ID: 1680
Presenting Author: Chris Milley
Session: 675 - Transparency to Trust: Communicating Complex Science and Data Effectively
Status: pending
A poly-scalar approach to integrating Indigenous and western science at regional, strategic and project level assessments, with policy guidance for mandated national protocols.
Regulatory frameworks for Impact Assessment in Canada promote, but do not mandate, inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Studies (IKS). As a result, there is no standardized format for an IKS. This opens the door for unclear inclusion criteria and inappropriate methodologies that may lead to the inclusion of mis/disinformation, posing potential challenges to systematic and effective progress. Based on a case study from Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki, we offer policy guidance that can counter this problem. Drawing on experience with Mi’kmaw Ecological Knowledge Studies (MEKS) in Nova Scotia, we propose a mandatory, tiered, collaborative approach that is based on robust stakeholder participation, coupling more precise strategic and regional assessment with project-level IA. Poly-scalar governance approach allows knowledge both to be grounded in place and to flow up and down the IA process, eliminating inappropriate or unverified content. We further propose guidance for a national policy that mandates IKS to be integrated with science-based IA across scoping, analysis, and follow up monitoring, so as to anticipate social conflict dynamics amplified by online mis/disinformation. Specific policy measures will:
• establish clear Indigenous Knowledge provisions and confidentiality consistent with IA law;
• ensure funding for community-led IKS with explicit protocols for data governance;
• offer communication design protocols that prevent mis/disinformation in IA;
• provide guidance on integrated permitting systems so proponents, regulators, and rightsholders speak from a shared evidence base.
Chris Milley is President of Nexus Coastal Resource Management, with over 40 years experience in impact assessment and related management practices in over 35 countries globally.
Coauthor 1: Angeline Gillis