Weaving Indigenous and Western ways of knowing in ecotoxicology and wildlife health: a review of Canadian studies

Abstract

Western-trained, non-Indigenous researchers in Canada have an ethical responsibility to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and to re-envision the scientific research process through the lens of reconciliation. The health of the natural environment has long been a concern to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, and weaving different ways of knowing could provide a path forward to address critical wildlife health concerns. Here, we conducted a review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature that claims to weave Indigenous and Western ways of knowing in ecotoxicology and wildlife health in Canada, coding for background information, wildlife health stressors, research methods, Indigenous participation, and research outcomes. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were published since 2015 and took place in Canada’s North. Research collaborations were often between First Nations or Inuit knowledge holders (most frequently, active harvesters and Elders) and Western-trained, non-Indigenous academics. Most studies were initiated by mutual agreement between community partners and researchers, but no study was “Indigenous-led” at any stage of research. Studies investigated environmental contaminants and health-related topics in a range of wildlife, usually traditional subsistence species. The most commonly studied disease was avian cholera, and the most studied class of toxicants was metals and trace elements. Indigenous knowledge was primarily collected via interviews. Studies often used multiple methodologies to braid or weave knowledge, but the most frequently used methodology was community-based participatory research. To provide a more holistic understanding of the process of weaving knowledge, we conducted an in-depth examination, applying a decolonizing lens, of two exemplar cases of collaborative research with Indigenous communities. This exploration led to the conclusion that research that weaves ways of knowing must not be approached with a “one-size-fits-all” mindset, but instead should emphasize relationship building, continuous engagement, and ethical practices. By adopting such practices, Western-trained, non-Indigenous academics can better address critical wildlife health concerns while contributing meaningfully to advancing healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Ensuring continuity and impact in Arctic monitoring: a solution-orientated model for community-based environmental research

“…There is a need for Indigenous-led research in the Arctic (ITK 2018). Indigenous-led data collection and monitoring efforts must continue to be supported in Arctic environmental research to promote greater self-determination and empower community knowledge in decision-making (ITK 2018, Robards et (Kouril et al 2016) specifically surrounding Indigenous-led environmental contaminant research (Johnson et al 2023), further support is required to drive Indigenous-led research from the onset and aid the transition from externally driven approaches towards more collaborative and autonomous approaches.…”

“…If adequately considered, the solutions-orientated model can help guide CBR to extend beyond models of data collection towards equitable and actionable outcomes (figure 3(B)). Since no two Indigenous communities or projects are the same (Wilson et al 2020, Johnson et al 2023, defining the appropriate and inclusive actions built into the research design from the onset will be dependent on project goals and the place-based context in which the research is occurring (Danielsen et al 2009, Johnson et al 2016, Pedersen et al 2020, Tengö et al 2021. The flexible nature ensures the length of steps over which the model (figure 3(B)) is applied can be adapted to meet the priorities and desired goals of specific programs.…”

“…Knowledge weaving requires collaboratives pathways and active efforts to respect the contributions and integrity of different knowledge systems (Johnson et al 2016). Emphasis is placed on relationship building and sustaining dialogue which is required when weaving different ways of knowing (Johnson et al 2023). For decades the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Society's 'Community Based Ecological Monitoring Program' has brought together scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems to better understand caribou ecology and inform co-management decisions (Eamer 2006, Russell et al 2013, Gagnon et al 2020.…”

In a Good Way: Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems to Understand and Restore Freshwater Systems

“…Here, we analyze and synthesize projects in which knowledge systems have been braided for the deep insight they offer into what braiding knowledge systems means; in the process, we gained an appreciation for a wide range of possible practices. Reviews of this nature exist across the globe and across disciplines (see, e.g., [6][7][8]). Two such reviews synthesized knowledge system braiding projects within a freshwater context.…”

Approaches and methods used to bring together Indigenous and Environmental science Knowledge in environmental research: A systematic map protocol

“…Subsequently, there have been numerous articles published in the field of environmental sciences and studies attempting to link both Indigenous and Environmental science Knowledge (see Table 1 for definitions). The processes involved in knowledge linking are complex and should not be viewed with a one‐size‐fits‐all perspective (Bohensky & Maru, 2011; Johnson et al., 2023). This study recognises that there are many levels of knowledge linking; different methods and approaches exist at each level; and that there is overlap between and among linking levels or phases.…”