An Integrative Approach to Measurement Nonlinearity
Rick Danielson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
If there were a library with a book on every subject, and one in particular on measurement nonlinearity, I'd like to be the first settler scientist to put their name on the borrowers card. But I shouldn't fail to notice that this book was taken out many times before. In mainstream science, we know that measurements and model predictions are less than perfect. The contemporary aphorism that "all models are wrong" is usually expressed mathematically as an "error model" (i.e., a data model with explicit error terms). An emphasis on errors and imperfections is often convenient, but is it always necessary? Two-Eyed Seeing highlights the advantages of working together, which is in accord with the advantages of working with complementary data. Thus, we commit to treating data as complementary in a simple model that doesn't seem to be expressed in mainstream science, or at least, not with a proper interpretation of each term (i.e., linear, nonlinear, and lack of association). In other words, we propose a nonlinear data model that seems consistent with Integrative Science, if not also with Two-Eyed Seeing (Bartlett et al. 2012).
Two‑Eyed Seeing Case Study: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Marine Ecology
Chilyn Fenton‑Stickle; Helene Wagner; Christoph Richter, Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga
Guided by the Mi’kmaw principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), this case study explores how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Western Science can be braided to support understanding of climate change impacts on the Arctic marine ecosystem. The case study was designed using a successive phase methodological structure that intentionally supports these distinct yet complementary ways of knowing, illustrating how such engagement can inform approaches to species monitoring, interpretation, and responsibility. Using aspects of the two knowledge systems, the case study guides learners through multiple phases that engage with key questions: How does sea ice cover shift across space and time? How has the changing ice altered interspecific interactions between the sub-Arctic killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the Arctic narwhal (Monodon monoceros)? How can Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit inform ecological monitoring practices and interpretations of ecosystem change? A set of supporting resources encourages discussion and reflection throughout the case study. Through its intent and design, this case study contributes to ongoing conversations around Indigenous Knowledge, Western accountability, and reconciliation in higher education by providing an example of how braiding can take place in research and teaching.
Decentering Colonial Land Ethics: Navigating Perspectives on Invasive Plants in Michi Saagiig Territory
Kay MacNaughton, Trent University
Protecting Indigenous Knowledge, Rights, and Relationships in Forestry: Indigenous Methodology from Sîkîp Sâkahikan (Waterhen Lake First Nation)
Kennedy Martell Mitchell
Indigenous communities continue to face challenges protecting land, knowledge, and rights within colonial forestry systems. This research, guided by an Indigenous Research Paradigm, examines how centering Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Methodologies can foster meaningful engagement in forestry beyond procedural consultation. Working with Elders and community members from Sîkîp Sâkahikan (Waterhen Lake First Nation), the study uses conversational interviews, oral histories, land‑based knowledge, and stewardship teachings. Findings demonstrate that meaningful engagement requires affirming Indigenous Sovereignty, Authority, and community‑defined interests as foundational to forestry governance and practice.
The Kinship Program
Nadine Perron, Magnetawan First Nation; Donnell Gasbarrini, The Wilder Institute
This project is a collaboration between Magnetawan First Nation and The Wilder Institute. The poster presents a graphic recording of interviews with Magnetawan First Nation band members, documenting their vision for a First Nation‑led conservation translocation program.
Agricultural Land Rentals and Stewardship on First Nations Reserve Lands in the Prairies
Hannah Pilat, ē kanātahk askiy SAGE Project
First Nations reserve lands in the Prairies have high agricultural potential, yet historical and ongoing colonial policies have limited participation in agriculture. Much reserve land is rented to non‑Indigenous farmers, often at lower rates and with limited oversight. This study gathers expert knowledge from First Nations lands department staff through semi‑structured interviews and an online survey. Using inductive thematic analysis in NVivo 15, the research examines agricultural practices, rental arrangements, governance, and stewardship on reserve lands. Findings will inform the development of a practical toolkit to support First Nations communities in agricultural land rental processes and enhance environmental stewardship, protection, and culturally appropriate economic outcomes.
Seeds on the Move: Comparing the Biodiversity of Human‑Dispersed vs. Natural Seed Rain
Kateri Robertson, University of Alberta
Human-mediated seed dispersal is a concern to biodiversity conservation efforts due to unintentional introduction of non-native species to an area. In attracting a large number of tourists, visitors of Elk Island National Park can facilitate movement of seeds when they engage in activities such as hiking, often leading to spread of non-native species. Movement is achieved when seeds are stuck underneath the sole of visitors' shoes resulting in them altering the composition of seeds available for dispersal, which can potentially lead to homogenization of the landscape. We seek to properly look at the potential roles humans have in dispersing seeds at the park as well as their impact in high visitor usage areas. To investigate this, we grew seeds collected from a boot-brush station and compared it with samples gathered from natural seed rain to see differences in species composition. We also collected data on trail usage to assess relationships in high usage trails with species composition and potentially plant traits that may enable dispersal. We found that the most abundant species were shared between both boot and seed rain samples. Additionally, raw seedling counts in foot-dispersed samples were much higher, pointing to higher contributed propagule pressure. While boot samples were consistent in their composition, the natural seed rain exhibited variation depending on the sample location. The high number of non-native species in the natural seed rain, coupled with the substantial propagule pressure from hikers, suggests that Elk Island is already impacted by non-native species.
Apoqnmatulti’k: Pairing Ways of Knowing to Guide Aquatic Research in Mi’kma’ki
Alanna Syliboy, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq; Skyler Jeddore, Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources; Walter Brooks, Acadia University (on behalf of the Apoqnmatulti’k Steering Committee)
Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw for “we help each other”) offers a practical model for collaboration that supports Indigenous futures through partnership design. This presentation examines how the Apoqnmatulti’k partnership brings together Mi’kmaw organizations, commercial fishers, academic institutions, and federal government partners to co-design and implement aquatic research in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia, Canada). Guided by the Mi’kmaw principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), Apoqnmatulti’k integrates Mi’kmaw, local, and western scientific knowledge systems to study the movements and seasonal habitat use of culturally and ecologically important aquatic species across two regions of Mi’kma’ki. Central to this work is a partnership model rooted in equity, mutual respect, and open dialogue at all levels of collaboration. Rather than positioning Indigenous knowledge as supplementary, the partnership embeds Mi’kmaw values and decision-making authority throughout governance, research planning, and implementation.
Exploring Indigenous‑Led Land Caring in Urban Areas for Bird Conservation
Kristen Vlahiotis, Carleton University
Conservation interventions centred around urban bird and wildlife populations have increased in the last few decades but have predominantly used Western methodologies. Support for the implementation of Indigenous-led conservation has increased in the past decade in Canada. Indigenous science and knowledge are rooted in Indigenous cultures and languages, relationality, and reciprocity, which promote stewardship and Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty. Scholarly explorations of Indigenous-led conservation in urban areas have been limited with focuses on food sovereignty, health equity, and urban park governance. Using semi-directed discussions, we explored the characteristics of urban Indigenous-led land-caring work and captured stories surrounding connections to birds and other more than human relations. We found that connection to the land in the city is deeply rooted in place and urban perceptions can influence land-based connections. However, weaving place-based teachings and generational knowledge and tools into land work remains universal. Most urban stewards used a combination of Indigenous science, including cultural teachings such as the Seventh Generation Principle and Western scientific methods such as bioacoustics and biomonitoring to act against conservation threats. Additionally, certain birds like Bald Eagles and Canada Geese were often identified as central to urban land caring at our study sites. We hope that our findings contribute to a shift in urban conservation actions towards equitable change that advances Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty and benefits our more than human relatives.
Hydrodynamically Engineered Indigenous Arrows Skip on Water for Waterfowl Hunting
Junrong Zhang, University of Waterloo
My research explores a traditional Indigenous waterfowl hunting technique in which arrows or spears are equipped with enlarged blunt heads that allow them to skim and rebound from the water surface before striking birds on open water. Variations of this technology have been documented across Indigenous communities in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America for centuries.
While this hunting method has a long and well-documented presence in Indigenous knowledge traditions, the physical mechanism behind its effectiveness has never been systematically studied from a scientific perspective. My work approaches this knowledge through fluid dynamics to better understand how projectile design and launch conditions enable repeated skipping along the water surface. The goal is not only to explain the physical principles involved but also to highlight the ingenuity and sophistication of Indigenous technological knowledge.