13:30-17:00 Friday, October 19, 2001

13:30

Introduction James W. Ransom, Director, Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force

13:35

"Naturalized Knowledge Systems" Henry Lickers, Director, Environment Division, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

Traditional knowledge is often seen by those unfamiliar with it as mysterious and a knowledge of the past. Henry will present on Naturalized Knowledge Systems, explaining why he uses this term and comparing it with the more popular term Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Henry will explain what local knowledge is, how it is transferred, and why it is important.

14:10

"The Construction of Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Issues, Implications and Insights." Leanne Simpson Director, Indigenous Environmental Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario.

Women play an important role in Native culture. Leanne will present her research on traditional ecological knowledge and its role in future relationships between Native People and the larger western society.

14:40

"Cultural Ecosystem Stories." Terry Williams, Fisheries and Natural Resources Department, Tulalip Tribes, Marysville, Washington.

One of the challenges is using traditional knowledge in today’s world. While serving as director of the American Indian Environmental Office for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Terry developed a guidebook on how to undertake natural resources planning using traditional knowledge. Terry will present on how he is using this guidebook in his present work with the Tulalip Tribes.

15:15

Coffee Break

15:30

"Tribal Watershed Assessment Guidebook." Angie Reed, River Network, Houlton, Maine.

Another challenge is making traditional and contemporary scientific knowledge accessible, understood, and used by non-technical people within a cultural context. Angie will present her work in developing a guidebook that focuses on incorporating traditional knowledge into watershed assessments.

16:00

"Linking Traditional Knowledge and SOLEC." Deborah McGregor. Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario.

The State of the Lakes Environment Conference (SOLEC) 2000, held in October 2000 in Hamilton, Ontario, was the first of the SOLEC gatherings to formally include First Nations in its agenda. A primary goal of First Nation participation in SOLEC 2000 was to begin development of a process which facilitates the use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in SOLEC initiatives. A conceptual model of how TEK and science based initiatives such as SOLEC can work together emerged from this undertaking. This presentation will summarize major points and highlight key recommendations made by First Nation participants on this topic at SOLEC 2000. The model suggested by the First Nation participants, based on the idea of “Co-Existence” as expressed in the Two-Row Wampum of the Haudenosaunee, will be briefly discussed. This information will be offered with the expectation that future Great Lakes initiatives (including but not limited to SOLEC) will involve First Nations in building upon the SOLEC 2000 recommendations.

16:30

"Using Traditional Knowledge to Strengthen Native Culture." Dave Arquette. Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment, Akwesasne.

It is important to show that traditional knowledge is alive and well today. The Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment is using it to strengthen the culture of the Mohawk community of Akwesasne. Dave will share the work of the ATFE including restoring a 50 acre wetland, promoting aquaculture as an alternative to fishing in contaminated waters of the St. Lawrence River, planting of black ash trees and sweet grass to help basketmakers, and promoting the planting of heritage Iroquois seeds in Haudenosaunee communities.

17:00

Adjournment