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Summary Report by CSA and NASA
“Indigenous Mapping & Training Workshop 2022”
CEOS WGCapD TASKS: CB-22-05 and CB-22-16

Summary Report
Indigenous Mapping Workshop 2022 Sessions lead jointly by
Canadian Space Agency and NASA

Background
The Indigenous Mapping Workshop has provided training on a number of geographical information system (GIS) tools including Google Earth, Esri ArcGIS and computer coding. In the hands of Indigenous Peoples, these can be powerful tools in the preservation and promotion of Indigenous land stewardship practices. The Vancouver-based Firelight Group has organized the Workshops since 2014.
In 2020, the Indigenous Peoples Initiative (IPI), within NASA’s Capacity Building Program, contributed a remote sensing component to the IMW, following an invitation of the Firelight Group. For the completely virtual IMW 2021, NASA IPI and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), together with colleagues from other government departments, cooperated to prepare and deliver a total of 12 online sessions (see also Appendix 1). NASA IPI and CSA continued their successful cooperation to contribute to IMW 2022.
Concept and Preparation of IMW 2022
The Firelight Group rebranded the IMW under the Indigenous Mapping Collective and decided to organize the IMW 2022 in Edmonton as a hybrid event. Both NASA and CSA agencies followed an invitation to participate in a Planning Committee, together with other contributors, for example Google Canada, Esri Canada, Mapbox, and First Nations University. The committee met online on four occasions to assist the Indigenous Mapping Collective with the organization of the IMW 2022 program.

Organization
Representatives from NASA’s Capacity Building Program and the CSA’s Space Utilization division formed an informal working group. Based on their previous IMW experience, they jointly prepared four online sessions with satellite Earth Observation (EO) as the main theme and incorporated two-way learning and story telling in their training approach. CSA cooperated with Indigenous Services Canada to secure additional financial support for IMW 2022.
Delivery
NASA and CSA delivered an introductory session on satellite EO with optical and radar imagery and organized two dialogue sessions with industry, academia colleagues, and their Indigenous project partners. In a yarning session titled, “Collective Turtle Island Storytelling and EO” participants shared their EO stories. In addition, NASA delivered three sessions with Esri Canada on forest fires.
The NASA and CSA IMW 2022 sessions also represented a delivery under the international Committee on Earth Observation Satellites. CEOS TASK CB-22-05 was entitled “Indigenous Mapping Workshop 2022: Create and present a tailored series of trainings and workshops for the 2022 Indigenous Mapping Workshop hosted by the Firelight Group.” CEOS TASK CB-22-16 was entitled: “Indigenous Mapping Workshop: EO optical & radar training and dialogue involving traditional knowledge”. The CEOS Working Group on Capacity Development and Data Democratization (WGCapD) accepted these NASA and CSA contributions as part of its annual work plan.
NASA and CSA Joint Sessions at IMW 2022
NASA and CSA jointly contributed four sessions to the IMW 2022. Trainers from NASA and CSA delivered the sessions virtually while the Firelight Group provided technical assistance on location in Edmonton.

Technical Session
Introduction to satellite Earth Observation
Trainers: Amber McCulllum, NASA Ames Research Center/BAERI, and Dirk Werle, Canadian Space Agency
Description: This session served as a primer on satellite imagery, the basics of how it works and how to use it. It highlighted how optical and radar remote sensing data can be used for natural resource mapping and monitoring. This introduction, or refresher, was useful for anyone interested in working with these data and joining us for the IMW 2022 sessions with NASA and CSA, and Esri Canada.
 

Technical Session
Satellite Earth Observations in practice: Sharing stories and experience (Part 1 of 2)
Trainers/Conveners: Sativa Cruz, Nikki Tulley, and Amber McCullum NASA Ames Research Center/BAERI, Guy Aube and Dirk Werle, Canadian Space Agency (online)
Description: NASA and CSA jointly organized this session, with exciting project experience contributed by partner organizations who have used Earth Observation imagery for water applications. We encouraged the participants of the sessions to contribute their stories and experience using geospatial data and information. Following short presentations, the session stimulated a dialogue among EO practitioners and those who want to include satellite imagery in their work.

Short presentation:
Becky Segal (Arctic Eider Society, NU):
Inuit expertise and satellite imagery for sea ice safety and climate monitoring with SIKU
In her presentation, Becky Segal gave an overview of how Inuit environmental knowledge and expertise, paired with easily accessible satellite imagery of regional snow and ice conditions, is used to improve sea ice travel safety. This is a priority for Northern communities as seasonal ice conditions are subject to greater change as the arctic climate is experiencing continued warming trends. Timely information can be accessed via mobile phones through the SIKU network that Arctic Eider helped create, with partial funding support from the CSA SmartEarth initiative.

Short presentation:
Corey Froese (BGC Engineering, AB) and Carmichael Howes, First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS):
Indigenous impacts & solutions: Fire, floods, and climate change
In this presentation, Corey Froese of BGC introduced his colleagues Carmichael Howes of the First Nations Emergency Services Society in British Columbia. Carmichael Howes talked about the climate change impacts on Indigenous communities, notably wildfires and flash flooding. He gave several impressive examples of how FNESS is offering geospatial support tools and solutions, emphasizing the need for open access EO data locally and regionally, as well as for foundational EO knowledge and subject matter expertise.

Technical Session
Satellite Earth Observations in practice: Sharing stories and experience (Part 2 of 2)
Trainers/Conveners: Sativa Cruz, Nikki Tulley, and Amber McCullum NASA Ames Research Center/BAERI, Guy Aube and Dirk Werle, Canadian Space Agency (online)
Description: NASA and CSA jointly organized this session, with exciting project experience contributed by partner organizations who have used Earth Observation imagery for land applications. We encouraged the participants of the sessions to contribute their stories and experience using geospatial data and information. Following short presentations, the session stimulated a dialogue among EO practitioners and those who want to include satellite imagery in their work.
Image credit: European Union, Copernicus Program

Short presentation:
Eric Clark (Sault Tribe Wildlife Program):
Co-stewardship in the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory: Building resilience with fire in remnant boreal ecosystems in the boreal-temperate forest ecotone
In his presentation, Eric Clark focused on how to utilize Anishinaabe and western science to understand the impact of current fire management and how to evaluate new fire prescriptions with different science perspectives. He highlighted Anishinaabe points such as respecting fire, habitat benefits to fire, and seasonality, intensity, and frequency of prescribed fire. He also discussed how satellite EO assisted in understanding landscape conditions across large forested regions.
Short presentation:
Joleen Timko and Anne Webster (Hatfield Consultants, BC):
(Re)thinking caribou habitat monitoring with satellite EO and AI: Exploring the role of Indigenous Knowledge
In their presentation, Joleen Timko and Anne Webster focused on how artificial intelligence analytics using satellite imagery could benefit from Indigenous knowledge. They gave an example of an approach to automatically detect a wide range of linear disturbances that impact caribou habitat, using the concept of “bridging, braiding, and weaving” from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Indigenous Science division. Their work was partly informed by their countrywide user assessment of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, communities and people use and access geographic information and the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure, CGDI.

Short presentations:
Eduardo Loos (Vertex, BC), with Chief Gordon Planes (T’Sou-ke Nation), Maycira Costa (University of Victoria, BC) and Andrew Wadhams (Ma'amtagila First Nation):
Traditional Indigenous territory monitoring, land cover and land use mapping, vegetation assessment
Eduardo Loos and Chief Gordon Planes introduced the presentation. It highlighted the complexities of both marine and terrestrial vegetation monitoring, mapping and assessment by way of Earth observation satellite imagery. Chief Planes reminded everybody that the Indigenous work and mindset is based on a timescale of several generations, on the respect of special places, and on bearing responsibility for thechildren’s future. Eduardo Loos showed satellite imagery-based examples of land cover and land use monitoring activities of the T’Sou-ke Nation Traditional Territory on Vancouver Island; they are tailored to the needs of First Nations.

In a companion presentation, Maycira Costa and Andrew Wadhams focused on local traditional knowledge, use of satellite image know-how and application for monitoring marine environments in northern Vancouver Island, notably kelp beds. They relayed their collective fieldwork based experience in using traditional knowledge and western science approaches for learning and seeing together; they also emphasized the need to engage and involve young people in ecosystems monitoring work.

Technical Session
Satellite Earth Observations – Collective Turtle Island storytelling
Trainers/Conveners: Nikki Tulley, Sativa Cruz, and Amber McCullum NASA Ames Research Center/BAERI, Guy Aube and Dirk Werle, Canadian Space Agency (online)
Description: This session empowered Indigenous communities to share stories and engage in dialogue around observations of lands and waters. The dialogue began with a sharing of a journey towards Earth Observations (EO) from an Indigenous NASA team member and explored pathways for braiding Indigenous knowledge and EO. This session relied on the cultural, relational methodology of storying and yarning among participants as an invitation for others to offer stories and share their voice.

Our team learned that the yarning approach creates a valuable space for meaningful dialogue and relationship building. We were able to share and connect with participants in a way that a traditional workshop format does not allow. We intend to increase opportunities for creating these types of spaces by using this approach in future collaborative sessions.

Lessons Learned
With the exception of the introductory session on the basics of satellite remote sensing, each of the jointly-led NASA-CSA sessions included ample opportunities for participants for discussion and dialogue. We carried over to IMW 2022 two important lessons that we learned from our participation in IMW 2021: the principle of “two-way learning”, and the premise that “dialogue is a result” of our engagement in the Workshop. The IMW 2022 offered a welcome opportunity to continue the dialogue between the Indigenous mapping community, NASA and CSA.
In practical terms, the chat-feature of the Zoom online format and the helpful onsite support by a Firelight technical person enabled everybody to communicate their ideas and thoughts. The following is a summary of the issues that surfaced repeatedly in discussion during our NASA-CSA IMW 2022 sessions as they relate specifically to space and Earth observation and Indigenous geospatial issues:
● the importance to engage and involve the youth in future activities, and to dedicate capacity development activities specifically toward the younger generation;
● the importance to develop Earth observation capacities and activities at local or regional scale levels, and to ensure that EO-based environmental mapping, monitoring and assessments can be applied at the community level;
● the importance to commit toward longer-term EO and Indigenous capacity development rather than short-term ad hoc approaches, and to ensure that capacity development activities can evolve over a five to 10-year time horizon with regular workshops and discussions;
● the importance of recognizing and acknowledging multiple ways of knowing, in particular Indigenous knowledge systems; and
● the importance of the co-development and co-design process for satellite EO products, tools, and projects.
Opportunities and Continuity
Beyond the joint engagement by NASA and CSA, and their partners, in the Indigenous Mapping Workshop in 2021 and 2022, there are several opportunities for further inter-agency cooperation, for collaboration with partner organizations, and for ensuring continuity-of-effort. The following is a summary of opportunities:
● to build partnerships that can engage and support two-way learning and training regarding EO and geospatial practice, for example by way of Indigenous / non-Indigenous internships;
● to engage more closely in Canada with Indigenous Services Canada, for example to cooperate more closely with regard to supporting the preparation of workshops financially and logistically;
● to develop closer linkages between ongoing CSA and NASA’s Applied Sciences and Capacity Building Program activities; on the CSA side this may involve, for example, the smartEarth initiative, SST-Capacity Building, and the Capacity building & Indigenous Pilot; for NASA this could involve Indigenous partners and participants with the DEVELOP Program or ARSET involvement with trainings
● to develop needs assessment workshops, thematic EO-related requests-for-proposal and announcements-of-opportunity for Indigenous-led multi-year projects to co-organize dialogue workshops, demonstration and training activities, and pilot projects co-developed with federal and local agencies, industry, and academia; and
● to draft and propose a medium- to long-term work plan for CEOS over the 2023 to 2030 time period; this plan could include, for example, new CSA-NASA EO and Indigenous activities related to capacity building.

Appendix
Indigenous Mapping Workshop 2021 “Turtle Island”:
NASA and CSA-led Session Summary
The IMW was organized by The Firelight Group (FLG) and held online from November 1 to 5, 2021. Going back to 2014, the workshop focused on GIS training and geospatial analysis for indigenous communities to support indigenous-led research. Co-organizers include Google, Esri Canada and Mapbox, among others. The Firelight Group invited NASA and CSA to contribute to the IMW program committee and to deliver online training sessions for satellite remote sensing training.
Initial interest for NASA-CSA cooperation emerged through the ”Canadian SAR MOOC” – a satellite radar applications learning tool produced for the EO College platform. Further motivation arose through NASA-CSA connections with the Committee of Earth Observation Satellites, CEOS, and its Working Group on Capacity Development and Democratization, WG Cap D (Task #CB20-13: Indigenous Training Canada, CSA-NASA Indigenous Mapping & Training Workshop 2021).
Foundational for the IMW cooperation of both Agencies was the connection and experience of the NASA Applied Science group at AMES/ARSET. Their Indigenous remote sensing training program had already established several training activities, including IMW, and invited CSA to join the effort. Within CSA, a coordinated effort regarding joint IMW work with NASA and FLG involved Space Utilization, Communications, Legal, Policy, and the CSA Indigenous Champion. A bilateral Letter-of-Intent with the Firelight Group stipulated the common goal to provide a safe environment for indigenous-based training.
Overall, 550 indigenous workshop participants attended IMW 2021 “Turtle Island.” A subtotal of 290 participants attended the joint NASA and CSA-led sessions. The “two-way learning” approach regarding indigenous knowledge and wisdom and EO know-how emerged as a key lesson, along with the realization that dialogue may also be a result of the cooperation and training activities. This notion was also communicated in the formal report to CEOS WGCapD Task 20-13. The IMW 2021 served as an example and demonstrated potential of further cooperation with indigenous communities for STEM & EO training and opened opportunities for joint CSA-NASA curriculum development.
In particular, NASA and CSA delivered the following online technical sessions at IMW 2021 “Turtle Island”:

Technical Session
Introduction to satellite radar imagery
Trainers: Daniel Delisle, with Dirk Werle and Guy Aube, Canadian Space Agency
The session introduced participants to how we can “see” land and marine areas with the eyes of satellite-based radar sensors, why they are different from optical sensors and what exciting possibilities they offer for imaging through clouds and during darkness. Images from different radar satellites were highlighted.

Technical Session
The Canadian RADARSAT Constellation Mission: Overview, imagery and accessing data sets
Trainer: Daniel Delisle, Canadian Space Agency
The session provided a guide on how to access online a variety of high and moderate resolution radar imagery. Participants learned about the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, its various image collections, and available “analysis-ready” data sets.

Technical Session
Wildfire monitoring with satellite imagery
Trainers: Cindy Schmidt and Amber McCullum, NASA, and Helena van Mierlo, Canadian Space Agency
Fires are a growing concern, especially in regions with longer fire seasons, expanded wildland/urban interfaces, and severe and frequent droughts. The session provided an overview of how satellite imagery and data portals can be used for pre, during, and post-wildfire monitoring and mapping.

Technical Session
Satellite remote sensing of ice conditions using radar
Trainers: Tom Zagon, ECCC / Canadian Ice Services, with Guy Aube and Dirk Werle, Canadian Space Agency
The session highlighted satellite radar capabilities for mapping ice Canada. Participants learned how radar imagery is applied for monitoring ice conditions for travel safety during the winter months and for monitoring ice break-up conditions during the spring.

Technical Session
Satellite remote sensing of flooding using radar
Trainers: Simon Tolszczuk-Leclerc, NRCan and Guy Aube, Canadian Space Agency
The session introduced participants to the unique capability of radar to “see” water surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Participants learn how a series of radar imagery can be used to map and monitor extended flooding of rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and wetlands.

Technical Session
Satellite mapping of habitat and biodiversity using radar
Trainers: Benoit Montpetit, Environment and Climate Change Canada, with Guy Aube, Canadian Space Agency
The session provided an overview of how radar imagery can capture land cover and land use characteristics. In particular, participants learned how careful selection and timing of such imagery can provide some unique features related to polar bear habitat mapping and biodiversity mapping.

Technical Sessions -
Office hours with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency
Hosts: Cindy Schmidt and Amber McCullum, NASA, and Dirk Werle and Guy Aube, Canadian Space Agency
Our US and Canadian Space Agency teams addressed open questions related to the sessions on satellite remote sensing. Participants had the opportunity to discuss them with the session leads from NASA and CSA and gain some insights on participating in Earth Observation programs.