Surfacing secrets - Episode 3 - Indigenous Knowledge Empowering Ocean Science

This special episode is released for Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A moment to listen, learn, and recognize the strength of Indigenous knowledge—and the partnerships that bring science and tradition together.

At Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), partnership with Indigenous communities is more than a project requirement — it’s a way of working. ONC supports community-led monitoring, shares technology and training, and works alongside Elders, youth, and knowledge holders to weave Indigenous knowledge and ocean science together. These collaborations help shape research, strengthen resilience, and ensure communities benefit first from the data collected in their territories.

One milestone in this journey was OceanObs’19 in Hawaii, where ONC helped bring Indigenous voices to the international stage. For the first time, Indigenous knowledge was presented as a formal part of the global ocean observing framework — changing the conversation about how science and traditional knowledge can work hand in hand.

In this episode, Lyne Morissette speaks with:

• Ken Paul – Wolastoqey leader and advocate for Indigenous rights in ocean governance

• Pieter Romer – Indigenous Community Liaison at ONC, storyteller, and documentary filmmaker

• Maia Hoeberechts – Associate Director of Learning & Engagement at ONC

Together, they explore how Indigenous knowledge and Western science meet on the water:

• Building trust and partnerships that last

• Stories passed down through generations as “data” in their own right

• Youth stepping onto research vessels and carrying both heritage and science forward

• Facing challenges like climate change and fisheries with two knowledge systems, side by side

🎬 And don’t miss: Tsunami: 11th Relative — the documentary Pieter helped create with Elders on the West Coast, weaving oral histories of past tsunamis (1700, 1964) with ocean science to prepare for the future. It’s a must-watch, and it captures the very spirit of this episode. It's now available in full version on ONC's Youtube

Credits

• Hosted by Lyne Morissette
  
  
• Guests: Ken Paul, Pieter Romer, Maia Hoeberechts
  
  
• Produced in collaboration with Ocean Networks Canada
  
  
• Sound design, editing, and mixing by Tom Goupil
  
  
• Special thanks to all Indigenous communities who shared their knowledge and stories

🎧 Want to hear the full interviews with Ken, Pieter, and Maia? Check out Andrew Lewin’s podcast How to Protect the Ocean, where the complete conversations are available.

🔔 Follow us for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories:

• Website: Ocean Networks Canada
  
  
• Twitter: @OceanNetworks
  
  
• Instagram: @oceannetworkscanada
  
  
• Facebook: Ocean Networks Canada
  
  

📅 Launch date: September 24, 2025
🌐 More info: oceannetworks.ca