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Reconciling the Truth

Dec 12, 2023

Explore the clash between indigenous and colonial world views in Western Canada, focusing on the threat to the Gary Oak ecosystem. Learn about the history of indigenous food sovereignty and the impact of colonization. Discover the use of a fish fence for selective fish passage and the importance of preserving genetic diversity. Understand the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, and the wisdom of indigenous peoples. Gain insight into restoring areas and expressing gratitude for the season.

30:30

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Quick takeaways

The clash between colonizers and indigenous peoples led to the destruction of the Gary Oak ecosystem and the loss of indigenous practices.

Indigenous food sovereignty plays a crucial role in preserving traditional food systems, cultural practices, and forging a sustainable future.

Deep dives

Loss of Indigenous Practices and Consequences of Colonial Assumptions

The podcast explores how colonial assumptions and the clash of worldviews between colonizers and indigenous peoples have led to the loss of indigenous practices and ecological treasures. It discusses the mythologizing of the Pacific Northwest and the belief in its vast wealth, the impact of colonialism on indigenous food systems and the destruction of the Gary Oak ecosystem, and the consequences of colonial power and dominance on culture and ecosystems.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Overlooked World Views and Colonial Impact

2min

Importance of Storytelling and Indigenous Food Systems

13min

Active Salmon Management and Genetic Diversity Preservation

2min

Anthropology, Nature, and Indigenous Wisdom

9min

Restoring Areas and Expressing Gratitude

3min

Indigenous Environmental Stewardship

Description:

The Indigenous peoples of what’s now known as Western Canada had a relationship of reciprocity with the land. But when explorers from Europe arrived eager to tame the land and absorb its vast natural resources these two world views came to a head. And caught in between an iconic species of the Pacific Northwest—the Gary Oak—has become threatened. So how can we reconcile the harmful assumptions of the past that overlooked other ways of managing ecosystems?

Dr. Kaylee Byers and Co-Host Dr. Lyana Patrick, look to the forests, rivers, and oceans of Turtle Island to uncover the various food systems and traditional stewardship practices that existed before colonization. Ethnobotonist, John Bradley Williams shares the traditional use of Garry Oaks and how they became systematically destroyed. Dr. Tabitha Robin from the University of British Columbia shares her experience working with and studying Indigenous Food Sovereignty. Lastly, Canadian Anthropologist and National Geographic explorer Dr. Wade Davis, through insights from his career visiting communities around the world shares how we can dismantle the prevailing biases that continue to threaten the health of our planet.

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Highlights:

(3:53 - 8:55) An icon on the brink, J.B. Williams shares the origins and challenges of Garry Oak meadows

(11:24 - 14:50) Moving forward, Dr. Tabitha Robin shares the overlooked history of Indigenous food sovereignty

(18:45 - 23:20) How an academic divide threatens our planet, anthropology lessons from National Geographic's Dr. Wade Davis

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3GPwxnf

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Resources:

Indians and Europeans on the Northwest Coast: Historical Context | Center for the Study of Pacific Northwest

The Strait of Juan de Fuca is mentioned for the first time in April 1596 | History Link

Purchas His Pilgrimes: Contayning a History of the World in Sea Voyages and Lande Travells by Englishmen and others | Center for the Study of Pacific Northwest