| Experiential knowledge (EK) is a source of knowledge that has the potential to provide valuable input into various forms of resource and environmental planning and management. The application of EK is currently inconsistent and research is needed to improve its use. The goal of this study was to examine the possibility of using EK to complement and augment the use of science in resource and environmental planning and management in north-eastern British Columbia. Personal semi-structured interviews, content analysis, and the Delphi technique were used to uncover attitudes towards the use of EK.; This study surveyed attitudes of government, industry, local holders of EK, and First Nations representatives in north-eastern British Columbia. Attitudes towards the use of EK are mixed. Most interviewees were supportive of the idea of EK being utilised; however, there was some reservation towards its use when exploring means for its integration into resource and environmental planning and management. Interviewees believed that multiple holders and types of EK are available in north-eastern British Columbia, that EK produces information of similar quality to science, and that it is capable of providing added value to planning and management efforts. However, several interviewees questioned the validity of EK, stating that it is affected by bias, that the credibility of holders of EK needs to be assessed, and that at least occasional verification of EK is required. Challenges arise in applying EK to resource and environmental planning and management due to unclear and inconsistent methods and processes for its utilisation. Moreover, strained relationships and mistrust between planning and management decision-makers and local sources of EK results in hesitations to share EK. The results of this study suggest that any increase in the use of EK in resource and environmental planning and management in north-eastern British Columbia requires efforts to rebuild relationships between the users and the providers of EK; furthermore, the processes by which EK is incorporated into resource and environmental planning and management need to be evaluated, clarified, and consistently applied. |
