A guidance document on Ethical Collaborations in Arctic Research seeks to foster more co-creation and collaboration
Photo: Jannie Staffanson
The Saami Council, together with Ikaarvik and the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) have created a guidance document on Ethical Research Collaborations in Arctic Research, as a part of the project Njuolla → Qarjuk.
Research produced in collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners often yields better-informed and more relevant data. The purpose and aim of this document is thus to further foster co-creation and collaboration in research between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners, primarily in the Arctic region.
“This guidance does not prescribe a single approach but instead emphasises listening to the community and respecting their ways and needs”
While some Indigenous communities have established research guidelines, not all communities have developed or published guidelines. This can make it difficult for researchers to know where and how to begin the co-creative processes. This document is then supposed to be a guide and support for researchers in working with Indigenous communities, and ensuring that research is conducted with respect, transparency, and meaningful collaboration. It is also important to remember that if a community has its own research guidelines, these take precedence over any general information this document provides.
As a part of the Njuolla → Qarjuk project, an online database of guidelines for ethical research with Arctic Indigenous organisations, will also be made available to further help researchers and research projects to be anchored in Indigenous communities.