Several recommendations came out of this project. The information below is a brief summary of the recommendations that arose, but again, we encourage you to browse and/or download additional information available on our site on the Products for Free Download page.
The most significant recommendation from this project is the implementation of co-governance - shared leadership in shaping environmental management, consistently and at the highest levels. This approach would help fulfill Canada’s commitments to Aboriginal peoples, address rights and responsibilities, promote cross-cultural understandings, and create opportunities for more positive, productive interactions.
Other elements that would support these goals include: 1) core funding for community conservation work; 2) equal representation on task forces/working groups; 3) funding/capacity support for First Nations in collaborative conservation work; 4) greater focus on long-term cross-cultural relationship building; 5) improved cultural awareness for non-Aboriginal conservationists; 6) support for environmental networking between First Nations communities; and 7) support for community protocol development.
Findings also pointed to the need for what we called ‘reconciliation research’ - research that 1) makes injustices visible; 2) works directly with communities to construct new ways of relating; 3) prioritizes community benefit and revitalization, and 4) keeps in mind that research = relationships.
