Species At Risk & The Métis Nation

Traditional Knowledge and the Environment

Traditional Knowledge (TK) is an integral part of Métis history, culture and lifestyle. TK encompasses historical beliefs and present knowledge about ecosystems within the natural environment through which the Métis have related and adapted their lifestyles to. Through TK, the Métis continually evolve to maintain a balanced and reciprocal relationship with their natural environment. It is this special, dynamic relationship that defines how resources are utilized in a sustainable manner. At the base of this relationship, however, is the concept of sustainability; the natural environment must be protected for today’s use, as well as for resource use in the future.

TK plays a vitally important role in the preservation of Métis traditions, within which human/environment relations are an important part. As such, TK is a central tenet for planning initiatives and sustainability. TK provides the basis of Métis culture, however it is lost with the passing of every Métis elder. Ultimately, it is the elders that hold a vast amount of traditional knowledge.