21 March 2025 | 08:00 - 19:00 (MST)
Open Session - HYBRID
Room: UMC Third Floor - 386
Organiser: Stacey Lucason (Kawerak, Inc.), Anita Lafferty (University of Alberta, Canada); Norma Shorty (Yukon University)
Event Description:
This workshop is to bring together perspectives from diverse knowledge systems, career stages, and disciplines, especially those involved in the International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP IV) process, to discuss progress in supporting the co-production of knowledge, co-development of projects, Indigenous-led research and methodologies in the Arctic, and emerging or necessary systemic change to strengthen Indigenous Arctic research.
In the first part of the session, we will present and discuss progress made in recent years to understand and use Indigenous Methodologies, meaningfully engage with Arctic Indigenous communities, and co-produce knowledge which is both valuable to Indigenous Peoples and of higher quality than projects developed absent this sort of expertise. We seek input from participants to highlight areas that the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) should be aware of and include in annual reports. In centering Indigenous methodologies in Arctic research, we aim to promote reflexivity and due diligence amongst scientists regarding processes such as addressing Indigenous research laws and protocols, decolonizing research practices and educational spaces, including the mechanisms required to support Indigenous leadership at all levels of research.
In the second part of the session, we will share an overview of IASC’s efforts to include Indigenous Peoples. We will discuss strategies to enhance Indigenous representation in IASC supported work and other research—from project engagement to standing committee involvement—and better support Indigenous presence in future spaces, including conferences. This will inform formal feedback to IASC and other research organizations.
In the afternoon session, we will focus on future planning, seeking collective input to identify pivotal areas for IASC and other Arctic research organizations to reconsider, acknowledge and prioritise. Discussion rounds in smaller group conversations will include enhancing funding and resources for Indigenous-led initiatives, creating spaces for genuine dialogue and collaboration, flexible (co-developed) research agendas, incorporating mentorship for researchers, promoting land-based education, and community involvement in all aspects of research processes with an eye toward an Indigenous-Informed International Polar Year.
This workshop will also include an introduction to an Indigenous-led IASC eJournal. This effort is intended to span the next decade leading up to the next International Polar Year. This publication uplifts case studies that present co-production and Indigenous-led methodologies in Arctic research. We encourage the submission of stories/ poetry/ photography/ artwork that illustrate successes and challenges as well as provide practical or theoretical insights into engaging with Indigenous and co-produced methodologies. Calls to action will centre on Truth and Reconcilliation and Indigenous Knowledge systems. Feedback from session participants will contribute to the finalization of the first chapter. We invite contributions from a diverse range of contributors, spanning science, art and culture from artists, knowledge holders, scholars ect.
This workshop is organized by members of ICARP IV’s Research Priority Team 5: Indigenous-led and Co-Produced Methodologies [and co-hosts here]. It is intended as both a space to share and receive information about systemic-level Indigenous participation in Arctic Research. Our objectives include offering an opportunity to gather feedback on the RPT’s efforts before formal release and publication of any ICARP-related products. This workshop will result in recommendations and highlight pivotal areas for IASC to reconsider and acknowledge. We suggest participants also join the RPTs during the ICARP Summit to provide feedback on suggested priorities in the “Town Hall” meeting sessions and those interested in individual strategies join the workshop hosted by NNA CWGs [date, update once schedules are available].