Rethinking Public Interpretation Around the Salish Sea
Presentation Abstract
In developing an understanding of the Salish Sea as a shared ecosystem and waterway it is essential to remember that the Salish Sea has been shared by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Losing sight of such long-established relationships in the development of scientific and public policies risks an erasure of Indigenous presence and sovereignty. My paper argues for a rethinking of the ways in which we discuss the Salish Sea's history and ecology with the general public. Public interpretation at parks and recreation sites is a front-line tool that policy makers can use to educate the public about the Salish Sea. While public interpretation may convey a message of ecological diversity, historic significance, or Indigenous presence, I argue that these public educational opportunities must be developed in relationship with Indigenous peoples in order to convey a message of Indigenous relationships and jurisdiction over the territories surrounding and within the Salish Sea. My approach is de-colonial and seeks to remind policy makers and the general public that the history of non-Indigenous presence within the Salish Sea ecosystem is one of colonization. Through an exploration of public interpretation at sites located in communities on Vancouver Island I provide tangible examples of how inattentive public interpretation can re-colonize and dismiss the Indigenous presence. I will also provide examples of what de-colonial public interpretation can look like with the hope that decision makers will be able to rethink public education about local sites located on and within the Salish Sea.
Session Title
Session S-10F: Understanding and Communicating Salish Sea Human Dimensions and Ecological Health
Conference Track
Planning Assessment & Communication
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2-5-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
2-5-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 602-603
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Indians of North America--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)--History; Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)--History.
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Rethinking Public Interpretation Around the Salish Sea
Room 602-603
In developing an understanding of the Salish Sea as a shared ecosystem and waterway it is essential to remember that the Salish Sea has been shared by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Losing sight of such long-established relationships in the development of scientific and public policies risks an erasure of Indigenous presence and sovereignty. My paper argues for a rethinking of the ways in which we discuss the Salish Sea's history and ecology with the general public. Public interpretation at parks and recreation sites is a front-line tool that policy makers can use to educate the public about the Salish Sea. While public interpretation may convey a message of ecological diversity, historic significance, or Indigenous presence, I argue that these public educational opportunities must be developed in relationship with Indigenous peoples in order to convey a message of Indigenous relationships and jurisdiction over the territories surrounding and within the Salish Sea. My approach is de-colonial and seeks to remind policy makers and the general public that the history of non-Indigenous presence within the Salish Sea ecosystem is one of colonization. Through an exploration of public interpretation at sites located in communities on Vancouver Island I provide tangible examples of how inattentive public interpretation can re-colonize and dismiss the Indigenous presence. I will also provide examples of what de-colonial public interpretation can look like with the hope that decision makers will be able to rethink public education about local sites located on and within the Salish Sea.
