COS 121-5 - Monitoring and documenting the bio-cultural diversity of Anicinapek ancestral portage sites using modules implemented by elementary school students

Abstract: Since as early as 1997, the Assembly of First Nations in Canada has recognized the significant gaps in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) usage and literacy within First Nations communities. The Chiefs in Assembly have identified the growing importance of ICT on community development, and as such, the AFN has made resolutions to address this issue (National First Nations Infrastructure Conference, 2014). Beyond access to technology, there are gaps in database management within many communities, which can result in lost data and limited community engagement. Participatory science, which involves collaborative research and decision-making between scientists and community members, could play a critical role in addressing these gaps and ensuring that technology and data management support the needs and priorities of First Nations communities.

As part of the FRQNT Engagement project, co-researchers from the Anicinape community of Kitcisakik and Catherine Potvin's research lab at McGill have joined forces to develop a participatory methodology to implement a permanent monitoring system of the bio-cultural diversity of Anicinapek ancestral portage sites. The co-creation process has led to an innovative monitoring approach that includes the participation of the school's students, the creation of interactive modules on two areas of ancestral portage sites, and the establishment of databases linked to each of these modules. Each module presents the study site, its history, its flora, and its cultural legacies. In addition to the descriptive part of the modules, a monitoring methodology is integrated for students to implement.

In this presentation, we will introduce the selected study sites and their salient features. We will also present the first version of the modules for the students at the school along with their respective databases. By sharing the principles, the strengths, and limitations of our case study, we hope to explore ways to respond to some gaps in participatory science, namely the accessibility and the utility of databases created by and with communities.