Chief Kerry's Moose: A Guidebook to Land Use and Occupancy Mapping, Research Design and Data Collection
"We adopted the approach that is outlined in this guidebook, and built an inventory of quality information about historical uses of Tsleil-Waututh territory."
—Chief Leonard George
Despite the tremendous diversity among First Nations, they all share one thing — the harvesting of fish, wildlife, and plant materials has been the historical basis of economic life. In pursuit of the resources that continue to be the foundation of their cultures, people leave traces over the landscape, evidence that they have been there.
Aboriginal peoples in Canada have been mapping aspects of their cultures for more than a generation. Think of it as the geography of oral tradition, or as the mapping of cultural and resource geography.
Possession and control of cultural data translates into considerable political power, at both the negotiating table and in court. Good quality mapping can be used in support of many different projects, including:
- Documenting elders' oral history
- Providing evidence for court cases involving aboriginal rights and title
- Supporting compensation claims
- Negotiating co-management agreements
- Negotiating protective measures and benefits from industrial development
- Developing educational curricula
This book is a consideration of the key factors that lead to success in aboriginal mapping. It is written for leaders, administrators, and program personnel at the community or First Nation government level, as well as their consultants and other research people who have had experience with similar kinds of studies.
Chapter List:
- Land Use and Occupancy Mapping: A Definition and a Warning
- The Tasks of a Mapping Project
- Map Biographies and Composites
- Doing Quality Research
- Designing the Project: Who, What, When, Where, and What
- Principles of Research Design and Implementation
- Measuring Quality
- Creating a Culture of Research
Details:
Chief Kerry's Moose: A Guidebook to Land Use and Occupancy Mapping,
Research Design and Data Collection
64 pages
© 2000 Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Ecotrust Canada, CAN$19.95
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