Report from the IASC Action Group on Indigenous Involvement,

Abstract

In all matters, IASC strives for an inclusive approach by “encouraging and facilitating cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic region.” Rather than defining human and environmental boundaries, IASC tries to bridge those boundaries. IASC does not endorse any one definition of the Arctic region. There are many different definitions – astronomical, political, meteorological, ecological, and more. Natural systems do not reflect geopolitical boundaries, and often neither do social systems follow such drawn lines. The extent of the Arctic is flexible, dynamic, and context-specific. Furthermore, in defining Indigeneity, self-identification of Arctic Indigenous Peoples and groups is the appropriate and accepted standard. Recognition of Indigenous groups at some level (regionally, nationally, internationally, etc.) and expression of interest in IASC’s mission is sufficient for inclusion in the IASC community. It is important to acknowledge that Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge, and scientific knowledge1 are coequal and complementary knowledge systems. With its recommendations, the IASC Action Group on Indigenous Involvement (AGII; see Appendix for AGII Process) encourages and aims to facilitate cooperation in all aspects of Arctic research, Indigenous Knowledge, and knowledge co-production in all countries engaged in Arctic research and in all areas of the Arctic.