Honouring the teachings of these lands

Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have served as the stewards of the land and thus carry vital wisdom shared through traditional teachings from one generation to the next. This wisdom, rooted in deep reverence for nature and interconnectedness, offers invaluable insights into living in harmony with Mother Earth and each other. It is through storytelling, ceremony and a profound connection to ancestral lands, Indigenous communities have preserved invaluable knowledge that respectfully engages and guides us towards a more sustainable present and future.

It is with immense gratitude we honour the Indigenous voices of these lands and illuminate the wisdoms that have been shared. The gift of the teachings, like sweetgrass, weaves through every part of the following highlighted projects that we have had the opportunity to be a part of, connecting us to Indigenous wisdom across time.

In the Languages of These Lands

The ongoing impacts of colonization in Canada has resulted in Indigenous languages being endangered. Many communities are working on revitalization efforts, documentation and inter-generational teaching of the languages. Exploring Indigenous place names in Canada offers all Canadians a lens through which to better understand the languages, histories, and cultural heritage values of the lands on which we live. An exploration of these names not only provides insight into the Indigenous past and present but is also a step towards a reconciliatory future.

Thousands of places in Canada have names rooted in Indigenous languages. Indigenous place names are rich in meaning: they impart traditional knowledge of the land, its geography and its natural resources. They also communicate Indigenous worldviews, stories and teachings.

Several Indigenous names have been adopted by the Geographical Names Board of Canada. An example of Indigenous place names that have been adopted include these 5 names for the Mackenzie River in the language of the Indigenous people who live along Canada’s longest river system: Dehcho, Deho, Grande Rivière, Kuukpak and Nagwichoonjik.

Learn more about Indigenous place names, visit In the Languages of These Lands

Sowing the seeds of Indigenous knowledge

Seed collection is as important for our forest as it is important to the future of Mother Earth and all the creatures living upon her. It helps in preserving not only flora species but also the language, culture and traditions of our Indigenous partners. - Mary Knockwood, Canadian Forest Service Indigenous programs coordinator

Indigenous Peoples have long been leaders of seed collection as part of the long tradition of protecting and preserving the physical and natural environment. Indigenous worldviews are holistic: trees are just one part of Mother Earth’s living ecosystem. As a result, by collecting and preserving tree seeds the Indigenous Seed Collection Program’s work has the wider effect of also protecting the animals, plants and other living beings that depend upon trees for survival and well-being.

The Indigenous Seed Collection Program continues to evolve and adapt as new Indigenous knowledge is shared.

Read more about Sowing the seeds of Indigenous knowledge

For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report on Climate Change

Elders and Indigenous leaders advise us that we are reaching an “ecological and relational tipping point… we can avert the most severe climate impacts if we pause and listen to the wisdom of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We urge policymakers, academics and business leaders at all levels — local, territorial, national and international — to act now on the key messages and insights presented in this report.”

The For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report is grounded in the teachings of First Nation, Inuit and Métis Elders and Knowledge Holders. The report presents 5 key messages:

1. Indigenous Peoples have unique strengths for responding to environmental and climate changes
2. Climate change is one of many crises that First Nations, Inuit and Métis face
3. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and lived experiences are essential components of climate action
4. The food, water and energy nexus is central to First Nation, Inuit and Métis climate leadership
5. Self-determination is critical to Indigenous-led climate action.

Explore the For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report

Reconciliation and natural resources

Elders and Knowledge Holders are integral to the preservation, maintenance, and revival of Indigenous cultures. Elders have attained a high degree of understanding of Indigenous history, traditional teachings, ceremonies, and healing practices. They have earned the right to pass this knowledge on and to give advice and guidance on personal issues and on issues affecting communities and nations. We have had the honour to learn from the guidance and teachings of the resident Elders from the department’s Circle of Nations.

Resident Elders gifted the name, Nòkwewashk [No-kway-washk], to a Sector of Natural Resources Canada. This name is Algonquin meaning sweetgrass. The name reflects the sector’s role within the department, as well as our responsibilities as employees. To take those responsibilities to heart, we must reflect on the teachings shared by the resident Elders in the gifting of this name. It is a unique reminder for us to refresh and nourish ourselves like sweetgrass can be renewed and nourished when dipped in water. As water is also a sacred element and has great strength to transform, it serves as a teaching to us to take time to nourish ourselves so that we can continue to transform our relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Learn more about Reconciliation and natural resources

As we reflect on the invaluable guidance gratefully offered by the Elders and Knowledge Holders through teachings and history central to our projects, we are dedicated to move forward in a good way on our journey towards reconciliation.

Ekosani ~ Miigwech ~ Meegwetch ~ Niá:wen ~ Mahseecho ~ Mutna ~ Wopida ~ Hei Hei ~ Marci Cho ~ ᖁᐊᓇᖅᑯᑎᑦ ~ Quanaqqutit ~ ᓇᑯᕐᒦᒃ (Nakurmik) ~ Qujannamiik ~ Qujanaq ~ Kukwstsétsemc ~ Woliwon ~ Woliwun ~ Wela’lin ~ Thank you ~ Merci