternoon—four tiny raspberries. As I sat at my desk, deeply immersed in writing, Shyra, my partner in life and business, returned from a short walk. In her hand, she held these delicate ruby-coloured gems, her face alight with excitement and curiosity as she asked, “Are these wild raspberries?”

My affirmation brought a look of elation to her face, but I could see the question forming in her eyes. Why were these berries so much smaller than the ones we typically see in stores? This simple question transported me back to a cherished memory, a lesson from my grandmother that has stayed with me for years.

The Sacred Role of Berries in Nature and Community

I remember clearly the day my grandmother and I walked along the east side of a large hill she lived on. With a subtle gesture—a point of her chin—she directed my attention to a patch of raspberry bushes. “These are raspberries,” she said. “They have been here for many years. There is just enough for us to enjoy their sweetness.”

Curious about their diminutive size, I asked her why they were so small. Her response was simple and profound: “I believe they are tiny because they serve a purpose: to create more raspberries.” She explained that raspberries are keepers of their seeds, designed to be eaten so humans, birds, and animals can disperse them. This natural process ensures the growth of new raspberry plants, perpetuating their life cycle and maintaining the balance of nature.

Her teachings revealed a sacred truth: these berries are not merely food but an essential part of the ecosystem, holding a sacred role in sustaining biodiversity of creating sacred spaces. The small size of wild raspberries isn’t a flaw but a feature that ensures their purpose is fulfilled. Every berry, every seed, every bite connects humans, animals, and the land in a cycle of interdependence.

Climate Change and the Balance of Nature

This delicate balance, however, is increasingly under threat from climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and habitat destruction significantly impact the growth, health, and distribution of wild berries, including raspberries. Warmer winters disrupt dormancy cycles, leading to poor fruit production, while more frequent droughts stress plants and reduce yields. Unseasonal frosts can damage early blooms, and shifting climate zones are forcing plants to adapt to conditions they may not survive.

Other native berries in Ontario, such as blackberries, blueberries, serviceberries, elderberries, and strawberries, are also experiencing similar challenges. These plants, which once thrived in harmony with the local environment, are now vulnerable to changing precipitation patterns, invasive species, and soil degradation. This impacts the plants and the entire ecosystem that relies on them, from pollinators to humans.

For Indigenous communities, these berries are more than sustenance—they are integral to cultural identity and practices, traditional medicines, and food sovereignty. They symbolize the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature, which is strained by environmental degradation and climate change. The loss of these berries would represent an ecological crisis and a profound cultural loss.

Berries as a Foundation of Food Sovereignty

Berries like raspberries hold a sacred role in food sustainability and sovereignty. Their abundance supports a diverse food web, providing nutrition to countless species, including humans. In Indigenous food systems, berries are central to seasonal diets, ceremonial practices, and economic sustainability. Harvesting wild berries fosters a connection to the land, reinforcing the principle that food is a gift from Mother Earth to be shared responsibly.

The role of berries in the local food economy is also significant. Wild and cultivated berries contribute to community-based economies, supporting local growers and Indigenous harvesters. These plants embody the principles of balance and reciprocity, teaching us that sustainable food systems depend on healthy ecosystems. When climate change disrupts this balance, the consequences ripple through the food economy, threatening food security and sovereignty.

A Call to Protect the Sacred Role of Berries

Climate change is a threat to the environment and a challenge to the sacred relationships that sustain life. Berries like raspberries remind us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving these relationships. Protecting these plants means addressing the root causes of climate change, restoring habitats, and respecting Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that has long guided sustainable stewardship of the land.

We must recognize the sacred role of berries as decision-makers in the health and well-being of people, plants, and animals. They are not mere commodities but vital participants in the dance of life, shaping ecosystems and supporting the cycles that sustain us all. Safeguarding their future is a moral and ecological imperative.

Honouring the Lessons of the Raspberry

As I savoured the sweet-tart flavour of the raspberries Shyra had found, I was grateful for her thoughtful gesture, the spirit of the berry, and the enduring wisdom of my grandmother’s teachings. These tiny berries, with their significant purpose, remind us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. They teach us that food is not just sustenance but a sacred gift, a testament to the balance and wisdom of nature.

These lessons are more critical than ever in our modern world, where food systems are often disconnected from the land. The impacts of climate change compel us to reexamine our relationship with food, the environment, and each other. By protecting berries and the ecosystems they support, we honour the sacred balance of life and ensure a future where food sovereignty and sustainability are possible.

Let us walk gently on this Earth, remembering that even the smallest berry carries the wisdom of the land and the power to nourish life. By protecting these treasures, we uphold our responsibility to future generations and the sacred cycles that sustain us all.

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: Christian Wiediger, Unsplash)

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The Spirit of Water: Life’s Electrical Symphony

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Water is more than a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen; it is the essence of life itself. Indigenous cultures worldwide, especially those residing along the interior rivers, bays, lakes and coastal regions, have long recognized water as a living entity imbued with spirit, agency, and autonomy. This understanding transcends metaphor—it is rooted in an intimate observation of nature and a profound respect for water’s role as the life-giver and decision-maker for all beings on Mother Earth.

The Electrical Pulse of Life

At the heart of water’s life-sustaining power is its electrical nature. As water flows over rocks, streams, and across shorelines, it absorbs an electrical charge, which Indigenous teachings often describe as part of water’s spiritual essence. This charge is essential: it allows water to act as a carrier of nutrients and minerals, fueling the cycles of life. Water’s electrical energy flows into every living organism it touches, connecting and sustaining all forms of life.

In its journey, water transitions between states—flowing rivers, evaporating clouds, nourishing rain—maintaining its electrical and spiritual essence. Each raindrop carries this charge, a gift from the sky that nourishes the land below. In Indigenous perspectives, this cycle is sacred, a manifestation of the interdependence of the Earth, water, and all living beings.

Climate Change and the Spirit of Water

The impacts of climate change on water systems extend beyond physical and chemical changes; they also compromise the spirit and autonomy of water. Rising global temperatures, pollution, and habitat destruction are alarmingly altering water composition. Ocean acidification, freshwater contamination, and the disruption of natural water cycles reduce water’s ability to carry its life-sustaining charge. These changes undermine its agency and autonomy, threatening Earth’s ecosystems, human health, and life balance.

For example, increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are changing water’s pH levels, affecting its conductivity and capacity to carry nutrients. Pollutants and microplastics interfere with water’s electrical charge, diminishing its ability to nourish plants, animals, and humans. If water’s natural composition is compromised, the intricate symphony of life it orchestrates falters, leading to cascading effects across ecosystems.

Implications for Humanity and Nature

The loss of water’s natural electrical charge and integrity disrupts the interconnected cycles of life. For humans, this could manifest as reduced agricultural productivity, a decline in freshwater biodiversity, and weakened immune systems due to poor-quality drinking water. For nature, it means the destabilization of ecosystems, loss of aquatic species, and further disruptions to the delicate balance of life.

Indigenous teachings remind us that water is not a resource to be owned or exploited—it is a living being with agency, autonomy, and rights. When water is polluted or its flow is restricted, its freedom to move, nourish, and sustain life is violated. Recognizing water’s rights means acknowledging its role as a decision-maker for life on Earth. This understanding calls for policies and practices that respect water’s autonomy and ensure its protection for future generations.

The Agency of Water: A Living Being

Indigenous perspectives emphasize that water, like all beings, has its spirit, purpose, and agency. Water’s movements, whether gentle streams, mighty rivers, or crashing waves, are decisions guided by their natural rhythms and relationships with the Earth. It chooses paths, creates connections, and sustains life. As a living being, water has freedoms and rights that humanity must recognize and uphold.

Viewing water as a sentient being changes our relationship with it. It demands that we move beyond seeing it as a commodity to be managed and instead honour it as a relative to be respected and protected. This shift in perspective is critical as climate change intensifies and water systems face increasing threats.

A Call to Protect the Waters

The phrase “Water is Life” is not merely a slogan—it is a declaration of the sacred responsibility we hold as caretakers of the waters. Protecting water means preserving its autonomy, ensuring its freedom to flow, and fulfilling its life-giving role. It means combating climate change, reducing pollution, and restoring the natural cycles that support water’s spirit and electrical essence.

Indigenous-led water protection initiatives offer valuable guidance, blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to safeguard this sacred resource. These efforts often emphasize collaboration, reciprocity, and long-term thinking, reflecting the principles of harmony and balance that water itself embodies.

Honouring the Spirit of Water

Water connects all life in an intricate, electrical symphony. It holds the memory of its journeys and the power to sustain every being it touches. Recognizing water’s spirit, autonomy, and agency inspires us to treat it with the reverence it deserves. It challenges us to align our actions with the natural laws that have governed this planet for millennia.

As we face the growing challenges of climate change, let us remember that water is not separate from us—it is within us, around us, and part of every heartbeat on Earth. By protecting water, we honour its role as a decision-maker for life and ensure the survival of all beings who rely on its sacred gifts.

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: Jong Marshes, Unsplash)

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The Sacred Turtle: Teachings on Our Shared Responsibility to Mother Earth

In the rich cultures of Indigenous Peoples across the Great Lakes basin, the turtle holds a place of profound significance. For the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, the turtle is far more than an animal; it is a sacred being, a symbol of creation, and an influential teacher of balance, patience, and interconnectedness. Yet, as climate change accelerates, turtles in the Great Lakes region face increasing threats, bringing their survival—and the health of our shared environment—into sharp focus.

Turtles of the Great Lakes Region: Sacred Beings and Environmental Indicators

 The Great Lakes basin is home to several species of turtles, including the painted turtle, snapping turtle, Blanding’s turtle, wood turtle, spotted turtle, musk turtle, and map turtle. These species play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health, functioning as scavengers, seed dispersers, and contributors to aquatic food webs. However, they are increasingly at risk from habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and the profound effects of climate change.

Turtles are sensitive to environmental changes, making them key indicators of ecological health. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and altered water levels disrupt their nesting cycles, hatchling success rates, and sex ratios. Since the nest’s temperature determines a turtle’s sex during incubation, warming climates produce disproportionately more females, threatening population stability. These disruptions are not just a concern for turtles; they provide a stark warning about the broader impacts of climate change on the ecosystems we depend on.

Creation Stories and Sacred Roles: Turtle as Teacher

The Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe creation stories place the turtle at the center of the land’s formation. For the Haudenosaunee, the turtle’s back became the foundation of Turtle Island when Sky Woman fell from the Sky World, assisted by water animals like the muskrat. Similarly, in the Anishinaabe tradition, Nanabozho orchestrated the creation of land on a turtle’s back with the help of the muskrat’s selfless sacrifice. These stories reflect profound ecological truths: cooperation, resilience, and the interdependence of all life.

Turtle Island

Turtle Island (AI-generated image)

Turtles are sacred to both cultures. The Haudenosaunee see the 13 large scales on a turtle’s shell as a representation of the 13 lunar cycles, emphasizing time’s sacred rhythm and the wisdom of patience. The Anishinaabe view the turtle’s shell as a symbol of protection and interconnectedness, embodying the Earth. As clans, turtles often hold leadership roles, guiding communities with steadiness and wisdom.

Climate Change Through an Indigenous Lens

For the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, the natural world is a network of relationships in which every being has a role and agency. Turtles, as sacred beings and environmental sentinels, teach us about the health of our ecosystems and the urgent need for action. The Haudenosaunee’s Seven Generations principle implores us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, particularly as we witness climate change’s accelerating impacts.

The Anishinaabe teaching of Mino-Bimaadiziwin (“the Good Life”) emphasizes harmony and reciprocity with nature. This includes understanding that the turtle’s survival is not separate from our own—it reflects the broader state of the natural world. As caretakers, our shared duty is to protect turtles, their habitats, and the delicate ecosystems they sustain.

A Call to Action: Honouring the Turtle and Addressing Climate Change

Protecting turtles in the Great Lakes region requires immediate, collaborative action. This includes safeguarding wetlands, preventing pollution, addressing invasive species, and mitigating climate change’s effects. Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) offers powerful guidance for these efforts, grounded in a worldview that sees humans as interconnected with all beings rather than dominant over them.

Practical steps include supporting conservation programs that protect turtle habitats and ensure sustainable ecosystems. For example, Indigenous-led initiatives emphasize the importance of wetlands—key nesting and feeding areas for turtles—which also help buffer against climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing flooding. Incorporating Indigenous teachings into broader environmental strategies can amplify their effectiveness and foster a deeper respect for the natural world.

Learning from the Turtle: A Sacred Responsibility

The turtle teaches us patience, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life. As climate change threatens their survival, their plight reminds us of the urgent need for collective action to protect the Earth. By embracing the wisdom of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and other Indigenous Peoples, we can learn to walk more gently on Turtle Island, honouring our responsibility to the land and its sacred beings.

Humanity must steadfastly carry this responsibility, much like the turtle carries the world. By doing so, we ensure the survival of these ancient beings and the health of the ecosystems that sustain us all. Together, we can create a future that reflects the turtle’s balance, perseverance, and wisdom—an enduring symbol of our sacred connection to Mother Earth.

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Header Image Credit: Matt Bango, Licensed under Unsplash+)

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Ticks as Environmental Indicators: Learning from Wildlife Movement and Traditional Knowledge

The story of ticks and their relationship with wildlife reveals deeper truths about environmental change and ecosystem health. Through generations of careful observation, First Nations hunters like my father and grandfather have understood these complex relationships, reading the landscape and its inhabitants as living indicators of environmental well-being.

Climate’s Shifting Balance: How Warming Winters Transform Tick Ecology

Climate change has dramatically altered the conditions that influence tick populations. Where once hard winters would naturally control tick numbers, milder temperatures and extended spring and fall seasons now allow these parasites to thrive in unprecedented numbers. The shifting patterns of snow cover, earlier spring thaws, and later onset of winter create ideal conditions for tick survival and reproduction. These changes, combined with altered rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations, have transformed the traditional balance between ticks and their host species.

Silent Suffering: Wildlife Bears the Burden of Increasing Tick Populations

The impact on wildlife, particularly deer and moose, has been profound. These magnificent animals face increasing challenges from heavy tick burdens that cause anemia and compromise their immune systems. Traditional hunters observe deer and moose exhibiting signs of distress – excessive scratching leading to significant hair loss, reduced feeding time as they cope with irritation and overall weakened physical condition. These conditions make them more susceptible to disease and reduce their chances of winter survival.

Moving with Need: Wildlife’s Journey Beyond Traditional Territories

Perhaps most telling are the changes in wildlife movement patterns. As my father noted, moose are now being observed in territories far south of their traditional ranges, a clear indication of environmental stress in their home ecosystems. These shifts in migration patterns and habitat selection reflect deeper disruptions in food sources and ecosystem stability. Animals are being forced to modify their seasonal movements and feeding behaviours, leading to new and sometimes challenging species interactions.

Moose

Photo Credit: Zachery Perry, Unsplash

Reading Nature’s Story: Traditional Knowledge as Environmental Baseline 

Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations of hunters, provides a crucial context for understanding these changes. Historical observations of wildlife health, seasonal patterns, and animal behaviour offer valuable baseline information against which current changes can be measured. The intimate understanding of environmental warning signs and weather pattern impacts, accumulated through years of careful observation, helps communities anticipate and adapt to these shifts.

Sacred Choices: Traditional Knowledge Guides Food Security Decisions

These changes carry significant implications for food security in communities that rely on traditional hunting. Hunters must adjust their practices, considering the timing of hunts and the quality and safety of the meat they harvest. Traditional knowledge guides these decisions, helping communities apply time-tested protocols while adapting to new challenges. When First Nations Elders like my grandfather speak of seasons when they chose not to harvest certain animals due to health concerns, they demonstrate the sophisticated understanding of environmental relationships that have sustained communities for generations.

Small Teachers, Big Messages: Ticks as Nature’s Warning System

Ticks have become powerful indicators of broader environmental change. Their increasing presence and impact on wildlife populations signal shifts in climate patterns, habitat modifications, and fundamental changes in species relationships. These tiny parasites tell a larger story about environmental imbalances and biological responses to climate change, serving as early warning systems for ecosystem stress.

Stories as Science: Traditional Knowledge Lights the Path Forward

Through this lens, we can better understand how traditional knowledge and careful observation of natural relationships provide crucial insights into environmental change. The stories passed down through generations of hunters, like those shared between my father and grandfather, offer valuable perspectives on how our changing climate affects the delicate balance of life in our ecosystems. These insights, combining historical understanding with current observations, help us better comprehend and respond to the environmental challenges we face today.

 

By Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit for Header Photo: Erik Kartis, Unsplash)

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