Traditional knowledge and land use: building research relationships with a rural Ktaqmkuk Mi'kmaw community

Reid, Brady (2019) Traditional knowledge and land use: building research relationships with a rural Ktaqmkuk Mi'kmaw community. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

As evident from the original proposals for self-negotiation from the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (1988), the formation of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation represented a small victory for Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq: recognition. Validation of the existence of Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq outside of Miawpukek was a small step towards decolonization yet cannot be a panacea for reconciliation. This study was a collaborative project in the Mi’kmaw community of Ewipkek through the No’kmaq Village Band and Elder Calvin White, a known champion of Mi’kmaw rights in the province. This thesis is presented in a manuscript format. Chapter one, the introduction, provides background and context to the thesis and presents the overall research questions. Chapter two (the first manuscript) reviews literature that explores considerations for researchers who work with Indigenous communities. The approach of “Two-Eyed Seeing” emerges as a holistic framework that validates and empowers both “Western” and Indigenous knowledge systems. Chapter three (the second manuscript) describes the knowledge sharing that occurred with participants from the community of Ewipkek. The ways in which the structure of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation limits the ability of the knowledge within the community of Ewipkek to be considered in relevant decision-making processes are discussed. Finally, chapter four, the conclusion, responds to the overall research questions. Throughout the life of this collaboration, the community has defined certain responsibilities for researchers in their community. These responsibilities outlined in chapter four are significant and, if met, allow for the positive use of knowledge in the community of Ewipkek.

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