Nibi and Cultural Affordance at Walpole Island First Nations: Environmental Change and Mental Health

Abstract

Through an application of the Environmental Affordance (EA) Model, this paper explores the impact of environmental degradation on the community at Walpole Island First Nation. We outline how a change in relationships, broadly defined within an Anishinaabek ontology, can impact not only access to the local ecosystem but also how the affordances offered are lost. We base our argument on the local knowledge that nibi (water) is the system upon which all life depends and should therefore be the centre of efforts to maintain community-level mental health. Through the EA model we articulate the need to shift the focus from a human-centered ecosystem services model to an Anishinaabek relational ontology where relationships within ecosystems are bidirectional. As such, when those relationships are damaged through environmental degradation, local mental health and wellness are put at risk.