27 March 2025 | 10:30 - 12:00 (MDT)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Fourth Floor - 425
Organisers: Sandy Starkweather (University of Colorado, CIRES/NOAA, USA); Vanessa Raymond (Alaska Center for Energy and Power, USA)
Session Description:
Creating ethical, equitable, and impactful connections between researchers from ‘western’ traditions and Indigenous communities are increasingly recognized as a critical success factors for developing inclusive and just observing and data systems. Funding agencies have increased emphasis on research that has tangible benefits for communities and decision-makers. In response, ‘western' researchers and funders have taken steps to center societal benefits in their proposals or funding calls; whereas, Indigenous community-centered work often emphasizes building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Engaging with Indigenous communities through societal impact evaluation is one path toward achieving these diverse objectives in observing and data system design. The session invites contributions that explore the diverse practices of societal impact-based approaches in guiding research, observing, and data system planning. In addition to sharing good practices, we seek to identify actionable areas where improvements are needed or where practice convergence can achieve broader goals. In particular, we invite ideas to achieve greater equity for Indigenous-led efforts and innovative participatory presentations. This includes reflecting on how these practices are in conversation with Indigenous data sovereignty considerations encapsulated in the CARE principles such as collective benefit, ethics, and responsibility concerns related to research, observations, and data governance.
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_morePrioritizing Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Societal Benefit in Large-Scale International Environmental Assessments — Eva Krummel, Rowenna Gryba, Leasi Vanessa Lee Raymond, Chantelle Verhey, & Sandy Starkweather
Eva Krummel 1; Rowenna Gryba 1; Leasi Vanessa Lee Raymond 2; Chantelle Verhey 3; Sandy Starkweather 4
1 Inuit Circumpolar Council - Canada; 2 Arctic Data Committee, University of Alaska Fairbanks; 3 Arctic Data Committee, Carleton University; 4 University of Colorado-CIRES/NOAAFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
This talk highlights the crucial importance of Indigenous data sovereignty and societal benefit in the research and assessment processes of multilateral international environmental processes. In this forum, we emphasize the need to have Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ equitable participation and recognition as rightsholders in global environmental efforts.
SAON and ADC are dedicated to fostering collaboration across research initiatives, ensuring that data practices not only meet scientific standards but are also ethically grounded, particularly by adhering to the CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics). It has also developed the guiding principles and processes of its Roadmap for Observing and Data Systems (ROADS) to support equitable inclusion and shared benefits in planning processes. Prioritizing Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and leadership in data governance is essential for advancing societal benefits that are equitable, culturally appropriate, and respectful of Indigenous rights.
The co-production of knowledge—where Indigenous knowledge systems and scientific methods work on an equitable basis, in a partnership approach —must be central to the design, implementation, and evaluation of these large-scale assessments. To ensure true collaboration, shared decision-making is critical; Indigenous communities should not just be consulted (for example as part of prior-informed consent procedures), but positioned as equal partners in decision-making, ensuring that researchers are not the sole authority in guiding the direction and use of data. Co-developing research agendas with Indigenous communities ensures that they actively shape the collection, management, and application of data in ways that protect their rights and reflect their priorities.
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unfold_moreEvaluating the Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) to Provide Customized Sea Ice and Weather Information to Bering Strait Communities — Nathan Kettle
Nathan Kettle 1; Amy Henddricks 1; Lisa Sheffield Guy 2; Olivia Lee 1; Vera Metcalf 3; Davin Holen 1
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 2 Arctic Research Consortium of the US; 3 Eskimo Walrus CommissionFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) is a resource designed to provide information about weather and sea-ice conditions during spring in the Bering Strait Region of Alaska. The program has operated as a partnership among weather and sea-ice scientists, Native and nonprofit organizations, and Alaska Native sea-ice experts, since 2010, to support safe maritime travel through sharing of western scientific and Indigenous knowledges. An evaluation of SIWO during 2020–2023 explored how program information has been used and by whom; program strengths and challenges; and created user community-generated guidelines for the program’s future. The evaluation was based on a set of 22 indicators developed from the literature on evaluation, weather and climate services, science communication, and decision support. The primary datasets for the evaluation were semi-structured interviews (n=13) and a web-based questionnaire (n=35). Interpretation of the outcome indicators suggests that the SIWO supported several community needs, including providing information to support travel, documenting historical impacts for disaster relief, and sharing Indigenous Knowledge among villages. The evaluation revealed insights into the kinds of information useful for rural and Indigenous communities, such as the importance of local observations from within and from nearby villages. Following completion of the evaluation, SIWO partners met in person during 2023 and 2024 to prioritize recommendations and begin implementing changes to the program. SIWO observers from seven Bering Strait communities provided leadership and direction by identifying recommendations that would be most impactful for communities, and co-developing products and strategies to meet identified needs.
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unfold_moreIntroducing a Gender Dimension into Arctic Research Planning — Tahnee Prior
Tahnee Prior 1
1 Women of the Arctic, Dalhousie UniversityFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
Funding programmes, like the European Union’s Horizon Europe, increasingly encourage and, at times, require that research projects integrate a gender dimension into their work – both in terms of the composition of their teams and in the content of the research itself. However, these requirements raise critical questions for Arctic research planning moving forward: (1) How do we build capacity within the Arctic research community to respond to these prerequisites; and (2) How do we develop a standard framework and method for evaluating the success of a gender-based approach to Arctic research, observing, and data system planning? This presentation will focus on the second question and begin by surveying existing frameworks and methods of evaluation outside the Arctic context, with a specific focus on research at the gender-environment nexus. Building on this survey, and interviews, I will then identify best practices and actionable areas where a gender-based approach can help to advance and contribute to the practices of societal impact assessment. For instance, by introducing an intersectional lens to self-determination in research, the co-production of methods, and data sharing by bringing in the voices of Indigenous women, in particular. With the ICARP IV process and the next IPY in mind, it is critical that funding agencies and researchers reflect on what tools can be developed and applied to make equitable northern research a reality.
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unfold_moreExploring the Societal Benefits of Arctic Services through Economic Lens: Introducing a Process Map Approach to Economic Evaluation — Kaisa Juhanko and Enni Lehtinen
Kaisa Juhanko 1; Enni Lehtinen 1
1 Finnish Meteorological InstituteFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
The Arctic PASSION project aims to co-create a coherent, integrated pan-AOSS to improve the current limitations of Arctic observing systems. This is done by piloting eight Arctic Services and expanding monitoring capabilities through broad inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge. Our work in Arctic PASSION involves the assessment of the societal benefits of these Arctic Services and development of guidance tools for socio-economic assessment.
Economic assessment of observation systems is a complex task due to the specificities of the observation services such as broad societal and welfare benefits, including non-use values and shared costs of producing observations. To promote a robust framework for societal benefit assessments of observation systems and services, we created a guidebook to help researchers, decision-makers and service developers estimate the (potential) value of new services. Our approach helps users choose appropriate evaluation method and select suitable valuation methods according to the types of values generated.
While the economic approach provides valuable information for both ‘western’ and Indigenous communities on allocating resources, it is essential to acknowledge the constraints of economic analysis. To address these challenges, the project encourages incorporating qualitative approaches, such as value chain analysis (VCA), to better reflect non-market values and amplify the end-users’ voice – the voice of Indigenous and local people living in the Arctic. This ensures a more inclusive and comprehensive evaluation of Arctic services, promoting equitable decision-making in resource allocation.
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unfold_moreA self-assessment for ethical and equitable engagement & energy data Proposers — Leasi Vanessa Lee Raymond
Vanessa Raymond 1,2,3; Elizabeth Dobbins 1,2; Will Fisher 1,2
1 University of Alaska Fairbanks; 2 Alaska Center for Energy and Power, 3 Arctic Data CommitteeFormat: Oral in-person
Abstract:
In this session, the data and cyberinfrastructure teams at Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) will share how we assess our own handling of energy data from the framework of ethical, equitable engagement, and community-led energy transitions. Our assessment particularly focuses on how we can center community-level decision-making and Indigenous leadership in the process of working with community energy data. We created this assessment tool to ensure we are sufficiently prioritizing relationship-building, societal benefits, and long-term collaboration with and for the benefit of Indigenous communities that partner with ACEP on energy research.
ACEP’s data and cyberinfrastructure self-assessment is part of a large emphasis and research inquiry into how socio-technical data systems can be designed to align with both community and researcher objectives. We’ll discuss the process of developing this assessment and applying it in team “retrospectives” to continuously improve our internal processes, as well as case studies from ACEP’s research where communities are leading energy transitions, demonstrating how community ownership of energy data and projects ensures equity and long-term success.
In the process, this talk will also reflect on how the assessment incorporates Kawerak-Region Tribal Research Protocols, Guidelines, Expectations, and Best Practices (Kawerak, 2024), the Circumpolar Inuit Protocols for Ethical and Equitable Engagement (ICC, 2021), the SAON ROADS process (Starkweather et al, 2021), and the CARE principles (GIDA, 2020) - seminal works that play a role in helping ACEP to effectively support Indigenous data sovereignty and fostering trust in energy data research.
Poster Presentations (during Poster Exhibit and Session on Wednesday 26 March):
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unfold_moreMapping US Arctic Science: Interactive Web Mapping Applications for Advancing Arctic Research and Improving Equity and Community Engagement — Craig Tweedie
Craig Tweedie 1; Santiago Hoyos Echeverri 1
1 The University of Texas at El PasoFormat: Poster in-person
Poster number: #530
Abstract:
With support from NSF, USFWS, and BOEM, we have developed multiple web-mapping applications that aim to improve knowledge access for ‘who is doing what type of Arctic research, where, when, and how’. Our work utilizes a suite of innovative databases and online interactive map applications to foster knowledge exchange between Arctic communities, logisticians, researchers, and other stakeholders. These efforts include project insights through the Arctic Research Mapping Application; a focus on long-term environmental observations through the Arctic Observing Viewer; Seasonal Activity Maps to increase community awareness; visualization of vessel routes via the Research Cruise Viewer; jurisdictional information through the Alaska Lands Viewer; and documentation of decades of legacy research surrounding Utqiagvik via the Barrow Area Information Database. Recent efforts build on these catalogues and strive to improve equity through visualization and footprinting of field-based activities and related observing assets. Our new web mapping application provides a means to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of field-based research to identify regions/ Alaskan communities that are well-supported or underserved. Additionally, the development of a geobrowser that provides visualization support for the emerging Salmon Knowledge Portal is a convenient means to better understand the distribution of environmental observing capacities related to a key subsistence food resource in rural Alaska.
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unfold_moreDownstream Lives Matter: Social Strategies for Mitigating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Impacts — Rayees Ahmed
Rayees Ahmed 1
1 Indian Institute of Science BangaloreFormat: Poster in-person
Poster number: #568
Abstract:
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are catastrophic events that disproportionately affect vulnerable downstream communities. While there has been a boom of research into physical risk assessments, such as change detection analysis, hazard modelling and early warning systems, there has been little practical implementation on the ground, with only a few structural measures in place. This article emphasises the importance of social factors in GLOF mitigation, which should complement physical assessments. Empowering downstream communities through workshops, training programs, and awareness campaigns can help to increase local disaster preparedness. Community-based approaches, such as participatory hazard mapping, localised early warning systems, and frequent evacuation drills, offer realistic and highly effective alternatives to mitigate GLOF impacts. By incorporating social strategies into current frameworks, we may assure more sustainable, inclusive, and effective GLOF risk management, eventually reducing the vulnerability of at-risk communities.
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unfold_moreConnecting Observing Gaps to Societal Impacts: A Gaps Assessment on Coastal Inundation Hazard Mitigation and Risk Management in the Alaskan Arctic — Taylor Rijos
Taylor Rijos 1; Sandra Starkweather 2; Hazel Shapiro 3
1 Cornell University, NOAA Physical Sciences Laboratory; 2 Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences; 3 US Arctic Observing NetworkFormat: Poster virtual
Poster number: #267
Abstract:
The Arctic is experiencing accelerated climate-driven environmental changes, including extreme heat and ice loss. These changes affect coastal ecosystems and impact Arctic communities’ food security, infrastructure, and health. Despite the disproportionate effects of climate-driven hazards on Arctic communities, there are large coverage gaps in many observing systems in the Alaskan Arctic. The US Arctic Observing Network (AON) - a collaborative network of agencies, organizations, and communities - seeks to improve observational data collection and sharing to support resilience in the region. To identify problematic observing and data gaps, US AON has developed a methodology to systematically link the observing system and data products to applications that provide societal benefits. In 2023, US AON held 40+ dialogs with government and academic partners to identify important topics for assessment case studies focused on risks and hazards. Dialogs were analyzed using an inductive coding system in MAXQDA, a qualitative coding software. Using coastal inundation as our case study scope for assessment, we identified key organizations engaged in inundation work, their primary services and products, the effectiveness factors impacting their work, and the most critical consequences of inundation. Visualizations of coded qualitative data reveal gaps in and potential improvements of the observing systems. The gaps were connected with societal consequences of inundation, including subsistence food security, infrastructure, and travel. Framing the gaps assessment around societal benefits will help US AON identify equitable and strategic investments in data collection and observing to address coastal inundation and its consequences, improving climate resilience in the Alaskan Arctic.