Research
New Canada Research Chair mobilizes Indigenous knowledge to protect the future of freshwater fish
Zoe Todd, an associate professor in 尤物视频鈥檚 (SFU) Department of Indigenous Studies, is pursuing research excellence as Canada Research Chair (CRC). Appointed as Tier 2 CRC in Indigenous Governance and Freshwater Fish Futures, Todd is finding innovative strategies to support Indigenous sovereignty and protect threatened watersheds.
As a Red River M茅tis scholar, Todd鈥檚 lifelong connection to Alberta鈥檚 waterways inspired her to advocate for fish and their habitats. 鈥淲here Indigenous sovereignty and Indigenous laws and protocols are centered, there are better outcomes for at-risk and imperiled freshwater fish species, as well as other species,鈥� says Todd of the transformational potential of decolonizing sustainability initiatives in Canada.
Todd鈥檚 scholarship is situated in the interdisciplinary field of critical Indigenous fish philosophy. 鈥淢y research incorporates science, art, and critical Indigenous studies to understand how we can come into reciprocal relationships with freshwater fish 鈥� now and into the future,鈥� says Todd. Responding to the work of the renowned Blackfoot scholar Leroy Little Bear, Todd is seeking insight into the often-hidden world of fish 鈥� including understanding the resilience fish have developed to survive catastrophes. 鈥淔ish are so multifaceted that we need every tool available to capture the lessons that they have to teach us,鈥� Todd explains.
My research incorporates science, art, and critical Indigenous studies to understand how we can come into reciprocal relationships with freshwater fish 鈥� now and into the future.
Zoe Todd, Associate Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Governance and Freshwater Fish Futures
To mobilize Indigenous knowledge about conservation and the sustainable use of waterways, Todd is facilitating collaboration between Indigenous communities and academics at a series of gatherings. 鈥淓very Indigenous nation across this country has a relationship to fish: fish are part of laws, fish are part of protocols, and kinship relations,鈥� says Todd. 鈥淭hat is a way of governing that treats fish as their own autonomous beings, rather than just as quotas or resources to be harvested.鈥�
As an artist-researcher known for her vivid and playful artwork, Todd will use her creative talents to share her research findings with a wider audience. 鈥淎rt enables me to communicate complex concepts in more dynamic ways,鈥� says Todd. 鈥淔ish have the capacity to capture people's imagination, and the science doesn't always manage to translate that to the general public.鈥� Using storytelling and visual art, Todd will curate a major immersive exhibit to bring greater awareness to the interconnected relationship between humans and freshwater fish.
Todd aims to use her research to encourage scientists, government leaders, activists, and community members to recognize the connection between taking action for reconciliation and protecting the environment. 鈥淏ased on the work that I've done over the years, I see Indigenous governance and sovereignty as the key piece to repairing the damage that has been done to freshwater fish by different complicated forces,鈥� explains Todd. 鈥淐entering Indigenous governance is also an invitation to understand and respect that tending to the places where we live, and having relationships to the land, is important.鈥�