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This perspective presents a statement of the 10th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production panel and discussion group, 20 July 2021. The statement is designed to serve as a characterization of the state-of-the-art and guidance for further advancement of Indigenous Knowledge and knowledge co-production in the Arctic. It identifies existing challenges and provides specific recommendations for researchers, Indigenous communities, and funding agencies on meaningful recognition and engagement of Indigenous Knowledge systems.
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This content will become publicly available on August 18, 2026
Nunakut naguatun atugluu/Co-stewardship: Co-production’ through the lens of the Study of Environmental Arctic Change’s Human Wellbeing Team
This paper explores the concept of co-stewardship in the Arctic through the lens of the Study of Environmental Arctic Change’s Human Wellbeing (HWB) team. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and collaborative science, our work prioritizes equity in decision-making, recognizing multiple knowledge systems as equally valuable. Through intentional team-building, trust, and reciprocity, we examine successes, challenges, and opportunities in co-stewardship. Key successes include fostering meaningful relationships, integrating Indigenous perspectives into scientific and policy discussions, and uplifting innovative knowledge-sharing tools such as oral histories and visual storytelling. However, structural challenges persist, including colonial policy frameworks, inadequate funding models, and a lack of institutional mechanisms to support Indigenous leadership in co-stewardship initiatives. We propose policy shifts, long-term funding commitments, and greater Indigenous representation in decision-making as steps toward meaningful change. This work underscores the importance of Indigenous-led stewardship in addressing Arctic environmental and social challenges, offering a model for collaborative governance rooted in respect and reciprocity.
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- PAR ID:
- 10629293
- Editor(s):
- Birchall, S Jeff
- Publisher / Repository:
- PLOS
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- PLOS Climate
- Volume:
- 4
- Issue:
- 8
- ISSN:
- 2767-3200
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- e0000692
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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