This podcast features Dr. Sylvia Moore, a counseling therapist and educator, who delves into the critical concept of decolonizing our minds to foster more equitable relationships and effective co-management practices. She emphasizes the importance of actively listening to and learning from Indigenous Peoples, who possess a wealth of place-based knowledge accumulated over generations. Moore distinguishes between Indigenous worldviews, deeply rooted in a connection to specific lands, and the contrasting Eurocentric or Western colonial worldviews often imposed upon them.

The heart of the discussion revolves around decolonization as a process of recognizing and challenging deeply embedded colonial thought patterns that can unconsciously bias our actions and decisions. Moore contends that everyone, regardless of background, has been shaped by colonial structures, and that unpacking these influences is essential for genuine collaboration. She offers practical advice for embarking on this journey: self-reflection, patience, willingness to share knowledge, and critically examining one's own positionality or the lens through which we see the world. Ultimately, Moore stresses that decolonizing is not about seeking a singular "right" answer, but rather about cultivating a space where diverse perspectives can converge to inform more just and effective decision-making.

To pick up Dr. Moore's book:

https://www.mqup.ca/trickster-chases-the-tale-of-education-products-9780773549074.php

This podcast focuses on the co-management system in Washington State and the arduous journey it took to be implemented. In the early 1970s, there was extreme conflict between the State of Washington and the tribes over fishing rights. The Boldt decision in 1974 mandated a 50/50 split of the fish harvest between tribal and non-tribal fishers, which was met with intense political and public resistance. The situation was so chaotic that the courts had to manage the fishery. Bill Wilkerson, former director of the Washington Department of Fisheries, discusses how he and Billy Frank Jr., a prominent tribal leader, forged a friendship and found common ground in their desire to enhance the salmon resource and manage the fishery collaboratively. This led to a pilot project in 1984, where both parties worked together to manage the fishery for the summer, resulting in fewer court cases and better management. Wilkerson stresses that choosing to cooperate, even when unpopular, led to positive outcomes for the fishery and for the relationship between the state and the tribes. To pick up Bill Wilkerson's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Common-Decision-Salmon-Pacific-Northwest/dp/1737595346/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

This insightful podcast provides a unique perspective on indigenous co-management in Canada from a senior leader with decades of experience navigating the complex world of public service and Indigenous relations. In this conversation, I really enjoyed and learned from the thoughtful reflections from Michael Wernick on his career serving as Deputy Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Clerk of the Privy Council, where he gained intimate knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for reconciliation. Wernick shares sage insights and lessons learned and provides strategic advice to help influence decision-makers. With the benefit of hindsight, he also assesses progress made and the continued hard work ahead for reconciliation. This engaging discussion touches on nation-to-nation relationships, treaty rights, Indigenous co-management, and the importance of building trust through respectful collaboration at all levels of government and society. To get a plethora of co-management resources, visit www.co-management.ca

To join an excellent learning community on this topic, visit www.cloudberry.cc

To pick up Michael Wernick's book, visit https://www.ubcpress.ca/governing-canada