Examining Resilience among Indigenous Peoples using a Community Capitals Framework

Transcription

1 Examining Resilience among Indigenous Peoples using a Community Capitals Framework Presentation at the 12 th Annual Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium November 6, 2015 Duane A. Gill Department of Sociology Oklahoma State University Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Native Studies University of Alberta Liesel Ashley Ritchie University of Colorado Boulder

2 Most Indigenous cultures have existed thousands of years providing a unique perspective on our contemporary concept of resilience. What can we learn about resilience from these cultures and how can we transfer this understanding to contemporary efforts to improve resilience? The Community Capitals Framework examines community capacity in terms of different forms of capital. Draw on research conducted with First Nations in British Columbia and Alberta to better understand resilience.

3 This presentation builds on Flora and Flora and their Community Capitals Framework The CCF is a practical framework for researchers, practitioners, and local stakeholders with respect to disaster resilience. Based on Flora and Flora s (1993) concept of resource mobilization, adapted to concentrate on how to most effectively mobilize resources throughout the disaster cycle. Addresses a critical need to further engage in dialogue about how to effectively build community resilience.

4 Built Capital Financial Capital Natural Capital Cultural Capital Vital economy Healthy ecosystem Social equity Community Resilience Human Capital Political Capital Social Capital * Adapted from Flora and Flora.

5 Natural Capital resources (air, land, water, minerals, energy, biodiversity) and overall stability of ecosystems. Natural capital is the source of all life vital to human survival and fundamental to society. Natural capital provides possibilities and limits to human action it influences & is influenced by human actions. In the context of resilience, natural capital represents basic necessities that support human life. A community s relationship with its natural environment influences how it prepares for and responds to disasters.

6 Cultural Capital language, symbols, mannerisms, preferences, attitudes, and orientations. Cultural capital determines how we see the world, what we take for granted, what we value, and what things we think possible to change. Cultural capital influences a community s capacity to draw on its collective experiences and shared values, which enhances resilience. Disaster subcultures and local knowledge are important aspects of cultural capital. Cultural capital helps to cultivate other forms of capital including but not limited to social capital, political capital, and financial capital.

7 Social Capital social networks, associations, and the reciprocity and trust generated by them among individuals, groups, and communities. Social capital generally enhances a community s ability to work toward collective goals, which is necessary for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It contributes to resilience by enhancing sense of belonging and by strengthening bonds between individuals and groups. Bridging social capital affords connections needed to solicit and leverage external support. Social capital also facilitates access to other forms of capital essential to resilience.

8 Human Capital knowledge, skills, education, health, and physical ability. Human capital is fundamental to community resilience in that economic development and capacity building require a skilled, trained workforce. Knowledge and skills for preparing and responding to disasters are part of human capital. Human capital facilitates efforts in all stages of disasters, ranging from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery. Preparations for public health and mental health consequences of disasters are important considerations.

9 Political Capital the ability to access resources, the power to influence their distribution, and the ability to engage external entities in efforts to achieve local goals. The ability of a group mobilize its norms and values to influence standards, regulations & enforcement of regulations that determine whether community capitals are enhanced, degraded, or ignored. The power, authority, and connections (both within and external to a community) that are associated with political capital are essential to ensuring community resilience. Effective and responsible use of political capital can foster resilience by actively involving vulnerable populations in pre- and post-disaster planning and by ensuring that traditionally underrepresented groups have a voice.

10 Financial capital also provides a basis for political capital, which in turn affects emergency management and disaster-related policies. Financial Capital financial savings, income, investments, and available credit. Financial capital has significant implications for disaster resilience. In contemporary society, of all the capitals, financial capital it is the most easily converted to other forms of capital. For example, post-disaster investment of financial capital may result in reconstruction of roads and bridges, or construction of new facilities (built capital). It can enhance human capital by funding education and training.

11 Built Capital physical infrastructure and lifelines in a community, as well as critical facilities and services. In the event of a disaster, built capital (e.g., roads, bridges, waterways, sewer and water systems, pipelines, telecommunications systems, power plants, public transportation) may be rendered inaccessible or it may be damaged or destroyed, necessitating repair or reconstruction. Disruption of critical services (e.g., medical, public safety and protection) is also likely following a disaster; resumption of these is vital to recovery and the manner in which this is accomplished influences a community s resilience. The built environment may also be a source of technological hazards.

12 Community capitals are Related and interactive Built Capital Financial Capital Collectively available within given communities Assets that may be wisely invested, spent, and misspent Used to advance community growth, sustainable development, and resilience Natural Capital Cultural Capital Vital economy Healthy ecosystem Social equity Community Resilience Political Capital Social Capital Exercised to enhance overall quality of life Human Capital

13 Understanding the extent to which various forms of capital exist in a community can help to inform efforts to increase resilience. Ritchie and Gill Variable effects Emergence Interdependent and interrelated aspects Issues of measurement Stakeholder interests Community valuation Stakeholder access Community access, understanding, and use

14 For example, political capital may be used to access financial capital and human capital which, in turn, facilitate the restoration of natural capital and the recovery of built capital. All forms of capital are necessary for a resilient community; however, none are sufficient in and of themselves. Typically, built and financial capital receive more attention and priority in disaster planning partly because they are more tangible and more easily measured than other types of capital. Fostering resilience necessitates consideration of each of the capitals and the ways in which they work together. Some forms of capital must be spent or invested to restore other forms.

15 Historically, Indigenous People generated and consumed their own products and distributed them based on extended clan and community ties instead of a market system. By engaging in harvesting and processing of traditional foods, Indigenous People owned and controlled their own means of production and thus did not sell their labour. Instead, labour was associated with harvesting, processing, storing, and sharing rather than being a commodity to obtain financial capital. Instead of prospering in terms of money and financial capital, subsistence relationships yielded an abundance of social capital.

16 A traditional culture closely tied to the environment and rich in social capital is resilient as long as the environment continues to produce renewable natural resources. Sociocultural activities of Indigenous People are intertwined with seasonal cycles. As the seasons change, so do socio-cultural activities that teach and reinforce the lessons each season brings. This intimate relationship between culture and the natural environment and to seasonal cycles permeates self-identity.

17 A bioregion is a part of the earth s surface whose rough boundaries are determined by natural rather than human dictates, distinguishable from other areas by attributes of flora, fauna, water, climate, soils and landforms and the human settlements and cultures those attributes have given rise to. The general contours of the regions themselves are not hard to identify, and indeed will probably be felt, understood or sensed, in some way known to many of the inhabitants, particularly those still rooted in the land; those still in touch with a culture that for centuries knew the earth as sacred and its well-being as imperative. (Kirkpatrick Sale 1974:227).

18 From the beginning of time, the Gitga at people have existed in their Territory on what is now British Columbia s northwest coast. The wellbeing of their people is intricately related to the health of their lands, waters, and resources, and the community continues to work to sustain their abundance and richness. Gitga at culture is strengthening, and traditional practices continue to shape day to day life in the village. ~ Statement from the official Gitga at website:

19 Water is everything for our people In a sense, water is life. If you don t have water you wouldn t have life. It is very valuable in the east Athabasca deltas for vegetation to thrive; for animals to thrive. You need water in certain areas for certain species to survive. Water is an essential element of livelihood in the Delta and to keep people continuing their traditional way of living. ~ MCFN member

20 Cosmovisión spirituality and lifescape Sense of place and place names Ways of knowing Language history Local knowledge Harvesting practices Ceremonies Identity Capacity for long term considerations

21 Traditional Indigenous cultures have networks of sharing of resources (e.g., food) within kin and clan groups that builds bonding social capital. First Nations traditional trade with each other that builds bridging social capital. Strong sense of community and social support. Social capital at these levels is essential for a resilient community.

22 Traditional Indigenous cultures have networks of sharing of Indigenous People have different forms of human capital skills of harvesting, processing, and storing traditional foods. Keepers of the lands and waters conservation practices; hazard management. Contemporary Indigenous People tend to lack Western types of human capital especially in professions such as law, medicine, science, etc. Rely on outsiders for some of these services.

23 Traditionally, financial capital was non-existent. Western contact introduced a cash economy. Most contemporary Indigenous communities lack strong financial capital.

24 Most contemporary Indigenous communities do not have the same levels of political capital as their non-indigenous counterparts. Lack political clout not being included in decisions that affect them. Leads to infringements of treaty rights.

25 Traditional Indigenous communities typically had an adequate built environment using materials from the local environment. Most contemporary Indigenous communities have lower standards of infrastructure, lifelines, buildings, etc., compared to Western standards.

26 Natural capital is the foundation of Indigenous resilience traditionally fostered strong cultural and social capital. Many Indigenous communities struggle to protect natural capital and face threats to cultural and social capital. They lack the levels of human, political, and financial capital to protect their interests. These vulnerabilities diminish resilience.

27 We all can learn an important lesson from the value of natural capital. No matter what your cause, it is a lost cause if we do not protect the environment.

28 Discussion