Our world is experiencing a crisis of unsustainability with ecological, socioeconomic,
and existential dimensions. Thus, planning for the transition to sustainability is a challenge requiring
transformation of the dorrunant cultural paradigm. I address this problem of planning
between cultural paradigms by examining the discourse between First Nations Traditional
Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Western Science, and identify lessons that contribute to a
sounder epistemological basis for planning theory and practice.
To link planning theory, sustainability and TEK, I combined literature reviews, interviews
and lessons from my experience with First Nations. I derived a cross-cultural analytical
framework based on epistemology, cosmology and ontology (ECO), and applied it to planning
theory, case studies of the Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound
and my own professional work. Planning for sustainability must address multiple dimensions.
My approach includes biophysical, social and cultural capital, postulating that greater social
and cultural capital could decrease consumption of biophysical capital. In this framework
"ECO" addresses cultural capital.
My analysis of TEK reveals more than just "knowledge," rather a way of life which generates
knowledge. I coined the term TEK-Systems (TEKS) to refer to the social and cultural
capital, and methodological features of these lotowledge-generating systems. Applying ECO
reveals philosophical elements of TEK, that are neglected in the literature. TEKS combine empirical
knowledge with other ways of knowing offering alternative models of reality to the
cultural mainstream.
The Scientific Panel recognized all significant features of TEKS and ECO in my framework,
and employed Nuu-Chah-Nulth TEK protocol in their planning model. Various forms of
knowledge from wholly different philosophical origins informed complex planning and decision-
making process with consensus outcomes. Similarly, the most significant lessons from my
professional application was that respect, cultural framing, and community involvement are
key professional tools.
Planning between cultural paradigms requires recognizing different knowledge systems;
including different ways of knowing strengthens planning for sustainability. This
approach establishes new terrain for planning theory. It requires inclusive planning and decision-
making processes which foster caring, respect and commitment. Enhancing social and
cultural capital provides community and spiritual resources for sustainability. Planners need
specialized framing to work in these areas.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/10128 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Lertzman, David Adam |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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