Adapting our perspective: Applying Indigenous Knowledge to climate resilience planning in BC

Policymakers are increasingly recognizing the ways in which Indigenous Knowledge can complement Western science to improve our understanding of and response to important issues such as climate change. Despite this, there are few areas where Indigenous Knowledge is currently being applied in decision-making by non-Indigenous governments. The goal of this paper is to explore concrete ways that Indigenous Knowledge could be respectfully and appropriately included in climate adaptation decision-making at the provincial level. Based on a literature review, an environmental scan, expert interviews, and examples from across Canada, I first identify key principles that should guide government policies relating to Indigenous Knowledge. I then propose a framework with specific policy examples for how Indigenous Knowledge could be applied to climate adaptation and resilience planning in BC.