“Where the Moose Were”: Fort William First Nation’s Ancestral Land, Two–Eyed Seeing, and Industrial Impacts
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear editors and authors,
it was a pleasure to read this manuscript, which is contemporary and follows the problems of indigenous peoples in a "democratic" society. This type of manuscript could also be written in relation to some other countries, where the indigenous population takes care of their rights to live on their land. In the manuscript, the presentation of methodologies, results and discussion, as well as the conclusion are clear and comprehensive, well presented with clear attachments in the form of maps and graphs.
The abstract should be revised in the manuscript. The abstract should contain issues, methods, results, conclusion. The most important extracted from these parts and presented in the abstract.
In the introductory part, a few sentences should be added to the geographical characteristics of the researched area. The rivers are presented, but something should also be said about the relief, to get a better picture of the country where the indigenous population lives and what the wealth of that country is.
The literature review is detailed and comprehensive. Well done.
The results are clear, and the discussion perfectly connects all segments of the issue.
The literature used is modern and adequate.
I recommend the work in this form with minor, indicated changes.
Best regards
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsBrief Summary
The manuscript analyzes how “Two-eyed seeing” – which is a method that merges Indigenous and Western knowledge – is being used to address environmental damage and industrial pollution in the traditional lands of Fort William First Nation (FWFN) in Canada.
Based on community interviews and remote sensing technology, the research explores the effects of industrial activities, especially from the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill, on the environment and the FWFN community’s well-being. The piece calls for actions to repair boht past and current damage, emphasizing that this is essential for Indigenous self-determination.
General Comment
The manuscript deeply analyzes and successfully integrates Indigenous knowledge with Western science.
It emphasizes the urgent need to address industrial pollution and environmental degradation in Indigenous territories, connecting these critical isseus to more significant conversations on reconciliation and decolonization.
Specific Comments
The introduction clearly outlines the framework of “Two-eyed seeing” method, providing a important rationale for its ues.
The literature review is comprehensive, but certain sections that discuss Western knowledge could be fitetd. Shifting the focus towards how Indigenous and Western knowledge systems have historically interacted, particularly in environmental contexts, would provide a more balanced perspective.
The methodology section is substantial, particularly in detailing the community partnership and respect for Indigenous protocols. However, the technical details of remote sensinf (NDVI) and GSI tools could be explained more deeply.
The narratives from FWFN members are powerful and effectively expressing the cultural and spiritual ties to the land. More integration between these qualitative insights and the remote sensing data could strengthen the link between the two knowledge systems.
It would be beneficial to add more concrete recommendations in the discussion section for how policymakres or industries could implement these findings beyond general calls for land restoration.
The conclusion appropriately highlights the importance of reconciliation and land health but could be more assretive.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
