Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK)

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Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) is a body of local environmental knowledge and beliefs transmitted through oral tradition and first hand observation based on living in close contact with nature. (Note: This knowledge was acquired through generations unknown.) It includes a system of classification, a set of empirical observations about the local environment, a system of self of management that governs sustainable resource base, and an understanding of the relationships of living beings (including humans) with one another and their environment. Environmental aspects are closely tied to social and spiritual aspects of the knowledge system. The quantity and quality of TEK varies among community members, depending upon gender, age, social status, intellectual capability, and profession (hunter, spiritual leader, etc). TEK is both cumulative and dynamic, building upon the experience of earlier generations and adapting to the new technological and socioeconomic changes of the present.

Kitaskinak (Cree)

Kitaskino ta kanawitamahk etati kikway Ka pimatisimaka Kitaskinahk ta nakatiyiCiKatek TasKoc oma Kinipimino eKa ayiwak ta misowanatahk eKa ayiwak ta otinikatek EKwa oma hihiyono EKa ta mayatahk mina eKa ta picipopayik kitaskinahk mina eKa ta nipimaka eKa ta mayatahk KaKiyo KiKway Ka pimatisiyimakahk ta miyo opiKihK tapitawi Eka ta woniKisKisiyahk oma sakaw pimatisiwin Mamawi ta atoskotamahk tansisi ta miyo opiKiK KaKiyo KiKway Kapimatisimaka Kitaskinahk.

Rita Marten – Mikisew Cree First Nation

The Traditional Environmental Knowledge committee was established by CEMA to guide the working groups in the collection and use of traditional knowledge. The TEK committee guides the use of traditional environmental knowledge to help ensure the land, forest, air, water, wildlife and biodiversity in CEMA's study areas are protected, sustained and restored over the long term.

Traditional environmental knowledge includes:

a system of classification
a set of empirical observations about the local environment
a system of self-management that governs sustainable resource use
an understanding of the relationships of living beings (including humans) with one another and the environment

The committee strives to create a better understanding of TEK and how it can be used to further understand ecosystems and the cumulative impacts that industry and related factors have had, and will have, on the environment.

Committee Members

Co-Chair
Jumbo Fraser

Co-Chair
Ainslie Campbell

Program Manger
Heather Bartlett
Phone: (780) 799-8152
Fax: (780) 714-3081
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