Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Western science: examples of research that demonstrate sovereignty and self-determination in the face of complex impacts from climate change

Research in Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homelands in Canada, historically failed to meaningfully engage host communities. After years of Inuit actively advocating for respect and inclusion, some practitioners of Western science are recognizing that past research practices have been either harmful or of little benefit to Inuit. As climate change rapidly transforms the Arctic, Inuit are facing environmental changes that threaten their culture, lifestyle, and livelihoods. By combining expert local knowledge and values (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or IQ) with Western science, Inuit are embracing combined knowledge systems—dubbed Science + IQ by the youth-led, Nunavut-based nonprofit, Ikaarvik—to increase resilience and self-determination in the face of climate change. This paper highlights three examples: (1) an Inuk youth’s experience as an early member of Ikaarvik; (2) SmartICE, a social enterprise that supports safe sea ice travel by integrating sea ice IQ with technology; and (3) SIKU: The Indigenous Knowledge App, developed by the Arctic Eider Society with Inuit and Indigenous partners, providing tools for harvesters and research management. Key messages for researchers include the importance of understanding and upholding Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination by building projects with Inuit and reviewing Inuit-written ethical guidelines and implementing them throughout all stages of research.