Unit 2: First Nations Perspectives on Future Ecosystems
Introduction to Unit 2
Understanding the cultural context of southern Vancouver Island is best learned through meeting and hearing from First Nations peoples who have lived here since time immemorial. For example, what was life like among the different cultural tribes that lived and visited southern Vancouver Island?
- What was and is their relationship to the natural world?
- How has that relationship changed since the arrival of European explorers and settlers over 200 years ago?
- How have First Nations people seen the natural world here change in relation to European settlement and climate change in past decades?
- What do the First Nations people think of the future of the natural world here?
It is important for course participants to understand this cultural and ecological context, which predates our arrival here , because it can inform us about what strategies might be used to survive into the future in light of climate change, arrival of invasive species, and arrival of more settlers here.
Learning Objectives
After successfully completing this introductory unit, you will be able to:
- Recognize local First Nations cultural and ecological context on the Saanich Peninsula
- Relate to significance of First Nations relationship to their traditional territories and its plant and animal species