Grant: Discovery Horizons

The goal of the proposed Discovery Horizons project is to explore how Aquatics knowledge heldby Indigenous people can benefit Aquatics Ecology in Lake Winnipeg by using Anishinaabe mowin for baseline monitoring using a 3-voices and 3-eyed seeing approach. The short term objectives of this proposal are: 1) Establish baselines for aquatic monitoring using knowledge embedded within language to identify the natural state of aquatic systems and changes that have occurred; 2) Compare the aquatic system in its natural and present state using Indigenous Science (IS) and Western Science (WS); and 3) Incorporate 3-eyed seeing and 3-voices to determine the best management method for Lake Winnipeg. This approach incorporates IS, WS and Our-Relations, which includes water, land, air and other entities considered living by Indigenous people.The proposed project will fill a major knowledge gap by providing a historical and holistic baseline for ecology by using this additional eye. The 2-eyed seeing approach keeps one eye focused on learning through IS and the other eye learns through the lens of WS. The critical addition of the third eye gives a lens and voice to Our-Relations or "those that cannot speak for themselves." First Nations' Elders have long stated that we have to listen to what the water tells us because water is alive. Anishinaabe mowin provide vital links to Indigenous knowledge and is descriptive of Indigenous Peoples' relationship with the ecosystem. They are consistent with natural law, reflecting how nature was designed to be perfect by Muntoo, where all nature and natural systems have a purpose and are in unison.First Nations' Elders know that there are problems and changes with the fish, water flows, andwater quality in Lake Winnipeg. The proposed research will use a land-based, truly interdisciplinary approach involving a team from IS, WS, and Our-Relations that are equally valued. Elders will identify water places and landmarks with Anishinaabe names such as "kis katch-iwun-ong" or "where the water empty out", and the words will be translated and analyzed to demonstrate how the natural law of the lake has changed over time. Indigenous and non-Indigenous HQP will document water features and landmarks via site visits, oral history, photographs, drone images, GIS, and satellite imagery while also learning the Anishinaabe mowin names to appreciate the natural law of the ecosystem in a way not possible when only viewed through the lens of WS.