SS 10 - Inuit-led Research: Exploring the Changing Role for “Southerners” in Arctic Research

Monday, August 15, 2022

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

Location: 518B

Organizer(s)

Leanne M. Jablonski, PhD

Director MEEC (Marianist Environmental Education Center) h
Marianist EE Center & Univ of Dayton Hanley Sustainability Institute
Dayton, Ohio, United States

Moderator(s)

Leanne M. Jablonski, PhD

Director MEEC (Marianist Environmental Education Center) h
Marianist EE Center & Univ of Dayton Hanley Sustainability Institute
Dayton, Ohio, United States

Co-organizer(s)

SM

Stephen J. McCanny, PhD

Scientist
Arctic Science/Parks Canada
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Speaker(s)

SM

Stephen J. McCanny, PhD

Scientist
Arctic Science/Parks Canada
Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

Co-organizer(s)

AR

Alexa Reedman

Research & Partnerships Manager
ArcticNet, Ontario, Canada

Speaker(s)

AR

Alexa Reedman

Research & Partnerships Manager
ArcticNet, Ontario, Canada

Session Description: The circumpolar Inuit (population 160,000) are the world's largest indigenous landholders, owning or having jurisdiction over half the Arctic across Chukotka(Russia), Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Inuit Nunangat (the people’s lands, waters and ices) comprises one-third of Canada’s land mass and half of its coastline. Yet, Inuit people are often not included in research led by ‘southerners’. Despite their intimate,longstanding ties to marine life, country food and ecological processes, research is sometimes conducted as if Inuit were not there and also had no stake in understanding their home place. As climate change increasingly opens Arctic water access and economic opportunities, how do we ensure increased respect for Inuit culture and sovereignty? What are appropriate roles for southern/international scientists in projects that affect Inuit communities? This interactive session examines collaborative research initiatives that are changing the research paradigm and inspiring Inuit-led research, mutual engagements and the co-production of knowledge. Inuit researchers will present sustainable wildlife harvesting research, how they engage their people and bring cultural knowledge to predicting population trends and behaviour in a rapidly changing environment. Government and academic scientists will share about the CINUK (Canada, Inuit Nunangat & UK) funding program and the IQP (Inuit Qaujisarnirmut Pilirijjutit) initiative. Attendees will discuss elements of an inclusive communications plan that engages community members from start to finish and contribute insights to enhancing community research. Together we’ll address barriers to Inuit-led research and the potential of a community-led approach to research investments by Canada, the USA and other interested countries.