Inuit Qaujisarnirmut Pilirijjutit on Arctic Shipping Risks in Inuit Nunangat
Lead Research Organisation:
Scottish Association For Marine Science
Department Name: Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory
Abstract
Diminishing sea ice due to climate change is making the Arctic Ocean more accessible. As a result, marine shipping within
Inuit Nunangat waters is expected to increase dramatically in coming years as natural resources and shorter transit routes
between Asia, Europe and North America are exploited. While the shipping industry plays a pivotal role in supporting the
economy across Inuit Nunangat, increased Arctic shipping brings various threats to natural and cultural heritage in the
region. These threats, which have wide-ranging consequences for the health, well-being and livelihoods of Inuit
communities, need to be assessed and mitigated. This project has been co-designed in direct response to these
challenges by several Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and academics in Canada and the UK. A combination of
methods, including risk mapping, modelling of existing data, community youth training and knowledge documentation
workshops, and ships of opportunity, will be used to address five main research activities designed to identify and assess
practical solutions for the anticipated increase in shipping across Inuit Nunangat.
The project is intentionally designed to reflect Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of
Piliriqatigiingniq, which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network,
technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. We will
employ the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM), which is rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific
methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making to build agreement together through group processes that are
inclusive and participatory. This process enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue
and facilitates a format for Inuit to gather, review and analyse information (e.g. scientific data, Inuit knowledge) as it is
gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is
already known/understood.
The project, guided by a wisdom committee, will involve scientists, community organizations, Inuit and Northern community
research associates and youth, local Inuit knowledge holders, and ship operators through a series of co-learning
workshops, sampling and analysis activities, and information/results sharing gatherings. We focus on five key activities that
reflect the agreed upon and co-developed research objectives and these include: Activity 1) analyses of past, present, and
projected future shipping traffic for Inuit Nunangat, Activity 2) investigation of underwater noise impacts on marine
mammals, hunting, and (country) food security, Activity 3) measurement of ship-source air and marine pollution, Activity 4)
evaluation of the introduction of non-indigenous species due to ship traffic, and Activity 5) the development of risks maps
that integrate outputs from Activities 1-4 and further identification of relevant risk mitigation techniques and self-determined
ocean government strategies that could deal with identified challenges. While conducting the research, we will rely on two
research platforms: community-based research and ships of opportunity. These complimentary approaches will allow us to
focus both on typically used shipping corridors and also to gather baseline data and comparative data between a
community that has historically experienced low levels of shipping activity (i.e., Arviat, Nunavut) and a community that has
experienced relatively high levels of shipping activity (i.e., Pond Inlet, Nunavut).
Inuit Nunangat waters is expected to increase dramatically in coming years as natural resources and shorter transit routes
between Asia, Europe and North America are exploited. While the shipping industry plays a pivotal role in supporting the
economy across Inuit Nunangat, increased Arctic shipping brings various threats to natural and cultural heritage in the
region. These threats, which have wide-ranging consequences for the health, well-being and livelihoods of Inuit
communities, need to be assessed and mitigated. This project has been co-designed in direct response to these
challenges by several Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and academics in Canada and the UK. A combination of
methods, including risk mapping, modelling of existing data, community youth training and knowledge documentation
workshops, and ships of opportunity, will be used to address five main research activities designed to identify and assess
practical solutions for the anticipated increase in shipping across Inuit Nunangat.
The project is intentionally designed to reflect Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of
Piliriqatigiingniq, which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network,
technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. We will
employ the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM), which is rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific
methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making to build agreement together through group processes that are
inclusive and participatory. This process enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue
and facilitates a format for Inuit to gather, review and analyse information (e.g. scientific data, Inuit knowledge) as it is
gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is
already known/understood.
The project, guided by a wisdom committee, will involve scientists, community organizations, Inuit and Northern community
research associates and youth, local Inuit knowledge holders, and ship operators through a series of co-learning
workshops, sampling and analysis activities, and information/results sharing gatherings. We focus on five key activities that
reflect the agreed upon and co-developed research objectives and these include: Activity 1) analyses of past, present, and
projected future shipping traffic for Inuit Nunangat, Activity 2) investigation of underwater noise impacts on marine
mammals, hunting, and (country) food security, Activity 3) measurement of ship-source air and marine pollution, Activity 4)
evaluation of the introduction of non-indigenous species due to ship traffic, and Activity 5) the development of risks maps
that integrate outputs from Activities 1-4 and further identification of relevant risk mitigation techniques and self-determined
ocean government strategies that could deal with identified challenges. While conducting the research, we will rely on two
research platforms: community-based research and ships of opportunity. These complimentary approaches will allow us to
focus both on typically used shipping corridors and also to gather baseline data and comparative data between a
community that has historically experienced low levels of shipping activity (i.e., Arviat, Nunavut) and a community that has
experienced relatively high levels of shipping activity (i.e., Pond Inlet, Nunavut).
Organisations
- Scottish Association For Marine Science (Lead Research Organisation)
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Collaboration)
- Marine Stewardship Council (Collaboration)
- Scripps (Collaboration)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (Collaboration)
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (Collaboration)
- Inuit Circumpolar Council (Collaboration)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (Collaboration)
- University of Laval (Collaboration)
- University of Ottawa (Collaboration)
- British Antarctic Survey (Collaboration)
| Description | BAS |
| Organisation | British Antarctic Survey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Shipping risk mapping related to non-indigenous species and contaminants, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | DFO Canada |
| Organisation | Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Risk mapping of non-indigenous species, training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Environment and Climate Change Canada |
| Organisation | Environment and Climate Change Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Shipping risk mapping in relation to contaminants, training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. Additionally, the IQP-ASR project has been co-designed by representatives from Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and universities with the vision is to co-generate knowledge about risks associated with climate change-induced growth in Arctic marine shipping across Inuit Nunangat and to identify and evaluate potential management strategies that support Inuit self-determined shipping and oceans governance. Specifically, the project addresses economic risks and opportunities (employment, trade, livelihoods, cruise and yacht tourism) for Inuit and Inuit communities associated with ecosystem/environmental changes resulting from increased shipping traffic. At a broader level, it addresses maritime trade risks from invasive species introduction, ship-marine mammal interactions, and ship-based air and water pollution. The project was also intentionally designed to support ongoing efforts among Inuit organizations, to better understand and quantify key impacts of shipping that can help inform Inuit positions on national and international maritime policy at Arctic Council and International Maritime Organization meetings. Finally, Inuit youth (aged 18-31), in particular, are engaged in leading ongoing environmental monitoring activities. The project establishes an opportunity to build on these strengths already available in these communities and to enhance opportunities for youth to work as researchers and to learn new skills. The project design is reflective of Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of Piliriqatigiingniq , which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network, technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. In this regard, the project team has adopted the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM) in order to achieve our co-developed project objectives to better understand shipping risks related to noise, pollution, and non-indigenous species introduction. ARM is based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making. It is a process that enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue and facilitates a format for Inuit to review and analyse data as it is gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is already known/understood. The word aajiiqatigiingniq is about building agreement together through a group process that is fully inclusive and participatory. The solution seeking process itself relies on being in a trusted relationship with others engaged in the process; communicating respectfully, openly and honestly; and to seek solutions which will improve the common good. The method is iterative and progresses through these four stages: meaning making to achieve shared understanding of the issue; sharing real life experiences to help situate the topic; seeking innovative solutions to resolve the issue; and commitment to supporting the agreed actions to achieve resolution. For Inuit, everyone in this process attends as a participant with equal status and voice. The project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and all information generated through this collaborative effort is designed to produce better results than a single approach could. ECCC facilitates the framework process as outlined above, enhances skills development, and ensures the outcomes being relevant to for policy and governance to secure lasting impact. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada |
| Organisation | Inuit Circumpolar Council |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The IQP-ASR project has been co-designed by representatives from Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and universities with the vision is to co-generate knowledge about risks associated with climate change-induced growth in Arctic marine shipping across Inuit Nunangat and to identify and evaluate potential management strategies that support Inuit self-determined shipping and oceans governance. Specifically, the project addresses economic risks and opportunities (employment, trade, livelihoods, cruise and yacht tourism) for Inuit and Inuit communities associated with ecosystem/environmental changes resulting from increased shipping traffic. At a broader level, it addresses maritime trade risks from invasive species introduction, ship-marine mammal interactions, and ship-based air and water pollution. The project was also intentionally designed to support ongoing efforts among Inuit organizations, to better understand and quantify key impacts of shipping that can help inform Inuit positions on national and international maritime policy at Arctic Council and International Maritime Organization meetings. Finally, Inuit youth (aged 18-31), in particular, are engaged in leading ongoing environmental monitoring activities. The project establishes an opportunity to build on these strengths already available in these communities and to enhance opportunities for youth to work as researchers and to learn new skills. The project design is reflective of Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of Piliriqatigiingniq , which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network, technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. In this regard, the project team has adopted the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM) in order to achieve our co-developed project objectives to better understand shipping risks related to noise, pollution, and non-indigenous species introduction. ARM is based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making. It is a process that enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue and facilitates a format for Inuit to review and analyse data as it is gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is already known/understood. The word aajiiqatigiingniq is about building agreement together through a group process that is fully inclusive and participatory. The solution seeking process itself relies on being in a trusted relationship with others engaged in the process; communicating respectfully, openly and honestly; and to seek solutions which will improve the common good. The method is iterative and progresses through these four stages: meaning making to achieve shared understanding of the issue; sharing real life experiences to help situate the topic; seeking innovative solutions to resolve the issue; and commitment to supporting the agreed actions to achieve resolution. For Inuit, everyone in this process attends as a participant with equal status and voice. The project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and all information generated through this collaborative effort is designed to produce better results than a single approach could. Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada facilitates the framework process as outlined above, enhances skills development, and ensures the outcomes being relevant to for policy and governance to secure lasting impact. |
| Impact | Ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami |
| Organisation | Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The IQP-ASR project has been co-designed by representatives from Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and universities with the vision is to co-generate knowledge about risks associated with climate change-induced growth in Arctic marine shipping across Inuit Nunangat and to identify and evaluate potential management strategies that support Inuit self-determined shipping and oceans governance. Specifically, the project addresses economic risks and opportunities (employment, trade, livelihoods, cruise and yacht tourism) for Inuit and Inuit communities associated with ecosystem/environmental changes resulting from increased shipping traffic. At a broader level, it addresses maritime trade risks from invasive species introduction, ship-marine mammal interactions, and ship-based air and water pollution. The project was also intentionally designed to support ongoing efforts among Inuit organizations, to better understand and quantify key impacts of shipping that can help inform Inuit positions on national and international maritime policy at Arctic Council and International Maritime Organization meetings. Finally, Inuit youth (aged 18-31), in particular, are engaged in leading ongoing environmental monitoring activities. The project establishes an opportunity to build on these strengths already available in these communities and to enhance opportunities for youth to work as researchers and to learn new skills. The project design is reflective of Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of Piliriqatigiingniq , which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network, technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. In this regard, the project team has adopted the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM) in order to achieve our co-developed project objectives to better understand shipping risks related to noise, pollution, and non-indigenous species introduction. ARM is based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making. It is a process that enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue and facilitates a format for Inuit to review and analyse data as it is gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is already known/understood. The word aajiiqatigiingniq is about building agreement together through a group process that is fully inclusive and participatory. The solution seeking process itself relies on being in a trusted relationship with others engaged in the process; communicating respectfully, openly and honestly; and to seek solutions which will improve the common good. The method is iterative and progresses through these four stages: meaning making to achieve shared understanding of the issue; sharing real life experiences to help situate the topic; seeking innovative solutions to resolve the issue; and commitment to supporting the agreed actions to achieve resolution. For Inuit, everyone in this process attends as a participant with equal status and voice. The project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and all information generated through this collaborative effort is designed to produce better results than a single approach could. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami facilitates the framework process as outlined above, enhances skills development, and ensures the outcomes being relevant to for policy and governance to secure lasting impact. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Nunavut Marine Council |
| Organisation | Marine Stewardship Council |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The IQP-ASR project has been co-designed by representatives from Inuit organizations, Inuit communities, and universities with the vision is to co-generate knowledge about risks associated with climate change-induced growth in Arctic marine shipping across Inuit Nunangat and to identify and evaluate potential management strategies that support Inuit self-determined shipping and oceans governance. Specifically, the project addresses economic risks and opportunities (employment, trade, livelihoods, cruise and yacht tourism) for Inuit and Inuit communities associated with ecosystem/environmental changes resulting from increased shipping traffic. At a broader level, it addresses maritime trade risks from invasive species introduction, ship-marine mammal interactions, and ship-based air and water pollution. The project was also intentionally designed to support ongoing efforts among Inuit organizations, to better understand and quantify key impacts of shipping that can help inform Inuit positions on national and international maritime policy at Arctic Council and International Maritime Organization meetings. Finally, Inuit youth (aged 18-31), in particular, are engaged in leading ongoing environmental monitoring activities. The project establishes an opportunity to build on these strengths already available in these communities and to enhance opportunities for youth to work as researchers and to learn new skills. The project design is reflective of Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of Piliriqatigiingniq , which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network, technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. In this regard, the project team has adopted the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM) in order to achieve our co-developed project objectives to better understand shipping risks related to noise, pollution, and non-indigenous species introduction. ARM is based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making. It is a process that enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue and facilitates a format for Inuit to review and analyse data as it is gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is already known/understood. The word aajiiqatigiingniq is about building agreement together through a group process that is fully inclusive and participatory. The solution seeking process itself relies on being in a trusted relationship with others engaged in the process; communicating respectfully, openly and honestly; and to seek solutions which will improve the common good. The method is iterative and progresses through these four stages: meaning making to achieve shared understanding of the issue; sharing real life experiences to help situate the topic; seeking innovative solutions to resolve the issue; and commitment to supporting the agreed actions to achieve resolution. For Inuit, everyone in this process attends as a participant with equal status and voice. The project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and all information generated through this collaborative effort is designed to produce better results than a single approach could. Nunavut Marine Council facilitates the framework process as outlined above, enhances skills development, and ensures the outcomes being relevant to for policy and governance to secure lasting impact. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | SCRIPPS |
| Organisation | Scripps |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | University of Laval |
| Organisation | University of Laval |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Risk mapping from non-indigenous species, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | University of Ottawa |
| Organisation | University of Ottawa |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends and mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Shipping trends and risk mapping (past, present & future), participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | WCS Canada |
| Organisation | Wildlife Conservation Society Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Shipping trends mapping (past, present & future), risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, participation in wisdom (provide guidance, advice, and mentorship to the larger team) and data committees (ensure project data are securely stored and shared so that key results are packaged and shared appropriately and impactfully), training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Risk mapping from ship-source underwater noise through modelling and validated by empirical data, training and knowledge transfer during co-learning workshops (data collection, analysis and results interpretation), identification & assessment of governance approaches. |
| Impact | Ongoing |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | IQ-ARM research framework |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Project participants obtained understanding in Inuit social values and processes that form the framework underpinning the entire project. The project design is reflective of Inuit social values, Inuit Qaujisarnirmut (knowledge), and the principle of Piliriqatigiingniq, which is broadly defined as the process of respectful coming together and use of every resource, network, technology, and process available, in order to arrive at the best possible collaborative solution to a challenge. In this regard, the project team has received insights into and training on the Aajiiqatigiingniq Research Methodology (ARM) in order to achieve our co-developed project objectives to better understand shipping risks related to noise, pollution, and non-indigenous species introduction. ARM is based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit-specific methods for knowledge-building and meaning-making. It is a process that enables Inuit to define what is known and collectively understood about an issue and facilitates a format for Inuit to review and analyse data as it is gathered (regardless of method used) to iteratively determine the relevance and impacts of new information on what is already known/understood. The word aajiiqatigiingniq is about building agreement together through a group process that is fully inclusive and participatory. The solution seeking process itself relies on being in a trusted relationship with others engaged in the process; communicating respectfully, openly and honestly; and to seek solutions which will improve the common good. The method is iterative and progresses through these four stages: meaning making to achieve shared understanding of the issue; sharing real life experiences to help situate the topic; seeking innovative solutions to resolve the issue; and commitment to supporting the agreed actions to achieve resolution. For Inuit, everyone in this process attends as a participant with equal status and voice. The project will rely on Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and all information generated through this collaborative effort is designed to produce better results than a single approach could. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |