# Indigenous Perspectives

> Explore the importance of Indigenous perspectives in the search for a sustainable future of Canada's waterways.

We strive to actively involve Indigenous communities in our work for a sustainable marine shipping sector that is safe, vibrant, and inclusive for now and future generations. We seek to bring all voices together for informed and respectful conversations about shipping issues.

Our organization seeks to:

Create awareness among Indigenous communities of Clear Seas’ priorities and activities

Learn about Indigenous communities’ perspectives on marine shipping issues

Identify areas where Clear Seas can contribute to addressing marine shipping issues using research capacity, communication, and convening power

Recognize and involve Traditional Knowledge* in Clear Seas’ research  

Collaborate with Indigenous communities to lead research activities, and provide employment and business opportunities 

Build respectful relationships between Clear Seas and Indigenous communities 

*Traditional Knowledge is a system of knowledge or way of knowing specific to Indigenous People. It comes from their cultural heritage, traditional lifestyles and the strong relationship they cultivate with the natural environment. Traditional Knowledge includes deep understanding and insights into traditional subsistence and resource harvesting practices as well as extensive knowledge of environmentally sensitive and culturally significant coastal areas.

With the establishment of the Indigenous Internship Program, Clear Seas is developing stronger connections with Indigenous communities and Indigenous youth through supporting research projects of relevance to them. We are committed to sharing knowledge widely for better decisions. 

Clear Seas has clearly delineated our role as a supporter by:

Delivering funding in partnership with Mitacs

Providing mentorship and support

Making connections to academic and industry stakeholders

Identifying training opportunities with academic institutions

Supporting youth to develop specific skills necessary for the completion of their research as well as their broader educational goals

Creating a more inclusive and diverse maritime sector is another priority of Clear Seas' Indigenous programs. Indigenous people are leaders in marine stewardship living on Canada’s coastlines – and want meaningful participation in the maritime industry. Industry employers are facing an employee shortage across the sector. Clear Seas' Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Pathways (IMCAP) seeks to support employers in creating an inclusive workplace to attract and retain Indigenous people and provide Indigenous people with training and support to successfully transition to a new career.

Our commitment to supporting Indigenous-led research has allowed Clear Seas a deeper understanding of Indigenous priorities and research gaps, further informing the development of our own research program. This also identifies areas of opportunity for academics and others seeking to engage with First Nations and Inuit on marine shipping issues.

Our Shipping and Ocean Conservation Integration (SOC-I) Program deepens these connections by engaging in conversations about ocean conservation issues that matter to communities, supported by shipping data.

Clear Seas will continue to work to decolonialize language, to use appropriate and inclusive terms in our verbal and written communications, both formal and casual, and to present Indigenous cultures in a realistic and insightful manner that reflects Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives about themselves.

Internship Program

Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program

Shipping and Ocean Conservation Integration Program