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Landscapes and Landforms of Eastern Canada pp 543–556Cite as

Do Landscapes Listen? Wemindji Eeyou Knowledge, Adaptation and Agency in the Context of Coastal Landscape Change

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Part of the World Geomorphological Landscapes book series (WGLC)

Abstract

Drawing on the connections to landscape of members of the Cree Nation of Wemindji, on the east coast of James Bay (Eeyou Istchee), this chapter explores the possibilities for mutually enriching conversations between geomorphologists and Indigenous people. Local placenames, landscape modifications (dyke and tuuhikaan construction), and stewardship of hunting territories are examined to underscore the deep knowledge and attachments Cree maintain to landscape. Wider embrace of ethnogeomorphology as a sub-field that supports intercultural dialogue is advocated.

Keywords

  • Wemindji Cree
  • Eeyou
  • Landscape
  • Place names
  • Dykes
  • Tuuhiikaan
  • Hunting territory
  • Hunting law
  • Stewardship
  • Spirituality

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Notes

  1. 1.

    There are many versions of this story, which is likely derived from a popular Ojibway legend about the creation of Turtle Island.

  2. 2.

    In this particular version it was Wolf who brought back sediment. More often, it is the little Muskrat who finally succeeds in reaching the bottom and bringing back sand.

  3. 3.

    Baash-chi-cho Ouje-Maaoo: the Kaanoowapmaaakin (or goose hunting boss), is responsible for overseeing the goose hunt activities.

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Acknowledgements

Chiniskumitin (thank you) to members of the Cree Nation of Wemindji who have generously shared their knowledge, observations and teachings about the land with me. Thanks also to Véronique Bussières, Jesse Sayles, Colin Scott, Katherine Scott, and Olav Slaymaker for their contributions to this chapter.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1M8, Canada

    Monica E. Mulrennan

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  1. Monica E. Mulrennan
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Correspondence to Monica E. Mulrennan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Prof. Olav Slaymaker

  2. Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St John's, NL, Canada

    Prof. Dr. Norm Catto

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Mulrennan, M.E. (2020). Do Landscapes Listen? Wemindji Eeyou Knowledge, Adaptation and Agency in the Context of Coastal Landscape Change. In: Slaymaker, O., Catto, N. (eds) Landscapes and Landforms of Eastern Canada. World Geomorphological Landscapes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35137-3_24

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