Braiding Knowledge Systems: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Research for a Regenerative Future

This Perspective explores and calls for the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems within sustainability science to address urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges. Insights emerged from a collaborative workshop held in Baawaating (Algoma District, Ontario, Canada) with knowledge holders, practitioners, scholars, and community leaders, including members from the Ketegaunseebee (Garden River) and Batchewana First Nations. The paper examines how Indigenous ways of being, thinking, and knowing can enrich sustainability research. This work focuses on mapping parallels and distinctions between Indigenous and other sustainability practices with regard to the planet, the land, and relationships. It explores systems thinking, circularity, and Two-Eyed Seeing as a way to reimagine human-land relationships through place-based knowledge and stewardship. We stress the importance of embedding purpose and intention in scientific inquiry and propose examples such as ceremonial practices, seven-generational thinking, and relational accountability. The Perspective calls for a paradigm shift beyond Western-centric and reductionist approaches, which lead to endless economic growth, toward holistic, interconnected, and intentional frameworks that respect Indigenous worldviews. A series of concrete calls to action urge sustainability researchers to integrate Indigenous knowledge respectfully, foster long-term collaborative relationships, and adopt regenerative and relational approaches in their scholarship. This will contribute to restoring the balance needed among cultures and between humanity and the natural world. Collectively, as sustainability scholars, we want to see meaningful change and encourage a paradigm shift: to embrace inclusive, holistic approaches that contribute to impactful, results-oriented actions that restore health to our world. You can do this through being advocates for change to promote reconciliation, strengthen intercultural relationships, and support greater well-being for all, and, in doing so, protect the planet by reducing ecological harm.