An environmental scan is a systematic process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information from various sources to understand the landscape surrounding a particular topic or issue. Unlike a literature review that searches for published, peer-reviewed articles, an environmental scan also examines unpublished literature and publicly available information. In research, the environmental scan helps to map out the existing knowledge, identify gaps, and guide future decisions. Traditionally, these scans are conducted by reviewing academic articles, government reports, and other key publications to synthesize the most relevant and current information.
However, when we, as First Nations, conduct an environmental scan, it is not just about compiling data from Western academic sources. Our approach goes beyond the traditional literature review to reflect the deep-rooted knowledge systems that have guided our communities for generations. Our knowledge is not simply written in books or journals, it is lived, breathed, and passed down through oral traditions, ceremonies, and our connection to the land, waterways, and spirit. You can see an example of an Environmental Scan that The Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre (Alberta FNIGC) and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) worked on together in this video: The Indigenous Cancer Research and The Cancer Data Landscape—An Environmental Scan.
Grounding Our Environmental Scans in Indigenous Wisdom
At Alberta FNIGC, we take an Indigenous approach to environmental scans. This means we incorporate our unique worldview, which is grounded in the teachings of the four directions, the land, and our waterways. These guiding principles allow us to honour the wisdom of our ancestors while navigating modern research processes.
The Four Directions
The four directions—North, East, South, and West—are more than cardinal points on a compass. They represent interconnected aspects of life, such as the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. When conducting an environmental scan, we look to the four directions to ensure our approach is balanced. For instance, we might explore:
- North: Focus on the intellectual and knowledge-based aspects of the research, such as literature and data from mainstream sources.
- East: Where the sun rises and represents new beginnings, we may engage with Elders, knowledge keepers, and other community members to gather oral teachings and emerging stories.
- South: Grounded in relationships, we may turn to the collective memory and experiences of our communities, focusing on the social, emotional, and communal aspects.
- West: Associated with reflection and introspection, we consider how the research ties into our spiritual beliefs and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Land and Waterways
Incorporating the land and waterways into our environmental scans means recognizing that knowledge is not just something to be found in books or data but also in the earth itself. The land holds our history, and the waterways are the veins of life that connect us to the past, present, and future. As we gather and analyze information, we remain mindful of how our people have always turned to the land and waters for answers and sustenance.
Merging Western Research with Indigenous Knowledge
While the environmental scan is a valuable tool for mapping out knowledge, our infusion of Indigenous wisdom makes it more meaningful. By grounding our process in the four directions, the land, and waterways, we ensure that our research is not only comprehensive but also deeply reflective of who we are as First Nations people. This approach strengthens our work, empowering us to tell our own stories in a way that honours both our past and our future.
Through this balance of Western methods and Indigenous approaches, we can make informed decisions that benefit our communities while staying true to our cultural identity.