Conservation Ideology Revisited: Northwest Coast Myths that Teach Environmental Care

Date and Time: 
Friday, 12 May, 2017 - 08:30
Author(s): 
Anderson
, E. N. - University of California, Riverside

Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples have achieved a reputation over the last few decades for their extremely good and detailed environmental management and care, as detailed in works by Indigenous scholars such as Charles Menzies and Richard Atleo as well as settler scholars like Nancy Turner and Dana Lepofsky.  Myths have been used to teach proper and improper treatment of animals and plants.  I am now surveying recorded myths to get a full count, with attention to themes such as: punishment for disrespectful treatment (including overhunting and overcollecting); reward for respectful treatment; and actual direct instruction.