We work with our Indigenous partners to facilitate Knowledge Circles and cultivate relationships to find robust and balanced solutions in our communities
Nature plays an integral role in our future; it helps us navigate climate change, increase mental health and is a source of knowledge and inspiration for achieving balance and sustainable solutions.
Local and Indigenous Knowledge has an essential role to play as we implement nature-based solutions and pave the way forward. It is because of this that The Land Between initiated Knowledge Circles- events aimed at sharing local knowledge, finding cooperative solutions, and building capacity through new relationships.
Knowledge circles can be used to bring together disparate groups, or as forums for municipalities, also for community and conservation groups, school groups and classes, and even to assist start up efforts find solutions.
What are Knowledge Circles?
Knowledge Circles are traditional democratic and inclusive forums to gain insight, find solutions and also build capacity for our communities. They reintroduce the Talking Circle, a traditional form of governance used by The Land Between charity and by First Nations today. In the circle, an eagle feather is passed from one participant to another as a testament of truth, knowledge, and faith. In this way, Knowledge Circles share the experiences and expertise of those who work on and with the land. More than ever, it is imperative and wise to include the diversity of all stakeholders in order to find innovative and fair solutions to navigate the challenges our ecosystems and wildlife face.
Knowledge Circles were held in 2017, 2018, and 2020 across The Land Between region, from Georgian Bay to the Ottawa Valley. Stay tuned for future Knowledge Circles!
View the proceedings from our 2017 initiatives here!
Inclusive Leadership
In a modern world with growing populations and development, the widening spread between wealth and poverty, and declining environmental quality, issues and decisions making become more complex. In these times, responsible management must involve inclusive leadership. Inclusive leadership is the only way to implement solutions that respect the rights of all citizens of the world. As part of the Knowledge Circles initiative, we have developed several tools to curriculum for inclusive governance.
Inclusive Governance Toolkit Curriculum: A Manual for Grassroots Efforts and Inclusive Leadership
- This curriculum manual is one of three guides that together form a toolkit. The toolkit supports the adoption of inclusive, good-governance in organizations and grassroots efforts. The complete toolkit provides knowledge, concepts, and materials to support all stages and elements of organizational development, management, and operations. This curriculum manual is primary, as it concentrates on learning about the principles of inclusivity and good governance; it provides modules that enable you to practice these ideologies and provides suggestions and methods for you to integrate them within your efforts.
Policies & Procedures Sample Toolkit
- This document aims to assist in providing guidance to members of social sector organizations who seek to implement the tenants of inclusive leadership within their governing structures. It contains a series of policies and practices with an emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness that can be adopted by a wide range of organizations.
Traditional Knowledge & Teachings Toolkit: Seeing Leadership Through Many Eyes
- This resource outlines inclusive leadership according to selected Indigenous and cross-cultural teachings, perspectives, and worldviews.
Supporting Resources for Inclusive Governance:
Additionally, you can check out our investigation into governance structures for regional non-profit endeavours - Around the Circle in 365 Days.
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