The rise of moose co-management and integration of Indigenous knowledge

Abstract

Co-management of resources among Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments offers a holistic approach that invites the inclusion of indigenous knowledge (IK) into conservation and management planning. Although numbers of co-management agreements in Canada are increasing, broad integration of IK-derived information in wildlife management has been limited, leaving an enormous gap in scientific understanding that could otherwise aid in conservation and management initiatives. In this article, we emphasize how wildlife management has benefited from IK integration, often fostered through co-management initiatives, by highlighting several examples of successful past and emerging moose (Alces alces) co-management and IK integration initiatives across Canada. Our examples demonstrate that co-management and IK integration is beneficial in all cases and has resulted in initiatives aimed toward ensuring the sustainability of moose for generations to come.