Interconnectedness
“Our world is interconnected, and as part of this we have a responsibility to operate as a part of it, not as the masters of it. First nations people have long believed that since it is the land that nurtures people, it is the people who possess a sacred responsibility to protect it.”- LLSD, BC
Interconnectedness in Mi’kmaq Culture
In Indigenous culture, the concept of interconnectedness is a core mindset- focused on the belief that everything in the world is connected, that every species or object has a purpose, should be cared for, valued, and respected, and everything has an important role in making everything a whole. It is a very all-encompassing view that makes people more aware of the world around them and reconnects them with nature to help bring awareness of their actions and impact on the environment.
This way of thinking incorporates ecology, sustainability, climate, science as well as holistic and traditional practices passed down through generations. This mindset states that everything is connected, and if any part is exploited or neglected the entire system will be affected.
Developing a connection with the world around you helps you build a relationship and appreciation for the natural world and help develop a sense of environmental responsibility and accountability, which helps an individual reduce their impact and live in a more sustainable way.
Kieran Johnson - Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission
“I've learned a lot, really just from being with my elders and elder, Albert Marshall, I talk with him a lot. And he's so amazing to talk to. And he said that "nature is a reflection of us." So if it's healthy, and it's thriving, and it's productive, then so are we, right? So it's really just about it's just about being very connected. It's about a very given take. It's, it's about responsibility. It's about respect. It's about, there's a term called Msit No’Kmaq- All My Relations, so it's really it's just the kind of like a humbling statement. It's really just everything's connected. It's acknowledging it's reminding us that all of us are connected. We are not better than anything else. I'm not better than the woods over there. I'm not better than the trees, they're not working for me like it is a complete two way relationship. So I'm not better than anything else here. I'm not superior to anything else here”
“There is a tendency today to say “that’s not Mi’kmaq” and thus miss useful information, processes or tools. But, that is not reflective of how we did things in the past- we welcomed new insights from strangers and traded with other people. Everything is interconnecting.” - Murdena Marshall