Sustainability from the Perspectives of Indigenous Leaders in the Bioregion Defined by the Pacific Salmon Runs of North America
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SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF INDIGENOUS LEADERS IN THE BIOREGION DEFINED BY THE PACIFIC SALMON RUNS OF NORTH AMERICA by DAVID EDWARD HALL A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in SYSTEMS SCIENCE: PSYCHOLOGY Portland State University 2008 ABSTRACT An abstract of the dissertation of David Edward Hall for the Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Science: Psychology presented June 10, 2008. Title: Sustainability from the Perspectives of Indigenous Leaders in the Bioregion Defined by the Pacific Salmon Runs of North America Extensive research suggests that the collective behavior of humanity is on an unsustainable path. As the evidence mounts and more people awaken to this reality, increased attention is being dedicated to the pursuit of answers for a just and sustainable future. This dissertation grew from the premise that effectively moving towards sustainability requires change at all levels of the dominant Western culture, including deeply held worldviews. The worldviews of many indigenous cultures offer alternative values and beliefs that can contribute to addressing the root causes of problems related to sustainability. In the bioregion defined by the Pacific Salmon runs of North America there is a rich heritage and modern day presence of diverse indigenous cultures. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 indigenous leaders from within this bioregion to explore their mental models of sustainability. These interviews followed a general structure that covered: (a) the personal background and community affiliation of each interviewee; (b) the meaning of the concept of sustainability from their perspective; (c) visions of a sustainable future for their communities; and, (d) how to achieve such a future. A content analysis of the interviews was conducted and summarized into a narrative organized to correspond with the general interview structure. A process of testimonial validity established that most participants found the narrative to be an accurate representation of their perspectives. Participant feedback led to several phrasing changes and other identified issues are discussed, including one participant’s critique of the narrative’s use of a first-person plural voice. Major themes from the interviews include the role of the human being as caretaker actively participating in the web of life, the importance of simultaneously restoring culture and ecology due to their interdependence, the need to educate and build awareness, and the importance of cooperation. Understanding who we are as a living species, including our profound connection with nature, along with a holistic and intergenerational perspective are suggested as prerequisite for balancing and aligning human modes of being with the larger patterns of life. The closing discussion addresses the importance of social action and going beyond a conceptual understanding to an embodiment of sustainability. Dedicated to past, present, and future citizens of Salmon Nation ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project would not have been possible without the support and inspiration of Mother Earth, and many people there within. Much gratitude is felt for each of the below individuals for their respective contributions that helped make this project what it is. My heartfelt appreciation to each of the project participants: Antone Minthorn (Cayuse), Carol Craig (Yakama), Dennis Martinez (O'odham / Anglo / Chicano), Guujaaw (Haida), Jeannette Armstrong (Syilx), Joeneal Hicks (Ahtna), Kathryn Martin (Ahtna), Larry Merculieff (Aleut), Nicholas Jackson (Ahtna), Nichole Maher (Tlingit), Roberta Conner (Cayuse), Shawn Yanity (Stillaguamish), Wilson Justin (Althsetnay). The knowledge and perspective as shared by each of these individuals is the true source of the value delivered by this project. Further thanks to their assistants and co-workers who helped with arrangements and logistics, including April Davis, Donita Sue Fry, Feather Huesties, Gloria Stickwan, Helen Morrison, and Suezan Pierce. Thanks to my committee, Dr. Jan Haaken, The Honorable Elizabeth Furse, Dr. Eric Mankowski, Dr. Wayne Wakeland, and Dr. Virginia Butler, for humbly fulfilling their duties as guardians of the degree, for their direction and guidance, for challenging me to confront my assumptions, and for encouraging me to produce high quality work. Much appreciation to all of the undergraduate research assistants who contributing their time, effort, skills and intellect to the project, including Michelle Emery, Brianna Finney, Derek Valldejuli-Gardner, Price McCloud Johnson, Kelly Henry, Linda Rand, and Jenessa Roberti. Many thanks to Craig Jacobson and Elizabeth Woody of Ecotrust, who helped with project development and support at various stages. Thanks to Dr. Keith James who also aided in the early conception and development of the project idea. Thanks to David Karabelnikoff, and PC Peri for their efforts in filming each of the interviews, as well as Caleb Heymann for editing two of the interviews into video pieces. Thanks to Dan Handleman of the Flying Focus Video Collective for providing the vehicle to air the two videos on public access television. Appreciation also goes out to Kay Reid of the Institute for Tribal Governance (ITG) and Charles Hudson of the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) for advice on filming interviews and enabling use of the ITG’s camera equipment. Inexpressible gratitude goes out to my incredible family. Especially my wife, Lisa Lammert, who offered unwavering love, patience, support, and tolerance of the perpetual excuse, “sorry, I have to work on my dissertation.” Lisa, I’m so grateful for all the joy you bring into my life. And to my parents, Ronald and Sherry Hall, thank you for instilling in me a set of values that embrace a broader sense of self, and for the stable foundation that has enabled exploration of who I truly am. Appreciation goes to my brother, Loren Hall, who offers an infectiously provocative view and approach to life. As he always says, I’m glad we’re on the same team. Thanks to all the Shambala Warriors of the global community who recognize the profound injustices humanity is perpetuating on the planet and ourselves. I’ve been enriched by many perspectives, and inspired by visions of hope. I look forward to continuing this journey in your company. Finally, to All That Is, which enables the marvelous gift of Life. May we be grateful and wise enough to treat this gift with care and respect. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................... ii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... v LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... vi PREFACE Author’s Perspective .......................................................................... vii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................... 1 Overview of aims ................................................................................ 3 Rationale for Method ........................................................................... 5 Project Approach ................................................................................. 6 Document Structure ............................................................................. 6 Summary .............................................................................................. 6 II OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY ................................................ 8 An Unsustainable Trajectory ............................................................... 8 Aligning the Spheres of Ecology, Society and Economy .................. 12 III CULTURE AND WORLDVIEWS ................................................... 17 Culture................................................................................................ 17 Worldviews ........................................................................................ 19 Reconnecting with the problem and purpose of this study ................ 25 Mental Models ................................................................................... 26 Unique Meaning of Sustainability ..................................................... 27 IV ESTABLISHING CONTEXT ........................................................... 30 Bioregional focus ............................................................................... 30 Brief History of Native Peoples within Salmon Nation..................... 35 Modern Historical Context ................................................................ 37 Today and towards the future ............................................................ 40 V METHODS ........................................................................................ 42 Overview of Research Approach ....................................................... 42 Participants ......................................................................................... 42 Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews ..................................... 44 Data Management & Content Analysis ............................................. 45 Determination of Quality ................................................................... 50 Ethical Considerations ....................................................................... 52 iv VI RESULTS .........................................................................................