Case Study: Indigenous Co-Management and Food Sovereignty

This guide presents Indigenous perspectives in coastal ecosystem stewardship.

Indigenous people are the original stewards of the coast and seas of the Pacific Coast region. They maintain a font of knowledge that is essential in understanding the state of coastal ecosystems and their fate in a disrupted climate. However, resource managers are struggling to make progress on meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

The guide explores existing examples where Indigenous communities are managing resources in tandem with settler governments ("co-management") as well as issues related to food sovereignty with respect to both wild harvest and cultivated foods.

This book is meant to provide guidance on strengthening existing relationships and forming new partnerships where co-management and food sovereignty are prioritized. Providing resources can reduce the burden on Indigenous communities to educate managers on their perspectives and priorities and lead to better integration of Western and Indigenous ways of knowing.

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