Thursday, June 19, 2025

Seeing with Two Eyes: Teachings from the Canadian Mining Expo

An understanding of the world that brings together the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems offers a more complete and informed view of the world

Blogs National

By Andrew Regnerus, Ontario Construction Coordinator

Last week, I attended the Canadian Mining Expo in Timmins, Ontario. One thing stood out: an entire day dedicated to best practices for engaging with First Nations communities. That in itself says something about the growing recognition of Indigenous voices in the resource sector.

The focus of the session was on Two-Eyed Seeing—a concept that invites us to view the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives. A highlight for me was a panel discussion featuring local First Nations youth, hosted by the Wabun Tribal Council. These young leaders spoke passionately about Two-Eyed Seeing, offering insights into how they’re navigating and shaping the future of Indigenous and Western relations.

A couple of reflections stuck with me:

I had never heard the term Two-Eyed Seeing before. While the concept felt familiar, having a name for it gave it new weight and clarity.
These were not Elders reminiscing. These were young, forward-looking voices—this country’s next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Two-Eyed Seeing was introduced by Mi’kmaq Elders Albert and Murdena Marshall over a decade ago. It’s a way of understanding the world that brings together the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. One eye sees with Indigenous ways of knowing, the other with Western ways, and together, they offer a more complete and informed view of the world.

I especially appreciate how Elder Albert explains it:

Two-Eyed Seeing is hard to convey to academics as it does not fit into any particular subject area or discipline. Rather, it is about life: what you do, what kind of responsibilities you have, how you should live while on Earth . . . i.e., a guiding principle that covers all aspects of our lives: social, economic, environmental, etc. The advantage of Two-Eyed Seeing is that you are always fine-tuning your mind into different places at once; you are always looking for another perspective and a better way of doing things.

In regions where Indigenous and Western cultures intersect—particularly in natural resource development—this approach isn’t just practical; it’s essential. Two-Eyed Seeing provides a path toward genuine collaboration and informed decision-making, both in industry and governance.

We already have essential tools to support this shift: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and numerous educational resources created by Indigenous organizations to foster cultural awareness and competency. Concepts like free, prior, and informed consent may be unfamiliar to some, but they offer a better way forward—one rooted in respect, partnership, and understanding.

Yes, roads and mines may ultimately benefit all Ontarians, including Indigenous peoples. But speed cannot come at the cost of Indigenous perspectives. If we want to develop the Ring of Fire responsibly, we must pursue deep consent and an integration of worldviews, not just as a box to check, but as a shared foundation.

In my work, I’ve come to see how valuable Two-Eyed Seeing can be. It equips me to promote better, more inclusive workplace solutions. And while I’m still developing the eye I haven’t always used, I’m committed to seeing more clearly with both.

Seeing with Two Eyes: Teachings from the Canadian Mining Expo

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