In the document the Earth Charter, http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/2000/10/the_earth_charter.html a clear recognition of the importance of the knowledge of First Nations peoples is stated.

• b. Recognize and preserve the traditional knowledge and spiritual wisdom in all cultures that contribute to environmental protection and human well-being.
  • Some points to consider:
    Traditional and current methods of interacting with marine resources.
    How does the mythology relate to sustainability of the sea?
    statements.. examples .. case studies, their value for sustainability..
    The activities of the time of year according to the 13 moons calendar of the Wsanec (Salish people).
    The first nations recognition of the value of ecosystem services.

PRINCIPLE 22 of the Rio Declaration: Indigenous people and their communities, and other local communities, have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and fully support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development.

A reference which may prove useful is from "Breaking Ice" on Adaptive Co-management of Arctic Char in Nunavut territory.

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IKt--FmDOMAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA249&dq=Berkes,+F.,+J.+Colding,+and+C.+Folke.+2000.+Rediscovery+of+Traditional+Ecological+Knowledge+as+Adaptive+Management.+Ecological+Applications+10,+no.+5:+1251-62.&ots=BgvyKR2N2w&sig=fhxYaFHSRij2mEADUYU9UO4z4fc

It demonstrate an example of a successful sustainable fishery model based on integration with First Nations traditional knowledge..

Go to Ecological Integrity

6.0 A Choice of FUTURES

Index

This file was created in 2008 as a marine education resource supported by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney

Website courtesy of racerocks.com & Lester B. Pearson College. Copyright: 2008 Garry Fletcher Marine Education Consulting,