Dùthchas ann an Tìr nan Craobh: An Exploration of TEK, Human Ecology, and Responsibility to Land

Abstract

This research is based off the historical context of traditional Gaelic society having its own traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) that demonstrates a connection and responsibility to land (MacAonghuis & Newton, 2005). This can be attributed to the Gaelic word dùthchas, as part of the wider Gaelic worldview, or Sealladh nan Gàidheal (P. J. Meighan, 2022). Due to the Highland Clearances, thousands of Gaels were displaced from their traditional territory in the Highlands of Scotland. Approximately 50,000 of them resettled to Mi’kma’ki, thus playing an integral role in the colonial displacement of the Mi’kmaq (Nova Scotia, 2019). This created a complex situation as Gaels, their language, culture and worldview are now present in Mi’kma’ki, but the aspect of dùthchas that connects them to their native territory cannot be applied in the same way as they are not native to Mi’kma’ki. Through this research I aim to explore how Gaelic (TEK) and the concept of dùthchas has translated into Gaels in Mi’kma’ki. Through interviews (or as I have reframed them, céilidhean) with community members and tradition bearers I aim to understand how Gaelic TEK and dùthchas is present outside of An t-Seann Dùthaich (The old country/Scotland) and in Mi’kma’ki. The stories and narratives that emerge from these conversations are analyzed collaboratively with scholars and community leaders of Gaelic nova scotia. I hope I can use these discoveries to demonstrate how cultural revitalization in settler communities (specifically Gaelic nova scotia) could provide an opportunity for a better understanding of Mi’kmaq ecological knowledge, our responsibility to land as settlers and ultimately, climate justice.