Section I:: Problematisations and Issues

The goal is firstly intention and ultimately implementation. This section highlights the idea that local and regional traditions of sustainability (Savelyeva, 2016) not only illustrate but also ground the SDG 3 framework with culture specific principles and conceptualisations. In this section, we highlight the traditions of First Nations and Aboriginal principles that create culture-specific frameworks for health and wellbeing in Canada and Australia. The chapters in this section aim at altering perceptions and conceptual frameworks related to SDG 3.

In the chapter ‘The Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship: Promoting Young People’s Wellbeing Through a Sustainability Framework in Ontario, Canada’, Elliott and Rodenburg explain how the framework contributes to SDG 3’s aims by promoting wellbeing and positive stewardship of the environment in children of all ages through authentic learning in formal and non-formal education settings. This framework is a collaborative effort involving a wide range of partners from the local community and incorporates the First Nations’ concept of kinship. Elliott and Rodenburg explain how the framework was developed and outline key stewardship principles, themes and opportunities for children in Canada to consider as they mature into adult citizens. The project has been designed around principles and themes with associated landmarks of sustainable practice. The emergent principles were validated by interview responses. The four principles include: (1) enriching and deepening the relationship between children and the natural world; (2) developing age-appropriate action skills to protect the local environment; (3) recognising the interdependence of humans and the natural world; and (4) protecting and enhancing the integrity of living and non-living systems. From these four principles follow seven stewardship themes: tend and care; wonder; sense of place; interconnectedness; mentor support; explore and discover; and engage in action. Elliott and Rodenburg conclude by sharing that the Pathway in Stewardship and Kinship framework is currently being implemented in its pilot phase. This includes schools having been selected to participate in the implementation of stewardship themes and opportunities, in collaboration with local community organisations and families. Through this initial work, attention to planning, monitoring and an impact evaluation are underway.