Indigineering: Engineering Through Indigenous Knowledge and Mino Pimachisowin | Nehinaw Osihcikewin: Nehinaw Kiskenitamowin Eyapatak Mena Mino Pimachisowin

Abstract

This article explores the concept of “Indigineering,” a combination of Indigenous and engineering; my hope is that this concept can help to Indigenize the latter. Many Indigenous communities in Canada have infrastructural needs and there is an opportunity for the engineering profession to assist those needs. However, there is an access gap that exists between the profession and Indigenous communities. This is reflected in the poor Indigenous representation in the profession and in post-secondary engineering programs across the country. In response, the concept of Indigineering, or integrating the code of ethics from the engineering profession and the cultural values of Indigenous Peoples, such as the Cree concepts of wahkohtowin (relations, being related), mino wichitowin (having or possessing good relations), and tapwewin (speaking the truth, or speaking with precision and accuracy), would help to Indigenize the profession and make it more accessible to Indigenous people, as well as advance the field of engineering. Practising engineering through this lens would serve to ensure an Indigineer’s ability to achieve mino pimachisowin­­—the ability to live a good life, make a good living—and to better engage the greater public, which includes the Indigenous population.