Conservation Biology​​​ in the Boreal
HOW DOES NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR COMPARE??​
Indigenous Peoples as Conservation Biologists
Indigenous groups are integral partners in conservation efforts, based both on the information they can supply about the environment and by actively participating in conservation management. The use of their information has evolved the terms: ATK (Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge), and TEK (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) (3 &4).​

A definition of TEK from Sacred Ecology by Berkes (2012) states that TEK is a culturally shared collection of developing knowledge, practices, and beliefs, passed down through generations, about living organisms and their interactions in their environment (5). However, the definition of ATK and TEK is not universally accepted because of its cultural base, and inherent fluidity (5).​
The involvement of indigenous people and the use of TEK in resource management may seem like an unlikely area to talk about conservation, but these peoples, who have lived with and conserved their environments for centuries, can help create more sustainable resource development (5). This information may include sustainable agricultural practices, optimum fishing practices, or deciding which areas slated for development will have the least environmental impact (5). There is also opportunity for indigenous people to sustainably manage their own resources (6).
The use of TEK can enhance scientific research by providing information on life cycles, distribution, abundance, species identification, and species interactions (5). It can also be beneficial to scientists conducting research in isolated areas with limited access (like Northern Canada), where TEK can be used to supplement their own data and observations (5). Conservation would not be possible without accurate information, and the use of TEK can enhance our understanding of the environment.
Indigenous people are often live in areas of great biodiversity, which they have played a part in conserving (5). Lessons can be learned from Indigenous people about human interactions within the environment, and the potential for conservation beyond protected areas (5). Of course, the aim of conservation is to preserve biodiversity and so indigenous communities need to be involved in the creation of protected areas within their lands (5). It is the right of indigenous people to control what happens on their own lands, and to regain, and maintain stewardship of their environment.
Protected Areas
Scientific Research
Resource Management
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The use of TEK and the involvement of Indigenous peoples can help:​​
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• to create and manage successful protected areas
​• develop industry and manage resources
​• conduct scientific research
​• stewardship of biodiversity​
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All of these areas can benefit from input from Indigenous peoples, and all of them relate to how we conserve the environment.
Parks Superintendent and an Elder Collect Caribou Pellets for DNA Analysis
Source: http://www.parks-parcs.ca/
Parks Canada Park Management
Source:http://www.pc.gc.ca/
A Parks Supervisor in Gitxaala Nii Luutiksm/Kitkatla Conservancy, British Columbia.
Source: http://www.parks-parcs.ca/
A Non-profit Group Created by Community Leaders Collects Data on the Local Landscape
Source:http://www.conservation.org/
Trapping Fish in Whitefeather Forest. The Pikangikum First Nation use their land to develop economic opportunities, while also managing the landscape.
Source:http://www.conservation.org/
