Exploring Distinct Indigenous Knowledge Systems to Inform Fisheries Governance and Management on Canada’s Three Coasts

Fisheries decision-making processes in Canada are influenced primarily by western science-based knowledge systems and often exclude knowledge from non-western based Indigenous sources. As Canada faces growing challenges from climate induced changes in coastal and inland areas, it is increasingly important to consider diversified knowledge sources to promote sustainable aquatic ecosystems and to accommodate its legal obligation to recognize Aboriginal and Treaty rights and title. The overarching goal of Fish-WIKS (Fisheries – Western and Indigenous Knowledge Systems), a five-year research program, is to improve fisheries governance and management in Canada by understanding how Indigenous knowledge systems can enhance the current regime for decision-making. The research examines three characteristics of knowledge systems: valuation, ownership and control of knowledge. It aims to identify the commonalities and differences in Indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) in four Indigenous coastal communities in Canada and to understand the western knowledge system underpinning governmental decision making processes.  The pan-Canadian partners are representatives of Indigenous governance and research institutions with expertise in knowledge systems and fisheries management and scholars with complementary expertise in Aboriginal scholarship and fisheries governance.