Indigenous Nurses' Worldviews and the Contested Space of Climate Discourse

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Indigenous Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Climate change poses significant threats to Indigenous communities globally.
• Existing research often overlooks Indigenous perspectives on environmental issues.
• Indigenous peoples possess unique knowledge systems crucial for understanding climate impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three Indigenous worldviews on climate change impacts.
• To explore the role of Indigenous nurses in climate action.
• To analyze climate change as a structurally racist and colonizing force.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis integrating Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies.
• Author-driven narratives grounded in lived experiences.
• Discourse analysis of climate change as a social and political issue.

Main Results:

• Climate change exacerbates existing inequities faced by Indigenous peoples.
• Indigenous worldviews offer distinct insights into ecological understanding and adaptation.
• Climate change impacts are intrinsically linked to colonial legacies and systemic racism.

Conclusions:

• Climate activism must prioritize Indigenous justice and self-determination.
• Challenging Western economic and capitalist paradigms is essential for climate solutions.
• Centering Indigenous voices and knowledge is critical for effective climate action.