ESG: Love It or Hate It—It’s Here to Stay!

What’s the Deal with ESG?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks are all the new things in business. You’ve probably heard the buzz: companies are trying to be more eco-friendly, socially conscious, and ethically run. But let’s be real—it’s not always easy to figure out what that means in practice. And that’s where Indigenous wisdom might swoop in to save the day.

By Ernesto Cordero, C.I.M., C.Mgr., Ph.D. | Chartered Managers Canada

What’s So Special About Indigenous Knowledge?

Indigenous communities have been living in harmony with nature for centuries, and they’ve picked up a thing or two along the way. This Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) isn’t just some ancient lore—it’s a treasure trove of practical know-how that can help us tackle today’s environmental challenges.

For example, many Indigenous groups have been using controlled burns to manage forests for ages. Guess what? It works! These practices reduce the risk of massive wildfires and help keep ecosystems balanced. Or take the Māori in New Zealand, who use their knowledge to manage fisheries sustainably, ensuring enough fish for future generations.

Cool Case Study Alert!

Let’s talk about the Cree Nation in Canada. They’ve been using their traditional knowledge to monitor caribou herds. This isn’t just about counting animals—it’s about understanding the whole ecosystem and making sure it stays healthy. The Cree’s efforts perfectly exemplify how Indigenous wisdom can lead to real, positive change.

Why Should We Care About Social Equity and Indigenous Rights?

Indigenous communities haven’t always had a say in decisions that affect their lands. That’s a big problem, and it’s led to a lot of environmental and social issues. By bringing Indigenous voices into the conversation, ESG frameworks can be more inclusive and fairer. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.

The Benefits of Inclusion

Sure, there might be challenges—like ensuring Indigenous communities have the resources they need to participate fully. But the upside is huge: better conservation outcomes, more ethical governance, and a sense that we’re all together.

Look to the Global Stage

Frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) give us a roadmap for doing this right. By following these guidelines, companies can ensure they’re socially responsible and ethical—not just ticking boxes.

Governance with a Heart

Respecting Indigenous rights isn’t just good governance—it’s the leadership the world needs right now. By weaving Indigenous principles into their policies, companies can build trust and show they’re serious about sustainability.

Success Stories

Check out what’s happening in New Zealand. Māori tribes are co-managing natural resources with the government, and it’s working. These partnerships respect traditional knowledge and create a shared responsibility for keeping the environment healthy.

Or look at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in Canada. They’ve developed their environmental assessment process, using traditional knowledge to ensure development projects align with sustainability goals.

The Bottom Line

ESG isn’t going anywhere. But if we want it to make a difference, we’ve got to think beyond the basics. By tapping into Indigenous wisdom, we can build a future that’s sustainable, fair, and inclusive. So, whether you love ESG or love to hate it, one thing’s clear: it’s better with a bit of help from our Indigenous friends.

About the Author:

Ernesto O. Cordero,  Ph.D. 
Doctorate Research Scholar, Saint Paul University- Ottawa
University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Email:          cordero.ernesto@gmail.com
LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-cordero-81060a3a/

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