In this new Canadian Mountain Podcast episode, learn about the Canadian Mountain Assessment (CMA)! This benchmarking initiative of the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) will clarify what we know, do not know, and need to know about Canada’s diverse and rapidly changing mountain systems. The CMA is led by Dr. Graham McDowell, who is supported by a team of international and Canadian advisors that help steward the project as it moves forward. The assessment is connecting researchers, Indigenous peoples, and practitioners with knowledge of Canada’s mountains, and helping to catalyze a community of practice related to mountains in Canada.
This episode features discussions with CMA Project Leader, Dr. Graham McDowell joining from Canmore, Alberta, and two of the International Advisory Committee members stewarding the project, Dr. Carolina Adler joining from Zurich Switzerland and Dr. Philippus (Flip) Wester joining from Katmandu, Nepal. They discuss their roles on the CMA as well as their thoughts on the outcomes and results of the assessment once completed.
The CMA is a first-of-its-kind look at the state of knowledge of mountains in Canada, which draws on findings from a systematic review of the academic literature but is also informed by knowledge shared by First Nations, Métis and Inuit contributors. The assessment is inspired by previous mountain assessments, such as the Hindu Kush Himalaya assessment and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) mountains chapters. However, the CMA has a specific focus on developing and mobilizing an inclusive knowledge co-creation methodology to support the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges in advancing our collective understanding of mountains in Canada. The CMA is being envisioned, governed and conducted by a diverse group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, who are working together respectfully across knowledge systems to enhance the relevance, integrity and positive impact of the CMA.