Open Doors & Long Hallways: Exploring Indigenous Inclusion in Environmental Governance Processes through Stories and Experiences

Abstract

Environmental governance requires multi-scalar collaboration to ensure the effectiveness and equity of decision-making (Brugnach et al., 2017). The knowledge many Indigenous Peoples have about effective conservation makes their influence in governance necessary to navigate challenges (Garnett et al., 2018). This research explores how diverse knowledge and experiences can further influence environmental governance. Through 20 semi-structured interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, this study: (1) explores meanings of inclusion through experiences of Indigenous and non-Indigenous governance actors to develop insights about sharing diverse expressions of governance; (2) identifies how this research aligns with and supports the growth of the Learning for Governance (LfG) Network; (3) draws on experiences and stories to operationalize equity and collaboration in current and future environmental governance. Findings illustrate significant barriers to Indigenous Peoples related to power, Western worldviews, and the complexity of governance. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples experiences, leadership, and advocacy is crucial to effective socio-environmental decisions.