Bartlett, Marshall, and Marshall’s article on Two-Eyed Seeing made me reflect on a simple but demanding idea: meaningful understanding may require more than one way of seeing.
Mi'kmaw Elder Albert Marshall introduced Two-Eyed Seeing, or Etuaptmumk. It encourages us to learn from the strengths of Indigenous knowledge with one eye and from the strengths of Western knowledge with the other, and to use both together for everyone's benefit. Importantly, the approach recognizes each knowledge system as distinct rather than requiring one to be absorbed into the other.
Kirkness and Barnhardt’s article, “First Nations and Higher Education: The Four R’s—Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, Responsibility,” prompted me to think more deeply about how institutions frame problems in ways that preserve their assumptions.
Melanie Goodchild’s article on Relational Systems Thinking made me reflect on a concept often overlooked in research and sustainability practice: before seeking to understand or change a system, we may need to consider where we stand within it.
Melanie Goodchild’s article, “Relational Systems Thinking: That’s How Change Is Going to Come, from Our Earth Mother,” made me rethink a common idea: that understanding a system means identifying its components, their relationships, and feedback loops.
Willie Ermine’s article, “The Ethical Space of Engagement,” prompted me to consider an often-overlooked aspect of collaboration among diverse knowledge systems, institutions, or communities:
The transition to renewable energy is an unquestionable step toward a more sustainable future. Solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable technologies can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change. Yet the article by Christina Hoicka, Katarina Savic, and Alicia Campney, “Reconciliation through renewable energy? A survey of Indigenous communities, involvement, and peoples in Canada,” urges us to look beyond the technology itself.
I write to explore ideas, make sense of experiences, and ask better questions. This collection is an invitation to think alongside me — and to bring your own perspective.
