Applying Density and Hotspot Analysis for Indigenous Traditional Land Use: Counter-Mapping with Wasagamack First Nation, Manitoba, Canada

A novel density and hotspot mapping approach demonstrates that Wasagamack First Nation's ancestral territory is not only extensively used but also holds significant cultural value, reinforcing the community's claim for self-governance. Unlike conventional land-use maps, which depict usage as discrete points, this method reveals areas of intensive activity and sacredness, providing a more nuanced representation of traditional land use. The study, conducted with 49 harvesters from Wasagamack First Nation in Manitoba, Canada, supports the integration of such mapping techniques into community-driven conservation planning to sustainably protect vital lands for future generations.

Thapa, K., & Thompson, S. (2020). Applying Density and Hotspot Analysis for Indigenous Traditional Land Use: Counter-Mapping with Wasagamack First Nation, Manitoba, Canada. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 08(10), 285–313. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2020.810019