The commitments and responsibilities for IPCA Knowledge Basket were created with guidance from Elder Albert Marshall (Mi’kmaw Nation), Elder Larry McDermott (Shabot Obaadjawin First Nation), Elder Marilyn Capreol (Shawanaga First Nation), and Natowaawawahkaki - Holy Walking Woman (Kainai/Blood Tribe). The commitments and responsibilities above draw on their specific cultural traditions while being general enough to apply to all. We are grateful for their support and contributions.

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People taking part in a cultural ceremony

Photograph Source: Matthew and Chera Yorke

Commitments and Responsibilities

The IPCA Knowledge Basket was created in the spirit of gift-giving to help cultivate abundance for the current generation and the seven generations yet to come. When visiting this space we ask that you practice and reflect on the following commitments:

Elder Paulette Fox – Commitments and Responsibilities

A woman holding some stone pieces

Photographer: Fritz Mueller

Reciprocity

Knowledge is deeply embedded in culture, governance, and legal orders. Unlike typical search engines, through which users search for and extract information, we ask that you approach the resources shared on this platform from a place of respect and reciprocity.

If you have learned something new through visiting the IPCA Knowledge Basket, consider returning the gift to enrich and strengthen our collective knowledge. Do you have anything you could contribute to the digital platform? You can share how you’ve engaged in ‘acts of reciprocity’ on our message board to help inspire others!

Respect

Drawing on the Mi’kmaq concept of Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing, the IPCA Knowledge Basket weaves together resources from multiple knowledge systems to support Indigenous-led conservation. We encourage you to engage with the platform with an open heart and open mind, and to have respect for different ways of knowing, being, and doing.

some student filetting fish

Photographer: Fritz Mueller

a large circle of people holding hands outdoors

Photographer: Jeremy Williams

Responsibility

Action is a central part of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing. Elder Albert Marshall reminds us that we have a responsibility to share the gifts we receive for the benefit of all. We encourage you to take action (no action is too small) to support Indigenous-led conservation.

The commitments and responsibilities for IPCA Knowledge Basket were created with guidance from Elder Albert Marshall (Mi’kmaw Nation), Elder Larry McDermott (Shabot Obaadjawin First Nation), Elder Marilyn Capreol (Shawanaga First Nation), and Natowaawawahkaki – Holy Walking Woman (Kainai/Blood Tribe). While the commitments and responsibilities above draw on their specific cultural traditions, the intent is to share principles that are general enough to apply to all. We are grateful for their support and contributions.