Canada Target 15. By 2020, Aboriginal traditional knowledge is respected, promoted and, where ​​made available by Aboriginal peoples, regularly, meaningfully and effectively informing biodiversity conservation and management decision-making.

About the Target

Indigenous peoples hold unique knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystems, based on thousands of years of direct experience and observation shared from one generation to the next. This Indigenous Knowledge is reflected in cultural and spiritual traditions as well as in ongoing customary activities involving the sustainable harvest and use of biological resources.

The application of valuable Indigenous Knowledge in decision-making is critical to the success of Canada’s biodiversity programs. Indigenous Knowledge and western science can provide complementary perspectives that benefit biodiversity conservation in Canada.

Indigenous languages also play a key role in the maintenance and intergenerational sharing of Indigenous Knowledge. As such, trends in linguistic diversity and the number of speakers of these languages are considered in measuring progress towards this target.

Canada Target 15 is linked with the following global Aichi target under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020:

  • Aichi Target 18 - By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels

2020 Final Assessment

The Government of Canada has compiled information on mechanisms, processes and procedures in place to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into decision-making.[i] A 2018 assessment found over 130 discrete mechanisms where Indigenous Knowledge is explicitly recognized (though not necessarily implemented), a slight increase from 2014. These include wildlife management boards, species assessment and recovery strategies, as well as environmental impact assessment, legislation, policies and processes. Although it is encouraging to see the breadth of examples, the inventory of Indigenous Knowledge mechanisms has not been updated to allow for a standardized means of tracking progress.

Detailed case studies were carried out to assess effectiveness of established mechanisms and to illustrate best practices. The case studies showed that Canada is increasingly developing methods to respectfully include Indigenous Knowledge in conservation decision-making. While further examples of promoting Indigenous Knowledge in conservation decision-making (see Contributing Actions) are indicative, they do not necessarily reflect how widespread progress is.

Comparing the Aboriginal Peoples Survey results from 2012 and 2017 shows an increase in the number of Indigenous people who can speak or understand Indigenous languages but a decrease in the proportion of those individuals within the general population.[ii]

An Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) was established as part of Pathway to Canada Target 1, to lead efforts toward Indigenous Protected and Conserved areas. ICE is comprised of a core group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts from across Canada, and officials from federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions. The mandate of ICE included producing a report, including recommendations and guidance. ICE produced a report, We Rise Together, based on a variety of activities between May and November 2017, including seven face-to-face meetings and bi-weekly conference calls, along with subcommittees with focused objectives.

Due to the progress made since 2010,Target 15 has been partially met. Both the number and variety of mechanisms providing opportunities for integration of Indigenous Knowledge appear to have grown since 2010, but the picture is incomplete and continued effort is needed to identify opportunities and implement mechanisms for incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in informing biodiversity conservation decision-making.

[i] Environment Climate Change Canada (2018) Canada Target 15: Detailed Assessment Report - Prepared as a supplement for Canada’s 6th National Report to the CBD

[ii] Statistics Canada (20211) Table 41-10-0043-01  Self-rated ability to understand and speak an Aboriginal language by Aboriginal identity, age group and sex ; Statistics Canada (2016) Table 41-10-0030-01  Self-rated ability to speak and understand an Aboriginal language by Aboriginal identity

Contributing Actions

In 2019, the Government of Canada provided funding to the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP) with additional funds and in-kind support provided by the University of Guelph, Indigenous organizations and the conservation sector in Canada. The CRP is Indigenous-led and involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and research collaborators. The goal is to ensure Indigenous Knowledge systems and reconciliation play a significant part in expanding protection of biodiversity, including the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and the stewardship of culturally significant and threatened plants and animals, like caribou and black ash trees. The CRP builds on the work of the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) who authored We Rise Together, with 28 recommendations for creating and expanding IPCAs and revitalizing relationships between the Crown and Indigenous governments in existing protected areas. Furthermore, the pan-Canadian guidance and elements of Indigenous protected and conserved areas found in One with Nature were based primarily on recommendations provided by ICE. The Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative, including Indigenous, federal, provincial, territorial, and local government partners, collaboratively developed IPCA-related resources on topics such as ethical space, supporting conditions for success on lessons and experiences from jurisdictions across Canada and answers to frequently asked questions. 

Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework was launched in 2019 and includes collaboration with over 25 Indigenous organizations representing Inuit, First Nations and Métis. Many of the objectives under goal 4, Knowledge and Understanding Guides Decision Making, are aimed at increasing Indigenous involvement in research, including setting priorities and undertaking research itself. This approach aims to ensure that, Indigenous Knowledge and scientific knowledge will be equally considered in decision-making.

In 2019, Canada passed the Indigenous Languages Act to support and promote the use of Indigenous languages.

In 2019, the Indigenous Advisory Committee was initiated. The Committee provides the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada with expert advice for the development of key policy and guidance on the new impact assessment system. The Committee's membership is made up of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals providing a broad and inclusive perspective reflective of the unique rights, interests, priorities, and circumstances of the Indigenous peoples in Canada.

In 2018, the Government of Canada has committed up to $2 million annually to develop capacity for community-based environmental monitoring in Alberta’s oil sands region. Monitoring systems are designed and led by Indigenous communities.

As part of the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), the co-chairs of the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee (ATK SC) provide expertise on Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (Indigenous Knowledge or IK). The subcommittee is responsible for ensuring that Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge is incorporated into COSEWIC's assessment process.

COSEWIC defines ATK (or IK) to include the knowledge Indigenous Peoples have accumulated about wildlife species and their environment. Given that Indigenous Knowledge is a complex process incorporating aspects of culture, spirituality and history, peoples with different backgrounds (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) may define it in different ways. The Subcommittee has established comprehensive guidelines such that they meet the requirements of diverse groups.

Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into COSEWIC's assessment of species at risk improves the process, and therefore the quality of designations made by COSEWIC, by bringing information and perspectives on wildlife species that are not available in published scientific literature.