Honouring Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Governance
We recognize Indigenous Knowledge as a living system held collectively by Indigenous Peoples, governed by Indigenous laws and protocols. TWC supports the implementation of Indigenous Nation defined approaches to the use, protection, and governance of Indigenous Knowledge in decision making or interactions with regulatory and project processes.
Knowledge Systems Projects
Knowledge Systems
By maintaining clear distinctions between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Western science, and regulatory requirements, we support informed decision making, meaningful participation, and approaches to development that respect Indigenous jurisdiction, consent, and self determination.
How We Work:
TWC provides technical and process support across Indigenous-led, collaborative, and statutory assessment contexts. We work collaboratively with Indigenous Nations to articulate their priorities and expectations and develop methodologies to assess how proposed activities intersect with Indigenous Rights, relationships with the land, and ways of life.
Our services include:
- Indigenous Knowledge studies
- Indigenous-led assessments
- Support Indigenous-led review of project materials
- Development of culturally grounded engagement and assessment tools
Deanna Higginson, MNRES, RPBio
Principal, Knowledge Systems
Deanna Higginson is passionate about working at the interface of Indigenous Knowledge and Western science, and brings over 15 years of experience working on Knowledge Systems projects. From acting as the Technical Director for an environmental assessment involving numerous Individual-led assessments to leading community-based knowledge and lands use studies, Deanna’s experience spans a variety of sectors and regulatory jurisdictions, including socio-environmental, regulatory, and engagement-related services. Deanna works to foster technical excellence and best practices to help support the successful delivery of projects and complementation of Knowledge Systems.
