Traditional and Contemporary Indigenous Innovation
As is so often the case with Elders and traditional people, Wendy Phillips starts by locating where her teachings come from. She is Anishnawbe, Bald Eagle Clan, from the Potawatomi and Jamandomac Nations, and a member of Wasauksing First Nation. Her traditional name translates to one who helps, and her family name translates to one who stands alone.
Phillips is a highly regarded spiritual leader, ceremonialist and wisdom keeper who serves her community in many ways, including as the Elder for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative. I met with Phillips recently to ask about her thoughts on Indigenous innovation, and I am happy to share just a snippet of our insightful conversation with SAY Magazine’s readers.
Wolfe: When you think about innovation from a traditional/cultural perspective, what comes to mind? Phillips: First, it is our Anishnawbe governance, our clan systems. In it, there are five privileges: leadership, health, sustenance, protection and the fifth is about teaching and learning, and so it’s also about innovation. We need this to grow and flourish as a community.
For me, that’s where innovation fits in, within our governance system. There’s always been a historical context to that component, and then the major question is “how do we do that today?”
Wolfe: Well, that is the perfect segue to my next question. How does this resonate for you, then, in a modern context?
Phillips: I think Indigenous innovation will be the answer for solving the ecological and climate crisis we have today. My hope and belief are that we will find answers within those areas.
Wolfe: What is it about Indigenous innovation that gets you excited? Phillips: Indigenous innovation includes so much. What I love about innovation is that it is inclusive of who we are as Indigenous people—it includes our beliefs, our values, our customs and our way of life, and to me, that’s the most beautiful thing, that inclusion. I love Indigenous innovation because for us to succeed in the future, we have to develop new things and make sure they are all included in what we do now. All the dreams and visions that our ancestors had, we’re able to see those today. And for me, that is what is inspiring about what’s possible for the future—it’s very exciting.
Wolfe: How does Indigenous knowledge inform innovation and economic development?
Phillips: When we think of innovation, we need to consider how mainstream economic models are not working for our people; they never have. This is because these systems lack the inclusion