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Canadian Mountain Network releases reports to support sustainable development and Indigenous Peoples’ rights

06.02.2023

Advancing sustainability is the foundation for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the leading framework for international cooperation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Another document, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Both the UNDRIP and the SDGs are necessary frameworks for ensuring sustainable development.

Given the global significance of Canada's iconic mountain regions and beyond, the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) – a member of the Mountain Partnership – is committed to advancing the SDGs and UNDRIP through the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. To that end, CMN has released a series of landmark reports, prepared in collaboration with Vancouver Island University's Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. The first report titled Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the Canadian Mountain Network demonstrates CMN's collective impact on the SDGs. A second report titled Reconciliation Through Research: Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems for the Wellbeing of Mountain People, Places, and Beyond further demonstrates CMN's work towards the SDGs and UNDRIP. A companion discussion paper highlights CMN's support of Canada's commitments to the SDGs, UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.

These reports highlight and share CMN's research approach, which consists of braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in ways that align with the overarching spirit and intent of the SDGs and UNDRIP. Furthermore, these reports illustrate the impacts and potential of braiding Indigenous knowledge and Western science in Canadian mountain systems and beyond to accelerate Canada's capacity to deliver on its international commitments.

Leon Andrew, Principal Investigator, CMN, said, "We depend on Indigenous Peoples' knowledge of their land as they know what is happening. We have hope that young people can find their way forwards and can continue being stewards of the land, water and wildlife in their regions."

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