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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Carly Palmer

  • BSc (University of Victoria, 2022)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

A Critical Examination of Participatory Mapping for Indigenous-Led Salmon Habitat Monitoring

Department of Geography

Date & location

  • Thursday, October 30, 2025

  • 12:30 A.M.

  • David Turpin Building

  • Room B215

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Crystal Tremblay, Department of Geography, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)

  • Dr. Chris Bone, Department of Geography, Uvic (Co-Supervisor) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Sarah Marie Wiebe, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Barbara Hawkins, Department of Biology, UVic

     

Abstract

Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are foundational to Indigenous food systems, governance, and cultural identity across the North Pacific Rim, yet their habitats continue to be degraded by industrial development, altered hydrology, and cumulative impacts of colonial land use. Indigenous Nations have long monitored and stewarded salmon habitats through lived experience, intergenerational knowledge, and cultural practices, but these perspectives remain marginalized in dominant management frameworks that prioritize narrow biophysical indicators. This thesis examines the potential of participatory mapping (PM) as a tool to support Indigenous led salmon habitat monitoring, with a case study in Tsawwassen First Nation territory. 

Chapter 2 of this thesis describes a systematic literature review of PM applications in Indigenous habitat research, analyzing 33 publications to examine geographic distributions, participation levels, and knowledge representation. Through this analysis, significant gaps in Indigenous leadership and underrepresentation of relational knowledge dimensions were identified. The significance of these findings is explored, as well as their implications for research and practice.  

Chapter 3 describes a case study conducted in partnership with Tsawwassen First Nation exploring long-term salmon habitat changes through integration of PM, community testimony, historical and scientific records, and spatial analysis. Extensive habitat transformations were documented by all knowledge sources, while revealing both convergences and divergences between Indigenous observations and scientific records.

 Chapter 4 provides a critical analysis of the benefits and limitations of PM as a method for Indigenous-led salmon habitat monitoring. Particular attention is paid to the political constraints that prevent Indigenous knowledge from meaningfully influencing environmental governance despite extensive documentation efforts. Suggestions for addressing these limitations through Indigenous-led frameworks are discussed, and a brief assessment of PM’s potential role within salmon habitat monitoring is put forward. 

Chapter 5 summarizes findings from the previous chapters and reflects on implications for research and practice emerging from this research, including recommendations for the development of frameworks that center Indigenous knowledge systems and governance authority.

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