Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: From environmental impact statements to regulatory impact assessments, there are a variety of analyses in the United States that measure sustainability to inform federal, state, and/or local decision-making. Without procedures to ensure meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and respect for Indigenous sovereignty, we find that many assessments currently jeopardize the discovery and development of truly sustainable solutions. Specifically, we evaluate how 17 different kinds of assessments (mis)align with Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin (Knowledge) on Asemaa, Ma’iingan, and the Seventh Fire prophecy – teachings that guide sustainable relationships between Physical, Plant, Animal, and Human Worlds. Our analysis is rooted in Anishinology and Two-Eyed Seeing, practices that together guide our approach to bridging Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin and Western scientific Knowledge and elucidate a more robust understanding of sustainability. “Sustainability” stands at a crossroads; ultimately, this analysis provides guidance for improving assessment protocols to ensure that current sustainability efforts do not repeat injustices of the past.
Source: ChemRxiv
Authors: Margaret O'Connell, Kathleen Smith, Mike Wiggins Jr., Marvin DeFoe Shingwe Bines, Neme Clan, James Rasmussen, Esteban Chiriboga, Michael Waasegiizhig Price, Kimberly R. Marion Suiseeya, Jennifer Dunn
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4406132386