Thriving and lasting

André Mowatt
Anishinabe
Pikogan

Excerpts from the film “Indian Time” (2016) by Carl Morasse, produced by La BRV.

In his book The Imperative of Responsibility, published in 1979, the German historian and philosopher Hans Jonas invites us to rethink the foundations of ethics in light of a holistic vision. He writes: “Act so that the effects of your action are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life”. This proposal expresses an essential element of Indigenous teachings transmitted for millennia: respect for all forms of life.

In 1987, the United Nations (UN) World Commission on Environment and Development published a document entitled Our Common Future, also known as The Brundtland Report. It defines 'sustainable development' as a means of development that meets the needs of the present without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is based on three pillars: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental balance.

Since then, various organizations have suggested adding a cultural dimension to this definition, because of its crucial role in shaping the identity of a People. In view of achieving sustainable, inclusive and equitable development, they invite us to consider culture as an inseparable transversal component of the three initial pillars by adding to their concerns the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, the safeguard of a population’s diversity, the promotion of quality education and the appreciation of young people’s creative capabilities.

Although sustainable development is a global issue, its implementation remains at the local level. It relies on a community’s ability to define and shape its future. In the field of Indigenous research, this translates into a concerted approach ensuring that First Peoples will have effective access to the governance of projects and will play a key role in their achievement. This commitment is confirmed through the development of intercultural teams. All interventions by researchers are thus carried out with, by and for the communities, who thus become architects of their own well-being.