A Critical re-conceptualization of Traditional Ecological Knowledge: First Nations psychosocial narratives of Healing, Advocacy, Expression and Reciprocity

Abstract

Spiritual, ceremonial, socio-ecological and socio-emotional conceptualizations of First Nations relationship with the land was explored through the space of 'Traditional Ecological Knowledge'. Utilizing a qualitative methodology combining observation, community participation and semi-structured interviews this study engaged in a case study of Taykwa Tagamou and area First Nations in Northern Ontario, Canada. Through participation and observation in medicine picking, traditional food preparation, women's drumming, co-management policy and environmental meetings, Indigenous knowledge and restoration conference and interviews conducted both on Taykwa Tagamou First Nations reserve and in the town of Cochrane this research was holistic in its approach. The findings from this study suggest that socio-emotional connections and conceptualizations of First Nations in the TTN community and area in relation to the 'land', 'being on the land' and 'traditional medicines' impact their emotional, social, physical and spiritual wellbeing and 'healing' capacities and are central components of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the First Nations context.