{"id":351,"date":"2019-01-07T16:42:05","date_gmt":"2019-01-07T16:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inuitcircumpolar.com\/?page_id=351"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:07:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:07:03","slug":"indigenous-knowledge","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.inuitcircumpolar.com\/staging\/icc-activities-2\/environment-sustainable-development\/indigenous-knowledge\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous Knowledge"},"content":{"rendered":"

ICC Activities<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>

Taking Action to Advance the Inuit Vision<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Indigenous Knowledge<\/h1><\/div><\/div>
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There is an increasing need to better understand changes occurring within the Arctic and a growing appreciation of how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) may illuminate understanding of these changes. This knowledge source will add to the quality of research\/reports being conducted\/created under the auspice of the Arctic council (AC), when utilized effectively.<\/p>\n

Various challenges are faced on how to include IK in a meaningful way within the AC working groups. One such challenge is confusion of how to define and utilize IK, and how to employ both IK and science together. This paper will attempt to articulate and address these concerns, while outlining a process to ensure the application of IK within AC work.<\/p>\n

Definition: With an understanding that there is a need to utilize both sources of knowledge, IK and science in Arctic research, to better inform decision-making, it is important to first come to a consensus on what IK is. To this extent, Inuit Circumpolar Council offers the following definition:<\/p>\n

Indigenous knowledge is a systematic way of thinking applied to phenomena across biological, physical, cultural and spiritual systems. It includes insights based on evidence acquired through direct and long-term experiences and extensive and multigenerational observations, lessons and skills. It has developed over millennia and is still developing in a living process, including knowledge acquired today and in the future, and it is passed on from generation to generation.<\/p>\n

Under this definition, IK goes beyond observations and ecological knowledge, offering a unique \u2018way of knowing\u2019 to identify and apply to research needs which will ultimately inform decision makers.<\/p>\n

Fundamental Concepts: The following concepts are offered to allow for meaningful use of IK\u00a0and science together. These concepts may be built upon as needed. It is suggested that Arctic\u00a0Council working groups develop a mechanisms within their processes, which allow for these\u00a0concepts to be incorporated. The development of a IK expert group may aid in this process.<\/p>\n