Reclaiming the land is reconnection with its Spirit. This knowledge grounds us in developing cultural/spiritual indicators, assessing cumulative impacts, and protecting future generations from harm.
Stewardship of the land means having a reciprocal relationship with the Earth and its living beings, a duty recognized by many Indigenous peoples. As a result of colonialism, this has become known as environmental advocacy; Indigenous people now engage with settler institutions in order to protect the life forces that cannot speak up for themselves by centering Traditional Knowledge, which recognizes the Spirit inherent within all living beings, the land, and water. These values cannot be properly measured against the indicators set by the settler state in its impact assessment processes. In order to preserve the fullness of who Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is as Denesuline people, the Nation has worked diligently to produce decolonized work. Indigenous Knowledge is the foundation, and Western Science works to answer a lifetime of questions stemming from observed changes in the landscape and the overlooked cumulative impacts of 65 years of fossil fuel development. Rapid environmental changes challenge the ACFN’s resilience, governance, and traditional stewardship. Our community-based participatory research approach has improved the Nation's ability to represent its interests within settler institutions. Participants will learn how we preserve and integrate cultural and spiritual water indicators with W.S. to strengthen decision-making, rebuild trust, and protect water, culture, and Treaty rights for generations.
Kg holds an LLB Law degree from the University of Kent and has been the Government Relations and Consultation Coordinator for the ACFN - Dene Lands and Resource Management office for the over 3 years.