Call 4 | We call on natural scientists studying animals to seek out advice from Elders for respectful ways of handling animals.

Excerpt from paper

Research on animals in Canada requires demonstration of humane practices and approval from an Animal Ethics Committee housed within Universities or governments. While Indigenous worldviews align with that of not doing undue cruelty to animals, there is often much more required in specific, local customs to demonstrate respect to animals and the land. There are Indigenous protocols to follow to demonstrate stewardship for the land — scientific research should also follow these protocols.

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Key Takeaways

  • Recognize that there are different worldviews on ethical ways to treat animals.

  • Often in the order of things within Indigenous cultures humans are at the bottom and our role is to ensure the survival of the animals and the environments on which they depend.

  • The philosophy of "all my relations" captures these connections and responsibilities.

  • Our society has become removed from its relationship with the natural world. How we are currently choosing to neglect our relationship with animals is a demonstration of how removed we have become.

  • This approach seeks to shift societies relationship not only with nature but also the traditional western science approach.

When people are coming into our territory, what I like to see is an open mindset and the ability to learn new things. Because I've met researchers who weren't interested in learning about what matters to our culture and it creates a big gap between the researchers and the First Nations involved. And that can lead to a lot of issues.” 

William Alger, Decho Guardian 
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation

The Concept of Dülì

In southern Yukon, the concept of dülì guides how to behave on the land. Ecologist Carmen Wong learned of this concept when she proposed to swab frogs for chytrid fungus to monitor the health of the local frog populations. Gùdia (Mary Jane) Johnson, her colleague and an Elder, warned Carmen that anything that happens to a frog will happen to her, explaining that frogs were very significant and highly valued by many First Nations. Learning about dülì had a profound influence on how Carmen as a western scientist now approaches research questions. She looks to Elders and dülì to guide the selection of research method, i.e., asking if there are alternate methods that are less intrusive for gaining the same information. In the case of frog health, monitoring now uses the least intrusive method of call surveys where frogs are not handled. Swabbing for disease will only be used if there are warranted indications of a declining population and with the guidance of Elders.

PHOTO: Karrie Brown

Step up | Listen and Respect

  • Take time to understand cultural relevance and beliefs. Listen to the stories and what they mean to the community.

  • Recognize respect for animals means different things to different cultures. Harvesting is an important part of Indigenous culture, but capturing animals for research and other purposes could be considered “playing” with them and highly disrespectful.

  • Respect traditions and spiritual connections that western science doesn’t have.

  • Understand the world can be seen through a different lens. It’s not the role of researchers to judge cultural, spiritual and other values placed on animals.

  • Recognize that there are Indigenous protocols for respecting animals, and these vary across Canada. They may conflict with institutional guidelines which are based on a western science worldview. You may have to choose.

  • If possible, meet with and listen to regional or local advisory bodies, which could be an Elder’s council. If appropriate, set up a local advisory committee specific to the research.

  • Advocate for an Elders’ advisory body at your institution, to help guide practices that respect and care for animals.