In this episode of YourForest podcast, host Matthew Kristoff engages with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg to explore the powerful concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing". Dr. Cristina Eisenberg is an Associate Dean at Oregon State University, specializing in tribal initiatives and climate resilience. As a community ecologist with Māori and Western Apache heritage, she combines Indigenous and Western knowledge to address environmental challenges.
Dr. Eisenberg shares her experiences and insights from the report "Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge for Climate Adapted Forests" or ”Braiding Sweetgrass Report” which she co-authored. Here are the 5 Key Recommendations of the “Braiding Sweetgrass Report” from Dr. Eisenberg’s experience:
Adopt proactive stewardship.
Recognize and respect Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous Knowledge.
Provide the flexibility to steward dynamic landscapes and navigate uncertainties under rapidly changing conditions.
Ground agency planning, and land and resource stewardship policies in ethics of reciprocity and responsibility to many future human generations.
Catalyze innovative approaches to forest stewardship.
The discussion delves into climate change, forest stewardship, and how Indigenous ecological practices can help create the future of sustainable forest stewardship.
Dr. Eisenberg and Matthew dive into the concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing" and how it can reshape forest stewardship. They discuss the importance of cultural burning, proactive management, and Indigenous sovereignty, all of which are central to creating climate-resilient landscapes. The episode highlights the benefits of using both Indigenous ecological practices and modern environmental strategies to steward the land for future generations.
Key Takeaways:
Two-Eyed Seeing: This concept involves viewing the world through both Western science and Indigenous knowledge, leading to more holistic and effective forest management strategies.
Proactive Stewardship: Dr. Eisenberg emphasizes the need for proactive, place-based stewardship that prioritizes forest resilience, especially in the face of climate change.
Reciprocity with Nature: Indigenous ecological practices are based on reciprocity, where humans take from nature mindfully and give back to maintain balance.
Recognizing and Respecting Sovereignty: It is crucial to respect tribal sovereignty and involve Indigenous communities in decision-making processes for forest management.
Healing from Past Harms: Acknowledging historical trauma caused by colonization and implementing Indigenous-led approaches to restore ecosystems.
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Quotes:
[00:27:00] Dr. Cristina Eisenberg: "Two-eyed seeing, where Indigenous knowledge and Western science are integrated to provide a holistic view of environmental stewardship, allowing for a more complete understanding of the natural world."
[01:13:41] Dr. Cristina Eisenberg: "We did damage to these forests without realizing it. You know, settlers did in multiple ways"
[00:19:08] Dr. Cristina Eisenberg: "Reciprocity means that the forest is here to take care of us, but we have a huge responsibility to take care of the forest. And that means we take what we need, and we give back more to the forest."
Takeaways
(00:00:15) The Importance of Fire in Indigenous Stewardship
Dr. Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of fire as a tool in Indigenous cultural practices to maintain soil health and the overall ecosystem. She discusses how the suppression of cultural burning has caused unintended damage to forest systems.
(00:18:57) Reciprocity: The Foundation of Indigenous Practices
In Indigenous cultures, reciprocity is a core value. Dr. Eisenberg explains that reciprocity involves giving back more to nature than what is taken, ensuring a balanced, sustainable relationship with the environment.
(00:26:53) Two-Eyed Seeing: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge
Dr. Eisenberg introduces the concept of two-eyed seeing, where Indigenous knowledge and Western science are integrated to provide a holistic view of environmental stewardship, allowing for a more complete understanding of the natural world.
(00:30:46) The Role of Elders and Tribal Knowledge in Stewardship
Dr. Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of integrating tribal elders’ knowledge with Western science. Elders possess ancestral wisdom about forest ecosystems, which, when combined with scientific methods, can lead to more effective land stewardship.
(00:36:28) Proactive Stewardship vs. Reactive Management
Dr. Eisenberg critiques the reactive approach to forest management, where action is only taken after a crisis, advocating instead for proactive stewardship that anticipates environmental challenges and takes preventive measures.
(00:54:27) Acknowledging Indigenous Sovereignty in Land Management
Dr. Eisenberg points out that while Indigenous sovereignty is recognized by law, the true respect and inclusion of Indigenous practices in forest management are often lacking. She calls for greater respect and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
(01:00:18) Historical Trauma and Forest Stewardship
Dr. Eisenberg addresses the intergenerational trauma resulting from colonization, forced assimilation, and the exploitation of Indigenous lands. This historical trauma still impacts Indigenous communities and their relationship with land stewardship today.
(01:15:47) Cultural Burning and Ecosystem Health
Dr. Eisenberg highlights the importance of cultural burning, explaining that these burns are done based on the ecosystem's needs, rather than rigid governmental regulations, which often miss the right timing for ecological health.
(01:22:31) The Future of Forest Stewardship: Learning by Doing (01:22:31)
Dr. Eisenberg discusses how Indigenous practices involve a dynamic, adaptive approach to forest management, where outcomes are continually measured and adjusted. This flexible, hands-on method is essential for responding to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
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ARTICLE
Restoring Forests and Building Climate Resilience - Two-Eyed Seeing with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg
Forest stewardship is crucial in the age of climate change. Western science often leads the conversation about forest management, using data and models to guide decisions.
However, Indigenous communities have long practiced sustainable forest care, offering a different approach. Combining these two systems can create a more complete way to restore and conserve forests.
Dr. Cristina Eisenberg plays a key role in this effort. As the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, she leads projects that blend Indigenous knowledge with Western science.
Dr. Cristina is a Native American and Latinx ecologist. She works with Tribal Nations on forest restoration. She is also a member of the Adaptive Forest Stewardship team. Her work focuses on fire ecology, wildlife ecology, and the use of cultural knowledge to restore ecosystems.
In this article, we will look at the value of using both Indigenous and Western approaches. We will explore the key themes of forest resilience,
Moreover, we will learn about the role of traditional practices like cultural burning and how these methods can help tackle climate change. Understanding this can improve forest health and create sustainable solutions for future generations.
How Indigenous and Western Knowledge Combine for Forest Stewardship
Indigenous and Western knowledge offer distinct approaches to forest stewardship. Combining both perspectives leads to a more holistic understanding of how to restore forests, especially in the context of climate change.
Indigenous communities have managed forests for thousands of years, using practices like cultural burning. This traditional method promotes forest health and resilience.
Western science, on the other hand, often approaches forest management through data-driven, hypothesis-based models. Both approaches have strengths, but using them together can yield better outcomes.
A Collaborative Report on Forest Stewardship
One successful example is a project in Montana, led by Dr. Cristina Eisenberg, focusing on grassland restoration with the Fort Belknap Indian Community.
This collaboration, funded by the Bureau of Land Management, highlights the value of integrating Indigenous stewardship methods with Western science.
To learn more, read the full report here.
Key Themes in the Report
Reciprocity with Nature: Indigenous knowledge views humans as part of nature, not as rulers. This perspective emphasizes taking care of the forest, which nurtures us. This contrasts with the Western view of humans controlling and exploiting nature at the top of a pyramid.
Restoring Forest Resilience: The report emphasizes bringing Indigenous and Western knowledge together to restore forest resilience, especially in climate change. By integrating cultural burning with Western forestry practices, forests can better withstand fires and other environmental stressors.
Ongoing Debate and Learning: Throughout the report's creation, there were healthy debates about key concepts like resilience and the role of cultural burning. This cross-cultural collaboration allowed for a richer, more inclusive understanding of forest restoration.
Overall, combining both Indigenous and Western approaches provides a more complete picture of forest health and climate resilience, making it possible to achieve long-term sustainability for forests worldwide.
Why Proactive Forest Stewardship Is Essential for Forest Conservation
Proactive stewardship involves addressing environmental issues before they escalate into crises. This approach contrasts with the historically reactive management of forests, where actions are taken only after disasters, such as wildfires, occur.
Traditional Reactive Approaches and Their Limitations
In the U.S. and Canada, natural resource management agencies have typically operated reactively. When a crisis occurs, such as a devastating wildfire, agencies respond by taking immediate action.
However, this approach often stems from funding limitations and historical practices rooted in colonialism.
European settlers applied unsustainable land management methods that had already failed in Europe. These practices focused on short-term gains like timber extraction, led to long-term ecological damage.
The Shift Towards Proactive Forest Stewardship
Proactive stewardship calls for anticipating future needs and implementing measures to prevent environmental crises.
This involves forward-thinking strategies such as:
Restoring Indigenous Practices: Indigenous peoples have long employed sustainable land management practices, including cultural burning, to maintain forest health. Reviving these methods can help restore resilience to forests.
Place-Based Co-Stewardship: Proactive stewardship must be specific to each landscape and involve collaboration with Indigenous communities. This ensures that forest management strategies are effective, culturally respectful, and inclusive.
Adapting to Climate Change
The growing unpredictability of climate change adds urgency to the need for proactive forest management. Scientists have observed that climate change is accelerating faster than predicted, increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
Proactive forest stewardship, which includes planning for future generations, is essential to building resilience in forest ecosystems.
By adopting proactive measures, we can better protect forests, address climate change, and ensure that these vital ecosystems thrive for future generations.
The Importance of Place-Based Forest Stewardship
Place-based co-stewardship involves using localized knowledge and expertise to manage and care for forests. It focuses on understanding the unique needs of each forest and ensuring that strategies are developed with input from Indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
Why a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Doesn't Work
Forests vary greatly depending on their location, ecosystem, and threats. A one-size-fits-all solution for forest management is ineffective.
Each forest type requires specific treatments that address its unique challenges, such as threats from wildfires, pests, or climate change. Place-based forest stewardship allows for tailored solutions that respect the forest's natural environment and cultural heritage.
The Role of Local Knowledge and Indigenous Wisdom
Place-based forest stewardship involves collaboration between Indigenous communities, who have ancestral knowledge of the land, and local non-Indigenous people, who may also possess deep, generational ties to the region.
Together, they identify the forest that stands most at risk and apply treatments that align with the historical and ecological needs of the landscape.
Key Elements of Place-Based Forest Stewardship
Listening to the land: Understanding what the forest needs by observing its current condition and recognizing historical practices.
Engaging local communities: Involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with long-standing knowledge of the landscape.
Customizing solutions: Adapting treatments and management practices to fit each forest's specific ecological and cultural characteristics.
A Holistic Approach to Forest Care
Co-stewardship goes beyond management; it involves a deep, reciprocal relationship with nature. Stewardship emphasizes caring for forests like one would care for family, giving back more than one takes.
This approach integrates ethical principles, such as reciprocity and long-term sustainability, ensuring that forests remain healthy for future generations.
Place-based co-stewardship allows communities to work together using Indigenous knowledge and Western science to create adaptive, sustainable solutions for forest conservation.
How Colonization Altered Forest Ecology in North America
The colonization of North America drastically changed the ecological balance of its forests. Fire suppression became widespread after colonization.
Before European settlement, Indigenous people actively managed the landscape through cultural practices like controlled burning. These practices shaped the health and resilience of ecosystems.
However, when European settlers arrived, they prioritized suppressing fires to protect timber resources. As a result, forests became denser and more prone to catastrophic wildfires. The absence of regular burns also led to a decline in soil health.
Need for a Paradigm Shift in Forest Stewardship
Studies now show that even moist forests, previously thought to be less influenced by human activity, experienced regular fires set by Indigenous peoples, which were crucial for ecological balance and biodiversity.
Recognizing these historical impacts calls for a shift in forest management paradigms. Modern management practices must integrate cultural and ecological knowledge to restore and maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
This includes:
Returning to Cultural Burning: Reintroducing controlled burns as part of forest management to reduce excessive undergrowth and prevent severe wildfires.
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge: Using historical and cultural insights to inform contemporary ecological practices, ensuring that management strategies align with natural ecological cycles and cultural traditions.
Flexible Management Approaches: Adapting management strategies based on specific forest conditions and historical data, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more tailored, dynamic method of forest stewardship.
So, by recognizing and respecting Indigenous knowledge, we can improve forest health and create more sustainable, resilient landscapes for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combining Indigenous and Western knowledge offers a balanced approach to forest stewardship. Indigenous practices like cultural burning foster resilience, while Western science contributes data-driven methods.
Together, they create stronger, more adaptive strategies for forest health. Proactive stewardship, focusing on place-based solutions, ensures forests thrive for future generations. As climate change accelerates, integrating these knowledge systems becomes essential.
We must respect both cultural traditions and scientific innovation to maintain healthy forests. Embracing this collaboration can help us restore and sustain forests worldwide, ensuring their vitality and resilience for years.
FAQs
What is forest stewardship, and why does it matter?
Forest stewardship involves managing and caring for forests to ensure their long-term health. It matters because forests support biodiversity, clean air, water, and climate regulation.
How do Indigenous communities practice forest stewardship?
Indigenous communities use sustainable methods like cultural burning, which maintains forest health, promotes biodiversity, and reduces the risk of wildfires.
What role does Western science play in forest stewardship?
Western science provides data-driven approaches like satellite monitoring and predictive models to guide forest management and assess ecological health.
How can forest stewardship help address climate change?
Forest stewardship helps by improving forest resilience, reducing the impact of wildfires, and maintaining forests' role as carbon sinks, which slow climate change.
How does forest stewardship impact local communities?
Effective stewardship provides communities with cleaner air and water, promotes biodiversity, and protects resources vital for their livelihoods and culture.