I came across this initiative through Aboriginal Mapping Network. I instantly thought it would prove to be a useful resource. The toolkit aids Indigenous communities in learning, sharing, and connecting with other Indigenous communities. The hope is that communities will help each other grow through sharing experiences and knowledge of the Indigenous Guardian program. For those who don’t know, the Guardian program is “an initiative to support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures.” (Government of Canada). The Toolkit has been created by Nature United in collaboration with Indigenous communities from across Canada. What I like about this website is that it doesn’t just offer a blueprint to run a program; it also offers communities the opportunity to add their own knowledge for all to use if they want to. I hope to use this program as an example of how Indigenous knowledge can be used appropriately online to help protect our environment.
References
Government of Canada. (2022) Indigenous Guardians. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-funding/indigenous-guardians.html
Aboriginal Mapping Network. (August 15, 2017). Indigenous Guardians Toolkit. http://nativemaps.org/?p=3935