Christine D. Barbeau

Indigenous mapping technologies: the past, present and future of the collaborative geomatics web-based tool

Cartography provides a way of presenting information about the physical environment, cultural features, patterns of occupancy, resources and boundaries. It is also a tool that has been manipulated by power and colonial interests, particularly in the context of indigenous mapping (see J. Bryan, 2009, ‘Where would we be without them? Knowledge, space and power in indigenous politics’, Futures, 41, 24–32). Strengthening the role of indigenous knowledge in the development of community mapping has been identified as critical to advancing the interests of traditionally marginalized groups. As this demand for novel approaches to community mapping has increased, new technological mapping tools have been created for marginalized groups. This article presents a novel collaborative geomatics tool created to advance mapping initiatives in First Nations communities in Canadas sub-Arctic regions, while protecting and enhancing indigenous knowledge and protecting intellectual property. The collaborative geomatics tool is a secure web-based mapping tool. This tool combines high-resolution satellite imagery with social networking capabilities. Thus, the collaborative geomatics tool provides a forum for community members to post, discuss and contribute to a centralized repository of information by inputting the following: high value areas; areas of natural, spiritual and cultural interest; traditional hunting, trapping and fishing areas; infrastructure; safety zones; stories (audio/written/video); photographs; and polygons and other such markers to delineate these important areas. The present article will identify the process used to design the system and the dynamic opportunities available to use this system once implemented.

Local food production in a subarctic Indigenous community: the use of willow (Salix spp.) windbreaks to increase the yield of intercropped potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

ABSTRACT Addressing food security with local and sustainable food production is a key requirement for supporting a globally sustainable agricultural system. Food insecurity is prevalent in Indigenous communities in Canada, especially in rural and remote regions of northern (subarctic and arctic) Canada. Further, climate change has disproportionately impacted subarctic and arctic regions worldwide − surface air temperatures are now more favourable for agricultural activities − offering the potential for local food production under ambient conditions. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) intercrops grown over a two-year period in two sites (treed, windbreak-lined with native willow, Salix. spp.; and non-treed, or open) in the subarctic Indigenous community of Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario, Canada. Intercrops grown in the windbreak-lined site produced significantly greater (p < 0.05) yields and biomass than the open site. An analysis of soil chemistry (pH, P, K, Mg, NO3, NH4 and total N) showed that with some local amendments such as offal and bone meal, both the windbreak-lined and open sites can support continued agricultural use. This study informs Indigenous communities across subarctic regions of the world that climate change not only brings challenges, but also opportunities, such as potentially sustainable local food production.

Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change: The Production of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Crops for Improved Food Security and Resilience in a First Nation Community in the Canadian Sub-Arctic

There is an overall consensus that arctic regions will experience climate change earlier and to a greater extent than lower latitude regions. Aboriginal people in Canadas northern regions are especially vulnerable to climate variability in addition to experiencing disproportionately high rates of diet-related illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The majority of these diet-related diseases can be attributed to food insecurity and a loss of traditional lifestyles. Furthermore, current food systems within these northern regions are reliant on imported foods that are resource expensive and are ecologically and socially unsustainable. A warming arctic climate offers the opportunity for local agricultural production that can promote ecologically and culturally sustainable means to increase food security. To date, there has been little investigation into the potential for sustainable food production in arctic and sub-arctic regions. In this study, the feasibility of using locally grown produce as a means to sustainably enhance food security in sub-arctic Aboriginal communities is explored through a case study in the community of Fort Albany First Nations located in Ontario, Canada. Solanum tuberosum L. (potatoes) and Phaseolus vulgaris L. (green beans) were grown over a two year period to determine if potato and bean crops could be grown in a sustainable manner for community consumption. Results from two growing seasons showed that potatoes and beans could be grown successfully in the sub-arctic especially with regards to warming air temperatures. Sustainable local food production offers flexible and innovative opportunities for communities to promote social capital, healthy lifestyles, adaptation and resilience, while helping to enhance the benefits that a warmer climate can offer.