Weaving Knowledge Systems in Moose (Mooz; Alces alces) Ecology Research and Monitoring

• Main Author: Yarchuk, Kathryn
• Other Authors: Popp, Jesse, Northrup, Joseph
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Guelph 2023
• Subjects: Indigenous knowledges; Western science; Ethical Space; Community-based monitoring; Wildlife cameras; Indigenous science; Collaboration; Magnetawan First Nation; Reconciliation; Ontario; Two-eyed seeing; Occupancy; Relative abundance; Canada; Alces alces
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10214/27561

The strengths of Indigenous knowledge systems and need for reconciliation have become increasingly recognized in ecological research. This has led to a rise in cross-cultural research initiatives, particularly on topics important to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Moose, a cultural keystone species, are in decline across Ontario, causing concern and threats to food security for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, creating an opportunity to pursue mutually beneficial research using both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Rooted in Indigenous worldviews and values-based approaches, this thesis weaves knowledge systems to explore best practices for working across cultures in good ways with the ultimate goal of improving moose research and monitoring. While this work provides important knowledge and practical recommendations pertaining to moose, it is also applicable to engaging in ethical, cross-cultural research processes to address shared concerns more broadly. Canadian Section of the Wildlife Society University of Guelph Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Ontario Graduate Scholarship Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry