Caring for Akina Gegoo : Anishinaabe perspectives on biodiversity and conservation in Magnetawan First Nation

The conservation of biodiversity is an issue of global significance, with Nations around the world working towards collectively protecting 30% of Lands and Waters by 2030. To reach these goals, there has been particular emphasis on the important role of Indigenous Peoples in caring for the Land—yet the language within these “conservation” frameworks still come from Western ideologies and languages. In this case study with Magnetawan First Nation, we share community perspectives on biodiversity and what it means to care for the Land. Through interviews, participants reframe the term “biodiversity” to include everything— akina gegoo—not just the Land but also values, culture, and identity. This holistic approach to conservation is also explored as participants share how they have observed the Land changing over time, and how our relationships are essential for informing the ways in which we care for the Land. These perspectives from Magnetawan First Nation demonstrate how we may collectively re-frame our understanding of “biodiversity” and “conservation” so that we can all more effectively and respectfully care for akina gegoo in a good way.