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Bringing distant horizons closer: Weaving together relational knowledge systems to co-produce resilient climate futures

The proposed ‘Bringing distant horizons closer’ research program is designed to address this issue by investigating the question: How can we best weave together different knowledge systems to co-produce resilient climate futures for Indigenous peoples?

The goal is to work with a number of Indigenous communities across the Pacific region to provide a comparative study of how these approaches might be able to be put into effect through a process of action research and implementation.

Project Status: Active

Funding Support: 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏClimate Innovation Seed Funds (2025): Catalyst Grant and Pollinator Award

Project Leads:

  • Michael Hathaway, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏSociology
  • Dara Kelly, Business and Society, Beedie School of Business/
  • Manuhuia Barcham, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏSchool of Interactive Arts and Technology/ Adjunct Emily Carr University

Co-creation Partners

  • Regina Baeza-Martinez, Master's Student, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏSociology
  • Mau Hatu o Rapa Nui - Council of Elders, Easter Island, Chile
  • J. Vehia Wheeler, Tautira, Tahiti, France
  • Diana Albarrán González, Binnizá/Ikoot/Ñuu Savi, Oaxaca, Mexico
  • James Miller, Waan Aelon in Majel, Republic of Marshall Islands

Expected Outcomes

The project will directly address three representative IPCC Risks:

  • Risk 1 - We focus on ways in which Indigenous Knowledge can support joint planning around protection and resiliency of these socio-ecological systems in partner community regions, ranging from atolls to oceanic islands and continental systems.
  • Risk 3 - We explore ways in which planning around infrastructures of environmental management can be augmented and supported through Indigenous modes of relational care.
  • Risk 7 - We look at ways in which Indigenous Knowledge can support the management of water through cultural practices to do with water as a vital and holistic part of broader Indigenous lifeways.