Environmental Communication and Conciliation: Exploring Arts-Based and Indigenous Approaches

This book explores methods of bringing environmentalist, art-based and Indigenous ways of knowing and being into dialogue to improve relationships with the Earth and Her First Peoples.

Geo Takach argues two of the most massive, complex and horrifying crimes visited by humanity on the Earth and its renters are, first, environmental devastation on multiple fronts, and second, the continuing dishonour, dispossession and attempted eradication and erasure of the planet's First Peoples. This work addresses these crises by allying two compatible modes of thought and inquiry situated beyond dominant 'Western' research paradigms in pursuit of sustaining a healthier planet and a more just society. The first of these modes is arts-based research, drawing on methods of information-gathering, synthesis, analysis and presentation from artistic disciplines to engage and inspire our hearts as well as our minds. The second is Indigenist research, which follows guiding principles that may be compatible with arts-based and environmentalist thought.

Rooted in communication and cultural studies, this multimodal exploration builds an analytical foundation for such an alliance by exploring causes and challenges common to forms of colonization that have led to ongoing global crises. From there, Takach investigates how Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, knowledge-keepers and scholars can interweave arts-based and Indigenous perspectives to make meaning and create evocative communications impressing the urgent need for greater environmental protection - while also building and maintaining more respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing and being.