Why It's Important
Two-Eyed Seeing, or Etuaptmumk in the Mi’kmaq language, is a guiding principle for inquiry and collaboration, brought forward by Elder Albert Marshall. It refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing. Crucially, one does not try to merge these two worldviews, but uses both together for the benefit of all. Applying this principle to technology development and adoption is a powerful way to ensure that digital tools, including AI, are chosen and used in a way that respects and aligns with community values, rather than undermining them. It fosters a more holistic and ethical approach to innovation and economic development.
History
The concept of Two-Eyed Seeing was developed in the early 2000s by Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall as a way to bridge the gap between Indigenous and Western scientific approaches to environmental stewardship and education. It emerged from a desire to see Indigenous Knowledge recognized as a valid and equal knowledge system, not as a quaint or secondary source of information. The principle has since been adopted widely in Canada in fields such as health, education, and environmental science as a foundational framework for respectful collaboration. Its application to the digital technology and AI space is a recent and vital extension of this work.
Examples
Dr. Paulette Steeves: A Cree-Métis archaeologist whose work challenges the colonial narratives in Western science by weaving in Indigenous oral histories and ways of knowing, demonstrating a Two-Eyed Seeing approach in her research.
Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR): An organization in Cape Breton that operates on the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, bringing together Mi'kmaq traditional knowledge and Western science to manage natural resources.
Native Skywatchers: An initiative that brings together Indigenous and Western astronomy to revitalize Indigenous sky and earth knowledge, serving as a powerful example of Two-Eyed Seeing in education.
Tamarack Institute: A Canadian non-profit focused on community change that often incorporates diverse worldviews, including principles like Two-Eyed Seeing, in its collaborative frameworks.
Software and Tools
Two-Eyed Seeing is not about specific software, but about the process and principles that guide the choice and use of tools.
Collaborative Platforms (Miro): Visual collaboration tools can be used to facilitate workshops where Indigenous and Western knowledge can be mapped and discussed side-by-side, without forcing them to merge.
Community Consultation Tools (SimpleSurvey): Using tools to gather and respect community input throughout a technology project's lifecycle is a practical application of Two-Eyed Seeing, as it ensures the "Indigenous eye" is guiding the process.
Storytelling & Oral History Platforms (Our Cries Are Heard): Digital platforms that are designed to respectfully hold and share oral histories can be seen as tools that support the Indigenous worldview, which can then be used alongside Western data analysis tools.
GIS Mapping Software (QGIS): This tool can be used in a Two-Eyed Seeing approach by overlaying traditional land use data and oral history place names (the Indigenous eye) onto Western scientific data like satellite imagery and elevation models (the Western eye).
AI Considerations
Applying Two-Eyed Seeing to AI means consciously choosing to develop or use AI in a way that serves the community's holistic well-being, not just narrow efficiency goals. The "Western eye" might see an AI that can rapidly analyze environmental data. The "Indigenous eye" would ask: Does this tool respect the relationships we have with the land? Does it include our oral histories as valid data? Does it support our role as stewards? A Two-Eyed Seeing approach would lead to an AI project that is a partnership between data scientists and Elders, where both knowledge systems are respected and used in tandem to create a more complete and ethical understanding.
FAQ
No. Integration often implies absorbing Indigenous Knowledge into a dominant Western framework. Two-Eyed Seeing emphasizes keeping both perspectives distinct but using them together, side-by-side.
A non-Indigenous person cannot see through the "Indigenous eye," but they can, and should, learn to respectfully work with and value the perspective of their Indigenous partners who do. It is a principle for collaboration.
It might mean starting a meeting with a traditional opening, ensuring Elders have the first and last word, and valuing qualitative, story-based evidence as much as quantitative data in decision-making.
They are highly compatible. OCAP® provides the principles for data governance (the "what"), while Two-Eyed Seeing provides a collaborative philosophy for how to work together (the "how").
No. While it originated in that context, its principles of respectful collaboration and valuing different worldviews can be applied to any project, including health, education, economic development, and technology.
Pro Tips
Apply the principle of Two‑Eyed Seeing in your projects by appreciating the strengths of both Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Collaborate with Elders and knowledge keepers to guide data collection and interpretation, and respect cultural protocols on what information can be shared. This balanced perspective enriches your work and builds trust within your community.
Checklist
External Resources
Institute for Integrative Science & Health at Cape Breton University: A key resource hub with articles and videos featuring Elder Albert Marshall explaining Two-Eyed Seeing.
Canadian Commission for UNESCO – Two-Eyed Seeing: A case study on learning for a sustainable future, it nurtures strategic partnerships with schools and school boards, university faculties and NGOs, and Indigenous partners, through the active adoption of Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing.