As It Is Above, So It Is Below: Repositioning Indigenous Knowledge Systems within Ecosocial Work

This article explores the development of Indigenous knowledge in relation to the ecosystem and how traditional concepts of planetary well-being can enhance ecosocial work approaches. From an academic point of view, ecosocial work is a unique paradigm that seeks to understand a holistic view of human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability. There is a strong focus on community development in ecosocial work, which is why the profession must be equipped with tools to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized groups including refugees and First Nations peoples. While these threats to human life and planetary well-being are well documented, little is known about the divergence of Indigenous epistemology in ecosocial work and how cultural strategies can enhance recovery and resilience building with community. Connecting cultural knowledge with contemporary ecosocial work theory and practice can provide effective pathways for communities suffering from grief and loss. This article explores Indigenous perspectives on living symbiotically with the natural world alongside traditional approaches toward enhancing community wellness. As Indigenous academics, the authors tell this story.