Using local and indigenous ecological knowledge to examine local-scale perceptions, effects of, and resilience and adaptation to, climate change on human/landscape interactions on the Pacific coast of North America

Thesis

The aims of this research were to investigate the perceptions and impacts of climate change on the ecological and cultural aspects of landscape through understanding local and Indigenous knowledge. Key cultural and ecological species were chosen for study by bridging Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and western scientific knowledge in a constructive, equitable, and practical way. These Cultural Keystone Indicator Species (CKIS) provide a novel and cross-culturally meaningful analytical framework for investigating the socio-ecological effects of environmental change.

In 2013 and 2014 I interviewed 96 resource users in 11 Indigenous communities in Northern British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. TEK data was collected on weather and landscape changes, resilience and adaptation techniques, and changes in biodiversity. I also reviewed the scientific and ethnoecological literature, and meteorological data. Three CKIS groups were chosen for monitoring: five species of salmon, five species of berries, and Sitka black-tailed deer, all key species highly impacted by weather changes.

The findings from the research show that these communities are observing and adapting to significant environmental changes, including more rain, warmer temperatures, and less snow, which have been accelerating over the last 15–20 years. These weather changes are impacting the terrain (e.g. isostatic rebound, erosion), the distribution and availability of marine and terrestrial resources, and people’s confidence and ease in moving about their territory and ability to harvest and preserve resources. This research suggests that delineating CKIS is an efficient way of understanding the impacts of climate change, envisioning potential adaptation opportunities, and creating resilient social-ecological ecosystems.

Authors: Wyllie de Echeverria, VR

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-wvgbqq802
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Pacific Northwest coast; local knowledge; adaptation; climate change; ethnoecology
• Subjects: Indigenous Climate Change Knowledge