Engaging Transformation: Using Seasonal Rounds to Anticipate Climate Change

Abstract

Seasonal rounds are deliberative articulations of a community’s sociocultural relations with their ecological system. The process of visualizing seasonal rounds informs transdisciplinary research. We present a methodological approach for communities of enquiry to engage communities of practice through context-specific sociocultural and ecological relations driven by seasonal change. We first discuss historical précis of the concept of seasonal rounds that we apply to assess the spatial and temporal communal migrations and then describe current international research among Indigenous and rural communities in North America and Central Asia by the creation of a common vocabulary through mutual respect for multiple ways of knowing, validation of co-generated knowledge, and insights into seasonal change. By investigating the relationship between specific biophysical indicators and livelihoods of local communities, we demonstrate that seasonal rounds are an inclusive and participatory methodology that brings together diverse Indigenous and rural voices to anticipate anthropogenic climate change.

Has the Adaptation‐Mitigation Binary Outlived Its Value? Indigenous Ways of Knowing Present an Alternative

“…The objective of this commentary is not to argue, yet again, for the value of local knowledge to humanity as a whole nor its significance in addressing specific global challenges such as the anthropogenic climate crisis. The contribution of Indigenous knowledge is an empirical fact and has been documented in detail elsewhere (Agrawal, 1995; Battiste & Henderson, 2000; Berkes, 2012; Ellen et al., 2000; Johnson, 1992; Kassam, 2009a; Kassam, Kaziev, et al., 2021; Kassam, Ruelle, et al., 2021; Kassam et al., 2018; Kawagley, 1995; Wenzel, 1999). Engaging in such a polemic in the third millennium gives life to an outdated and oppressive colonial legacy of academia toward Indigenous peoples.…”

“…Historically, Indigenous communities utilized ecological calendars to anticipate variation in their local environment (Clarke, 2009; Cochran et al., 2016; Kassam et al., 2011; Kassam, Kaziev, et al., 2021; Kassam, Ruelle, et al., 2021; Kassam et al., 2018; Mondragón, 2004; Prober et al., 2011; SantoDomingo et al., 2016; Turner & Singh, 2011; Woodward et al., 2012). Key livelihood activities commenced in response to biophysical cues were critical to their survival.…”

“…The seasonal changes are both integral to food and livelihood systems as well as extend to all sociocultural aspects embedded in their local ecology. Therefore, they influence human behavior in a quantum connectivity with their habitat illustrating that humans exist within their ecosystem, not outside it (Kassam, 2009a; Kassam, Kaziev, et al., 2021; Kassam, Ruelle, et al., 2021). Most Indigenous and rural societies do not undertake actions addressing climate change in a sterile binary.…”

“…The foundation of anticipatory capacity, which views adaptation and mitigation as a process, is influenced by the comprehensive and holistic attributes of Indigenous knowledge systems (Kassam, Ruelle, et al., 2021; Norton‐Smith et al., 2016). Anticipation of an event requires preparations to take place in advance.…”

Role of Biodiversity in Ecological Calendars and Its Implications for Food Sovereignty: Empirical Assessment of the Resilience of Indicator Species to Anthropogenic Climate Change

“…Because food sovereignty and security both stem from the reliability of ecological calendars, a continued reliance upon them demands careful attention. In the twenty‐first century, continued application of cocreated ecological calendars through transdisciplinary research with communities of social practice (such as Indigenous and local knowledge holders) and communities of enquiry (such as the biophysical and social sciences as well as the humanities) depends on a robust ecological foundation with species biodiversity (Kassam, Kaziev, et al., 2021 ; Kassam, Ruelle, et al., 2021 ; Kassam et al., 2018 ). As a part of the transdisciplinary Ecological Calendars for Climate Adaptation Project (ECCAP) research, our findings identify the role of specific indicator species in terms of visual or auditory cues that inform Indigenous and rural communities in coordinating their seasonal livelihood activities (Kassam, Kaziev, et al., 2021 ).…”