Build the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to engage respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities in ocean stewardship and management.
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Across Canada’s coasts, Indigenous communities have stewarded marine and coastal ecosystems for generations. Their governance systems, knowledge practices, and relationships with the ocean are not just historical—they are active, evolving, and constitutionally affirmed. For ocean professionals, understanding how to engage respectfully and collaboratively with Indigenous rights-holders is not optional: it is foundational to credible and sustainable practice.
This course guides learners through the principles, legal frameworks, and practical approaches that shape Indigenous engagement in ocean management. Beginning with the foundations of Indigenous rights in Canada—including Section 35 of the Constitution Act, modern treaties, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)—learners will develop a clear understanding of the difference between rights-holders and stakeholders, and what this means for professional practice.
The course explores respectful engagement principles, co-governance structures, and approaches to integrating Indigenous knowledge alongside Western science—including Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), articulated by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall. Ethical guidelines for working with Indigenous knowledge—including OCAP®, CARE Principles, and TCPS2 Chapter 9—are addressed alongside examples of Indigenous leadership in ocean management, such as Guardian programs, Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreements, and collaborative marine planning initiatives.
Invest in your team’s growth with ECO Canada’s Pay for Performance program.
Pay only 30% of the course cost and get up to 70% reimbursed!
Limited-time program. Funding available while seats last.
Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we recognize all Nations who live, work and play on this land and honour and celebrate this territory.