Building Relationship with the Land

Date
2024-09-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

This supporting paper shares the process on which the thesis work is based, the theories which support the process, and the outcomes of Building Relationship with the Land. It asks how descendants of white settler who settled the prairies at the turn of the 19th Century can put aside the Western belief in human domination over the Land and live in relationship with the Land. The Earth's ecosystem is based on the interdependence of all species, including human; ignorance of this relationship has fostered destructive forces upon the Earth. At this juncture, how do settler descendants enter the Land that is alive and waiting to be met, understood and listened to? Finally, what role can art from a relational approach play in this process? Theoretical foundations of biophilia, phenomenology and spiritual ecology provide structure for an applied research approach using the fundamentals of relational aesthetics to formulate a path forward. Analysis of resulting data serves to shape future work in building relationship with the Land. Reviewing the work of two major artists whose work centers on audience engagement demonstrates the ability of knowledge dissemination to influence change and provides direction in taking this more more direct participatory approach. Two online organizations provide platforms for discourse and building depth for a participatory practice. Subsequent chapters detail the methodology, strategies and actions taken over a two-year period. Data analysis supports the importance of beginning with a sound theoretical basis and encouraging a process which can be adapted to a variety of situations. The participants' responses reinforce the role of contemplative approach to build a relationship with the Land and the importance of our own experiences through awakening the senses have in encouraging community discussion and dialogue. Building a relationship to the Land is one means to harness individual agency within community to create new narratives based on a common story that can lead to new answers.

Description
Keywords
spiritiual ecology, Phenomenology, biophilia, relational aesthetics
Citation
Hinchliffe, G. (2024). Building relationship with the land (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.