Nova Scotia is part of Mi’kma’ki, an Indigenous territory belonging to the Mi’kmaq people.

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Green Wave Halifax is based on this unceded territory and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the traditional Mi’kmaq teachings that influence our sustainable mission.

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Mi'kmaq teachings offer profound insights into the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and this helps challenge mainstream perspectives that emphasize separation from nature

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Mi'kmaq understandings emphasize that humans are an integral part of creation, inseparable from nature. Elders often advocate for "connectedness" and stress the importance of the interdependency between humans and the environment. Like mainstream sustainability discourse, Mi'kma'ki understandings of the environment focus on supporting our everyday needs including the air that gets produced from the trees around us to the ground that provides with room to step on. We must know to not abuse our surroundings and take only what we need.

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Additionally, Indigenous knowledge introduces another vital concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing," which encourages the integration of Indigenous and Western pieces of knowledge. This approach recognizes that both perspectives have strengths and can work in harmony. It requires a continuous, conscious effort to respect differences and leverage shared strengths, offering collaborative and holistic problem-solving.

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For the Mi'kmaq, language is more than a means of communication; it shapes one’s worldview and influences how one treats the natural world. Mi'kmaq language features a unique verb tense known as the healing tense. This facilitates healing in relationships and helps acknowledges the ongoing reconciliation process by emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with people, not through guilt but through open conversation and understanding. 

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Mi'kmaq spirituality takes notes from a creative Higher Power present in all of nature. This recognition of the spirit within all creation strengthens the approach toward environmental stewardship and relationships. Mi'kmaq stories close the gap between humans and animals, recognizing the subjectivity and rights of nature.

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The "seven-generation principle" is an Indigenous sustainability practice reimagining a sustainable way of thinking about sustainable resource management. The idea considers the potential impact of immediate actions on the integrity of the next seven generations after us. The idea is rooted in the understanding that our actions and decisions have consequences that can affect the future far beyond an immediate gain of money or resources. By looking ahead to the well-being of the next seven generations, this principle encourages responsible and sustainable practices that prioritize the long-term health of the environment and our community.

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While the specific interpretation and application of the knowledge varies among different indigenous cultures, the overarching theme is to promote intergenerational responsibility and environmental consciousness. It highlights the importance of thinking beyond short-term, self-centred gains and considering the lasting effects of our choices on our surroundings. 

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Emerging sustainability initiatives like Green Wave Halifax are increasingly harmonizing with the inherent connectedness found in indigenous wisdom. Yet, the depth of knowledge imparted by Elders emphasizes the gaps in our understanding of modern, conscientious lifestyles, sustainable development, and resource utilization.