Two-Eyed Seeing in Conservation Practice

On March 23, 2022 we explored how the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing has inspired conservation practice across what is now known as Canada to observe, understand and act by drawing on a diversity of knowledge systems.

In Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall’s words, Two-Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk refers to “learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of western knowledges and ways of knowing – and learning to use both of these eyes together for the benefit of all.” In addition, Elder Albert reminds us that learning to see with both eyes comes with the responsibility to act on the knowledge we’ve gained.

We heard from examples where Two-Eyed Seeing is woven into various elements of establishing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, from relationship-building and negotiations, to monitoring and evaluation.

Moderated by Lisa Young (Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources and the CRP Leadership Circle), this session will celebrate and honour the impact of Elder Albert Marshall’s leadership.

We learned from stories and experiences from Norma Kassi (Canadian Mountain Network), Elliot Fox (The Resilience Institute), Gary Pritchard (4Directions Conservation Consulting) and Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle (Wildlife Conservation Society Canada).

This webinar is brought to you by the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages (York University) and the Knowledge Systems Stream of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership.

Watch the full recording below: