Métis Knowledges and Climate Change: Towards Adaptation in Southeastern Manitoba Michif Communities

Abstract

Climate change poses a global existential threat, with Indigenous knowledges gaining momentous recognition for their critical role in addressing this challenge. Manitoba, experiencing rapid warming, faces ecological, social, and economic challenges, particularly negatively impacting Indigenous communities. This research, guided by my epistemological position as a Red River Métis woman, explores the contribution of Métis knowledges for climate change adaptation in the Homeland of the Red River Métis. The main objective of this thesis is to characterize Métis knowledges in Michif communities in Southeastern Manitoba to understand the linkages between colonization, land use, and climate change risks to develop adaptation approaches based on Métis knowledges. Crucially, this thesis will also aid in advocating for the inclusion of Métis ways of knowing in climate change adaptation policies. Grounded in relationships, experiential knowledge, and kinship, this research follows Indigenous Research Methodologies, fostering respect, relevance, responsibility, and reciprocity. This research is also based on Farrell Racette's Métis Kitchen Table Theory (Farrell Racette, 2004) a community-centred, anti-patriarchal, and anti-colonial approach that aligns with a more holistic approach to information exchange based on Métis culture and traditions. This research has the potential to foster effective climate adaptation planning and policy recommendations for Indigenous communities, with a specific focus on Métis knowledges and Métis communities. It addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities to respond to climate change while fore fronting reconciliation and returning sovereignty to these communities. By bringing Métis knowledges into the climate change adaptation policy discourse, this research aims to increase Métis-led cultural and environmental security and sustainability in so-called Canada, initiating a crucial dialogue around including Métis knowledges at policy tables.