This write-up was originally featured in our Spring 2025 Trail Break issue.

Minogiizhigaabo indizhinikaaz, Gaa-Miskwaabekong indoonjiba, Migizi indoodem.

Boozhoo, hello. Within my traditional introduction (above) I shared that my spirit name is Standing in the Good Sky, I am from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and I belong to the Eagle clan.

As the term Traditional Ecological Knowledge, or TEK, gains increasingly more light in the environmental and sustainability world, it’s good to take a step back and review the basics. TEK is an invaluable wisdom derived from Indigenous peoples’ direct and prolonged interactions with their environment. Backed by thousands of years of careful observation, hands-on experimentation, and consistent adaptation, TEK provides a sustainable roadmap to interact with various ecosystems.

One core principle of TEK is that natural resources should be considered our relatives. The use of the word “resources” objectifies nature and views it as something to be extracted and used. Referring to nature and all the beings within it as our relatives encourages us to respect and revere every form of life. This deep relationship to the world around us sparks commitment to preservation and sustainable use.

This isn’t to say we don’t utilize our relatives. Many Native Americans are actively hunting, fishing, and gathering under various treaties that were signed with the U.S. Government. These acts, however, are underpinned by the concept of reciprocity, which calls for a balanced exchange with the environment. It urges us to offset our resource utilization with acts of gratitude, conservation, and restoration, fostering a harmonious relationship with our surroundings.

Our reverence and respect for our environment are even ingrained in our languages. Nouns in the Ojibwe language are categorized into animate (living, such as a tree) and inanimate (not living, such as a book). This is the idea that living beings like trees, animals, and even rocks have a spirit, intelligence, and power. One word I use to describe this is asabikeshiinh. Translated literally, this word refers to “the net maker.” This is our word for spider, whom we have observed making intricate nets and strong webs that support families of spiders. In this word, we’ve recognized the spider’s intelligence, its ability to create, and that its being deserves to be recognized through animacy and reverence.

I hope this helps readers understand the importance of the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge into environmental and sustainability initiatives. Let our relatives, such as asabikeshiinh, and TEK serve as guides in our work to develop more sustainable relationships with the land. If you want to learn more or have any questions, Good Sky Guidance is dedicated to integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into environmental initiatives and advising institutions on respectful tribal community engagement.