An Indigenous learning approach to managing solid waste in First Nations in Canada

The literature on municipal solid waste management on First Nations emphasizes the need to improve existing systems and attitudes and behaviours. Learning about programmes and systems can bring about these changes. This research examined how two First Nations in Canada learned about municipal solid waste management in an Indigenous context and the consequent impacts of their learning. The data show that participants mostly learned from close family relations and conversations with community members, while learning directly from Elders, ceremonies, and storytelling was limited. Intergenerational learning occurred, where the younger generation learned from the older generation and vice-versa. The impacts of learning included reducing municipal solid waste generation, avoiding packaging, and reusing items. This research concludes that Indigenous learning should be incorporated into municipal solid waste programmes because it is culturally relevant and helps create awareness. In addition, Elders should be deliberately involved in planning programmes, and municipal solid waste issues should be incorporated into ceremonies about land protection.