Two-Eyed Seeing, or Etuaptmumk in the Mi’kmaw language, is defined by Mi’kmaw Elder Dr. Albert Marshall as “learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous Knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing ... and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all.” (Read more about this concept on the Institute for Integrative Science & Health’s website.)
There has been a proliferation of interest in this guiding principle for bridging knowledge systems and creating space to learn from multiple ways of knowing and being.
In October 2020, a paper in the journal Fish and Fisheries reviewed the transformative potential for Two-Eyed Seeing for fisheries research and management if carried out in a good way. Following this, the lead and senior authors of this article, Drs. Andrea Reid and Albert Marshall, joined a dialogue as part of the Reconciling Ways of Knowing forum, alongside fellow Indigenous scholars Drs. Jesse Popp and Deborah McGregor to speak to these very subjects. Together with forum host Jacquie Miller, this team has compiled a list of essential reads for applying Two-Eyed Seeing in a good way to research and management in the aquatic realm and beyond. Please see the following page.
20 Essential Reads
On bridging knowledge systems in the aquatic sciences:
- McGregor, D.M.D., 2008. Linking traditional ecological knowledge and western science: Aboriginal perspectives form the 2000 State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference. The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 28(1), pp. 139-158. Link.
For researchers seeking to decolonize research, aquatic or otherwise:
- Cajete, G., 2000. Native science: Natural laws of interdependence. Clear Light Pub. Link.
On interweaving knowledge systems:
- Battiste, M. and Henderson, J.Y., 2000. Protecting Indigenous knowledge and heritage: A global challenge. UBC Press. Link.
On bridging knowledge systems beyond aquatic sciences:
- Reo, N.J. and Whyte, K.P., 2012. Hunting and morality as elements of traditional ecological knowledge. Human Ecology, 40(1), pp. 15-27. Link.
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