Indigenous Storytelling and Land Stewardship in Northern Canada

Abstract

Indigenous storytelling serves as a fundamental mechanism for transmitting ecological knowledge and maintaining cultural connections to land in Northern Canada. This study examines the intersection of traditional narrative practices and contemporary land stewardship approaches among Indigenous communities. Through systematic analysis of cultural transmission methods, environmental management practices, and collaborative frameworks, this research demonstrates how storytelling functions as both a pedagogical tool and a governance mechanism for sustainable resource management. The findings reveal that Indigenous narratives contain sophisticated ecological knowledge systems that inform adaptive management strategies, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience planning. These storytelling traditions provide essential frameworks for understanding human-environment relationships and offer valuable insights for contemporary conservation efforts. The integration of Indigenous knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches presents opportunities for more effective and culturally appropriate environmental stewardship in Northern Canada.