Asemaa, Ma’iingan, and the Seventh Fire’s instructions for assessing sustainability

From environmental impact statements to regulatory impact assessments, there are a variety of analyses in the United States that measure sustainability to inform federal, state, and/or local decision-making. Without procedures to ensure meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and respect for Indigenous sovereignty, we find that many assessments currently jeopardize the discovery and development of truly sustainable solutions. Specifically, we evaluate how 17 different kinds of assessments (mis)align with Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin (Knowledge) on Asemaa, Ma’iingan, and the Seventh Fire prophecy – teachings that guide sustainable relationships between Physical, Plant, Animal, and Human Worlds. Our analysis is rooted in Anishinology and Two-Eyed Seeing, practices that together guide our approach to bridging Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin and Western scientific Knowledge and elucidate a more robust understanding of sustainability. “Sustainability” stands at a crossroads; ultimately, this analysis provides guidance for improving assessment protocols to ensure that current sustainability efforts do not repeat injustices of the past.