26 March 2025 | 08:30 - 10:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Fourth Floor - 415/417
Organisers: Romain Chuffart (University of Akureyri); Gabriella Gricius (Colorado State University)
Zoom link to the Session (password-protected)
The password needed to connect to the session will be distributed the day prior to the start of the sessions to all registered conference participants. Further guidelines on how to participate virtually in the ASSW 2025 can be found on the ASSW 2025 website.
Session Description:
Co-production of knowledge and Indigenous-led methodologies have become a high priority on the Arctic research agenda as a means to alleviate and avoid reproducing the historical and ongoing violence of colonial practices on Indigenous communities. This session aims to create a discussion on the role of non-Indigenous scholars in Arctic research through a decolonial lens. It addresses the need for creating inclusive research spaces that respect and elevate Indigenous knowledge systems. While social sciences focused on “Arctic governance” (e.g. political science, international relations, and international legal studies) have had internal discussions about the need to find alternative non-colonial and non-hierarchical ways of producing knowledge, these conversations are yet to happen in meaningful way in relation to Arctic-wide research. By examining the dynamics of knowledge production, the session aims to question how to avoid appropriation and co-optation of Indigenous knowledge in Arctic research. As a result, this session will seek to chart a decolonial Arctic governance research approach for the next decade.
This session invites contributions on the following topics:
- Decolonial approaches to Arctic governance studies
- Inclusive research practices
- Non-appropriation of Indigenous methodologies in Arctic governance studies
- Knowledge production of Arctic governance studies
Instructions for Speakers: Oral presentations in this session should be at most 12-minutes in length, with an additional 2-3 minutes for questions (unless more detailed instructions are provided by session conveners). See more detailed presenter instructions here.
Oral Presentations:
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unfold_moreWhat methodology for meaningful research? – Case studies from Doig River and Smith’s Landing First Nations, Canada — Giuseppe Amatulli, Laura Goyhenex, & Michaela Sidloski
Giuseppe Amatulli 1; Laura Goyhenex 2; Michaela Sidloski 3
1 Carleton University, Doig River First Nation; 2 Aberdeen University; 3 University of SaskatchewanFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Using the right methodology while navigating complex institutional ethics approval processes has long been considered a key element of conducting meaningful research with First Nations. Between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches, researchers often choose how to collect data based on their research questions, aims of the study, and understanding of the issue at stake. But what about community partners? How and to what extent are they involved in co-designing the research process, defining research questions and co-developing methods? Drawing on several years of fieldwork experience with Treaty 8 First Nations, the Doig River First Nation in Northeastern British Columbia, and Smith’s Landing First Nation in Northeastern Alberta/Southeastern Northwest Territories; this contribution offers a novel perspective on methodological approaches to perform research.
The authors argue that meaningful research methodology stems from a process of building trust and relationships with First Nation members. Instead of focusing on selecting the best methodology and research methods ex-ante; before starting any data collection, it is fundamental to spend time in a community and build the trust to carry out appropriate research, based on local research protocols, perspectives, and needs. By questioning conventional approaches to decision-making about methodology and methods, this contribution will complement and expand the emerging literature on doing ethnographic fieldwork in the contemporary world. It does so by expanding on the importance of building trust and relationships in ethnographic work based on the concept of reciprocity, which recognizes that relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples must be based on mutual respect and understanding.
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unfold_moreFood as a Symbol of Community Identity: Coproduction of Knowledge in Indigenous Alaska Communities to address Issues of Food Sovereignty — Michael Koskey
Yoko Kugo 1; Michael Koskey 1; Theresa John 1; Kazuyuki Saito 2; Go Iwahana 1; Lisa Pajot 1
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 2 JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology)Format: Oral in-person
Abstract:
This paper presents the findings of our transdisciplinary study (social/natural science, Indigenous knowledge, community partners) of changes in food lifeways and food security, due to climatic and socioeconomic changes in Alaska. Indigenous people living in the Arctic and sub-Arctic have used ice cellars and underground caches to preserve harvested meat, fish, and plants to maintain their lifeways. Locally harvested food symbolizes community identity and strong ties to their land. Food storage practices have changed due to rapid environmental fluctuations (e.g., permafrost thawing, changing moisture conditions) and the arrival of modern education, technologies, and economy. Food security topics in this presentation include Indigenous knowledge of landscape, storing, preserving, and sharing food, physical and spiritual relationships with humans and non-humans, and how northern communities have maintained lifeways while adapting to environment and socioeconomic change.
Working in partnership with Alaska Native communities, researchers have recognized the importance of local knowledge. Local voices need to be taken into consideration alongside scientific data because local knowledge is holistic, consisting of multi-generational knowledge. Our presentation demonstrates that engaging with communities encourages partnering communities to identify and pursue their own goals within a project, enhancing their interest at local levels. Local Elders, other knowledge-bearers, and leaders ensure their community will benefit from academic research by requiring focus on community needs and wellbeing. Researchers thus reciprocate with their community partners while also conducting academic research. We also present methods for collaborating with communities alongside our ethical conduct of ethnographic fieldwork to learn local knowledge and perspectives.
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unfold_moreSivuqaq’s Navigation of Polycentric Governance: A Community-centered and Anti-colonial Approach to Understanding Policy in Practice — Shauna BurnSilver & Priscilla Frankson
Shauna BurnSilver 1; Abigail York 1; Priscilla Frankson 1; Lucy Apatiki 2; Malory Peterson 1; Kitrea Takata-Glushkoff 3; Peken Travis Kaningok 4; Eddie Ungott 2; Masha Monakhova 1
1 Arizona State University; 2 Community Collaborator - Sivuqaq; 3 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 4 Community Research Lead - Sivuqaq; 2 Community Collaborator - SivuqaqFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
In the Arctic, polycentric governance systems with overlapping jurisdictions, poor coordination between decision-making entities, and conflicting western and Indigenous governance frameworks create serious tensions for Indigenous communities. Policy outcomes are affected by differences in policies, laws, and rules on paper (de jure) and in practice (de facto). Little research has investigated disjuncture’s community-level impact, nor how intersections of polycentricity and de facto institutions (versus de jure) affect Indigenous communities. Furthermore, governance research seldom engages Indigenous scholars and community members, overlooking critical perspectives necessary to understand the impact of de facto versus de jure policy for communities navigating change.
This presentation describes the work of a transdisciplinary team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, Indigenous community leaders, and community-based researchers to conduct community-centered governance research in the St. Lawrence Island Yupik community of Sivuqaq (Gambell), Alaska. De facto versus de jure framing emerged from iterative discussions between Indigenous community leaders and the research team. Equity, agency, and elevating Indigenous voices and ways of knowing are integrated through the methods and greater relationships of the project. Thirty-five interviews with local decision-makers and community members identified four major governance issues associated with loss of Bering sea ice: coastal erosion, harmful algal blooms, subsistence hunting, and regulation of marine traffic, with 68 governance entities, spanning local to international levels, connected to just these four issues. Foundationally, the community-centered approach supported co-learning and challenged power imbalances within the research team. De facto polycentric governance networks became visible, highlighting disconnects between decision-making entities and challenges facing local decision-makers.
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unfold_moreSpace, Place and Identity in Ethnic "Minority" Communities in Russia — Semyon Drozdetckii
Semyon Drozdetckii 1
1 University of VictoriaFormat: Oral virtual
Abstract:
The scope of this proposed study unites two ethnic "minorities"* of modern Russia. The first is the Itelmens, Indigenous People of the Kamchatka peninsula in the Far East of the country. The second is a community of Belorussian settlers in the Kurgan Oblast of Trans-Urals, descended from a group of colonists from the territory of modern-day Belarus who arrived in the region in the mid-nineteenth century. It is planned to explore cultural differences and similarities in the sense of place in these two communities. And especially commonalities in the transformation of this sense of place under the influence of Russian and Soviet government policies imposed on both communities (e.g., Russification, collectivization), forced resettlement, and major events in Russian history (e.g., the Russian Civil War, the collapse of the Soviet Union). This is to understand the importance of space taken by community, and places' significance in identity shaping of ethnic "minorities" in Russia.
*The term "minority" is deliberately placed in quotation marks to emphasize that these communities are only relatively few in numbers within the context of Russia, and also to not undermine their relationship to their lands.
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unfold_moreCollaborating with Indigenous communities in a meaningful and ethical way — Evgeniia Sidorova
Evgeniia Sidorova 1
1 University of CalgaryFormat: Oral virtual
Abstract:
This presentation outlines essential considerations for non-Indigenous researchers engaging with Indigenous communities, emphasizing a community-centered and respectful approach. First, researchers must prioritize solutions to real-world issues as identified by the communities, rather than pursuing academic agendas. It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of traditional academic training, which often focuses on knowledge extraction. In my practice, I express gratitude for the knowledge shared with me and reciprocate by sharing insights from my own cultural background, fostering a collaborative exchange that transcends state boundaries.
I will also highlight the global struggle for self-determination among Indigenous communities, drawing parallels with European cultures, such as the Irish and Scottish, that have fought to preserve their languages and identities. Recognizing these shared struggles creates opportunities for reciprocal knowledge exchange.
Additionally, valuing the connections Indigenous peoples have with their lands and spiritual beliefs is essential for understanding traditional ecological knowledge and sustainability. Lastly, learning even a few words from Indigenous languages can enhance understanding of Indigenous worldviews. My presentation advocates for building bridges between academia and Indigenous communities through empathetic, community-based approaches that prioritize collaboration over extraction.