Northern Research Leadership and Equity - Executive Summary

Using the perspectives of Raven and Wolf2—central figures in many Northern Indigenous knowledge systems—as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Panel orients the report around the affirmation of Indigenous rights (including the right to self-determination) and the responsibilities associated. [...] Throughout the report, the Panel returns to the metaphor of the community fire and that of being on the Land, illustrating ways in which diverse peoples and perspectives can gather respectfully to create ethical and equitable space. [...] These four elements, when applied to the Arctic and Northern research system in Canada, affirm and uphold the existence and legitimacy of Indigenous knowledge systems; however, careful thought and application are needed to meaningfully give space to ethical and equitable research practices. [...] Improving publicly accessible tracking and monitoring of data (regarding both research outcomes and spending) would support a more fulsome understanding of the local economic and social impacts of research as it relates to the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living in Arctic and Northern communities. [...] This extends to post-secondary institutions in the North, which are leading the way in engagement and investment for inclusive, Council of Canadian Academies | 5 Northern Research Leadership and Equity collaborative, equitable, and ethical Arctic and Northern research in Canada.