BRINGING INDIGNEOUS AND EARTH SCIENCES, KNOWLEDGE'S, AND PRACTICES TOGETHER TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO COVID-19

Abstract:

COVID-19 has specific and devastating impacts that spurred resilient responses amongst Indigenous populations. A policy tracker to COVID-19 summarizes the key economic responses governments have imposed on its populations such as strict containment measures; including the stop work order except for essential workers, school closures, travel bands, and any public meeting and/or event. This all occurring while at the same time as having each person wear face masks, washing of hands frequently, and distancing yourself six feet away from others when out in public.

All communities are experiencing the effects from the coronavirus yet Indigenous peoples have experienced an exacerbation of issues that stem from the government shutdown. For Indigenous cultures, the relationship to place is paramount thereby, turning to the resilience and wisdom of their Indigenous ancestors for strategies used during similar events in history. To add to this equation a Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Science came together to address COVID-19 impacts and responses through a collaborative working group that guided the survey questions (Appendix, Rising Voices Survey Questions) and emerging themes. The survey was then given to the groups nearly two hundred members through a facilitated virtual convening to address the concerns and needs of Indigenous peoples during this outbreak. What comes from the survey highlights the disparaging differences between indigenous peoples and non-indigenous peoples and furthermore, encapsulates positive solutions in dealing with a worldwide outbreak by showing how to revert to traditional practices in times of need. The results from the survey highlights four dynamics that Indigenous peoples are facing in present day due to the coronavirus outbreak and highlights solutions to on-going issues dealing with social, cultural, and economic disparities.