The traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of Aboriginal peoples is mainly shared informally, through the stories and teachings of Elders and other keepers of traditional knowledge. Western science, on the other hand, tends to be communicated through formal documentation and measurement like writing in textbooks and in scientific journals, and proven through lab experiments and tests. There is, however, a growing need to increase people's understanding of both traditional and western scientific knowledge about the environment. As a result, jobs like TEK advisor and environmental trainer are becoming more popular and focus on sharing traditional and western scientific knowledge about the environment. Where do you learn most of your information about the environment?

Wondering if a job in communication is for you? If the majority of these statements apply to you, you could be headed in the direction of a communications-related job.

  • I think it’s important to share my knowledge about the environment, both traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge, to help others learn how to respect and care for the environment.
  • Coming up with ideas with my friends on how to help the environment—such as recycling—is fun, and I enjoy getting my school involved in these ideas.
  • I’m concerned about the environment, and I enjoy talking to others about things that we can do to help the environment.
  • In the future, I’d like to be a role model for Aboriginal students and help them make choices that will lead them to live healthy and productive lives.
  • I enjoy working with other people, and I’m not afraid of public speaking.
  • I know or am interested in learning my Aboriginal language, so I can communicate with more people.

If you’re working towards a communications-related job, get started right now. Here are some things you can do:

Explore your interest:

  • Shadow someone working a communications-related job like a university professor, high school science teacher, environmental trainer, ecotourism guide or science camp co-ordinator.
    For more information on job-shadowing, see the tip sheet on Gaining Related Experience in the Career Journey.
  • Ask Elders and family members to share stories that will help you learn more about traditional ways and teachings about the environment, such as why the seasons change. See if you’re able to re-tell the story to others in an understandable and interesting way.

  • Do some research at the library either on a subject of interest to you or on environmental jobs where communicating with large groups of people is an essential skill. Ask the reference librarian to help you find resources.

Show your personal commitment to protecting the atmosphere and keeping the air clean:

  • Develop a new program for your school, local museum, historic site, cultural centre or park. The program can be related to your traditional knowledge or to new science. An example is a program about the annual migration of eagles or caribou through your hometown.
  • Write a letter to the town or city council or to the local government about a local environmental problem. Pick a topic like toxic mould, garbage disposal, water treatment or recycling.

Start developing the experience and knowledge required for an air-related job:

  • Get involved with a local group to protect natural and cultural heritage.
  • Look for summer jobs at your local museum, historic site, cultural centre, park, art gallery, zoo or botanical garden. Summer jobs will provide you with opportunities to use your communication skills. They may also give you the opportunity to explain Aboriginal tradition and history to others.
  • Volunteer in a national park, provincial park, aquarium or zoo, and learn more about your local environment.
  • Talk to your teachers and find out what it takes to teach a room full of people every day.
  • Practise public speaking, wherever you can, by presenting important issues to your classmates, town council or at community centres
Check out the following:

Movies
Hackers
Lion King
Dead Poet’s Society

Documentaries
Ah… the money, the money, the money: The battle for Salt Spring, National Film Board
Beating the Streets, directed by Lorna Thomas
If Only I Were an Indian, directed by John Paskievich

Books
Canadian Geographic, Wildlife Conservation, National Geographic, Canada’s Outdoor Magazine
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Mixedblood Messages, by Louis Owens
Aboriginal Resource Use in Canada: Historical and Legal Aspects, by Kerry Abel and Jean Friesen

University Professor
High School Science Teacher
Environmental Trainer
Ecotourism Guide
Science Camp Co-ordinator