Denendeh: the Dene Nation’s Denendeh Environmental Working Group climate change case study (M4-1)

http://www.eoearth.org/article/Denendeh:_the_Dene_Nation%E2%80%99s_Denendeh_Environmental_Working_Group_climate_change_case_study

This article, available on the Encyclopedia of Earth website outlines a study which was carried out by the Dene Nation’s Denendeh Environmental Working Group (DEWG).  The article outlines Dene observations and knowledge about the issue of climate change, as it relates to the people and the land.  The article presents a brief history and background of the Dene Nation, describes the DEWG and its guiding questions:

  • Is there a difference today in Denendeh and is climate change having a role in these changes, what else may be causing it?
  • What climate change programs are there and how can our communities be more involved in research and communication about these changes?
  • If it is important to document Dene climate change views/knowledge, how should we communicate this knowledge with each other and to policymakers, governments, and others outside the north?
  • Is the DEWG a good mechanism to discuss climate change, what should we be talking about, and what else do we need to do?

The article would be a great resource for anyone who is interested in environmental issues and traditional aboriginal knowledge, as the article was written by the DEWG for Dene and other people.  It should be noted that the article is part of a larger body of work in the Encyclopedia of Earth called “The Changing Arctic: Indigenous Perspectives”.

M3 – WS3: ULIN

The United League of Indigenous Nations (ULIN) is based on a treaty between 11 Indigenous Nations in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia to join forces and confront common issues such as climate change, trade and commerce among the Nations, protection of their cultural property as well as human rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Their website lists upcoming events such as ULIN annual convention as well as a review of pervious events such as ULIN leadership conferences, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) conferences.

In their working groups section, they list their five areas of focus: Cultural Property Protection, Trade, Climate Change, Border Crossing and Indigenous Nations Relations. There are relevant documents available in each of these areas such as “Understanding Maori Intellectual Property Rights.”

They also have a discussion forum as well as a news and updates section where they post press releases and such. Curiously, all of the external links in their links section are devoted to climate change resources. There are many here, but the breadth is limited.

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