Arctic Ethnobotanical Methodology: Inuit case study with semi-structured group interviews (Kitikmeot, Nunavut, Canada)

Ethnobotany is a multidisciplinary field, highly relevant in the context of environmental, social and cultural changes. Since the first European explorations of the Inuit Nunangat, numerous ethnobotanical studies, using various methods, have documented the use of more than 300 plant taxa by Inuit communities. This paper addresses the strengths and limitations of 'semi-structured group interviews' through the lens of a case study in Kitikmeot (Nunavut, Canada), broadening our perspectives and understanding of ethnobotanical research done with Inuit communities. A literature review was conducted to highlight the most and least commonly used methods in ethnobotany in Inuit Nunangat. Semi-structured group interviews can increase sample size but require structured coordination of logistics between researchers and community members. They provide an opportunity for researchers to propose future research projects with communities and communicating the results of previous and ongoing projects. This emphasizes the importance of developing transparent and appropriate participatory traditional knowledge research projects that lead to socially and scientifically meaningful results as they are of the essence when addressing Indigenous ethics and methodology in ethnobotany. A fluid and respectful dialogue between Inuit community members and researchers, in a designed and preserved ethical space is an ideal setting to attain better results.