Two-Eyed Seeing: Seeking Indigenous Knowledge to strengthen climate change adaptation planning in public health

Abstract

Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island have intimate knowledge of the environment and a long history of adapting to a changing climate. Yet, a scoping review of the literature on climate change adaptation measures identified only one document that provided an Indigenous perspective. On reflection, this pointed to a systemic issue in public health practice. To fill the gap, Cambium Indigenous Professional Services was retained to provide an Indigenous perspective. This paper highlights some of the lessons learned from this experience, not only when it comes to climate change, but also when addressing the broader social and environmental determinants of health. It presents factors public health authorities must consider to meaningfully engage with Indigenous Peoples and reduce health inequities. Significant and purposeful relationships will be developed when public health practitioners take the time to build trust, learn the history of Indigenous Peoples and embrace decolonization. This allows the creation of an ethical space where “Two-Eyed Seeing” can weave the different streams of evidence when developing and implementing climate change adaptation policies and programs.