What is Intuitive Interspecies Communication (IIC)?

IIC is experienced as two-way non-verbal communication between humans and more-than-humans. It is not based on visual observations or other external physical cues (e.g. sound, smell, etc.), nor is it based on visual observations or other external physical cues (e.g. sound, smell, etc.) but rather through intuitive impressions (Hinz & Barrett, under review). The phenomenon of communicating with more-than-humans has a long history with many different names, amongst Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.

Who uses IIC?

The modern-Western world has only recently, within the past few decades, begun to explore the phenomenon of communication with animals in earnest. Animal communicators, or ACs, are individuals whose work focuses on engaging in two-way communications with more-than-human animals. There are hundreds of these individuals that can be found on every continent across the globe (except Antarctica). While most of them work primarily with domestic animals and their human caregivers, there are some who work with wild animals as well, or exclusively. My Master’s thesis explored the use of IIC by ACs with wildlife, in the contexts of conservation and human-animal conflict.

Beyond ACs and their use of IIC, there are many others who are communicating or engaging with animals and other beings of the Land, either directly or indirectly, as part of their work. Indigenous peoples of many nations across the globe, for example, have been communicating with more-than-humans since time immemorial.

IIC and Animal Engagement - how are they connected?

Many of the decisions that we make as humans impact animals and other beings of the Land either directly or indirectly; yet they are rarely engaged or consulted as part of this decision-making! The most common causes for this are either 1) human decision-makers do not believe animals have voices, opinions, or the ability to engage in the consultation process, or 2) human decision-makers are unable to identify a method that would engage animals meaningfully. While this research is ongoing, at this time it seems that IIC is a promising method for bringing animal voices to the table in many different scenarios.

Has IIC been used in real-life conservation or sustainability-related scenarios? If so, how?

This question directly pertains to my research represented in my Master’s thesis! My question, “How are ACs working with wildlife?”, led to the documentation of three different case studies wherein ACs used IIC to engage wildlife in conservation and human-animal conflict related issues. You can view my fully published thesis here.

Beyond my own research, there are many other researchers, practitioners on the ground, and initiatives related to engaging animal voices directly in decision-making. One I want to draw your attention to is Elder Copper Joe Jack’s “Land and Peoples Relationship Model”, which is designed to engage both Indigenous knowledges as well as the voices of the Land in decision-making and mediation. More information on his work can be found at respectcareshare.ca