Indigenous mapmaking

Indigenous mapmaking involves creating maps rooted in Indigenous histories, knowledge, and relationships to land, often challenging Western cartographic conventions. These maps prioritize Indigenous perspectives, spiritual connections, and cultural significance, capturing aspects like sacred sites, seasonal migrations, and source areas not typically represented in standard maps. They serve as carriers of collective memory, sovereignty, and identity, offering a more holistic and respectful understanding of land beyond mere geography. This approach emphasizes storytelling, oral traditions, and experiential knowledge, providing a nuanced and culturally meaningful portrayal of territories important to Indigenous communities.