This session was co-convened by Natasha Haycock-Chavez and PSECCO Director Mariama Dryák-Vallies
Given the history of extractive research in the Arctic, there is increasing recognition amongst researchers about the importance of intentional and respectful engagement and equity with Arctic Indigenous communities. Indigenous researchers and communities are also calling for greater involvement in research, often in the form of community-led research, co-production of knowledge, and/or community-based monitoring. Early career researchers are involved in this type of research and are excellently positioned to be positive agents of change. At the same time, expectations for early career researchers to ‘produce’ on short timelines early in their careers can pose additional challenges to building long-term, respectful, and intentional relationships with communities they are working within in the near-term.
We welcomed abstracts for talks from researchers and community members in all stages of their career involved in community-led research or co-production of knowledge to share their work, including lessons, stories, and strategies for successful capacity sharing. We encouraged abstracts with an emphasis on how early career researchers working to center Indigenous voices in their research can do so effectively. Stories of success and failures were welcomed, and we created a space for shared learning and reflection. Early career Indigenous researchers were especially encouraged to submit.
This session was structured to create space for knowledge exchange, capacity sharing, and participation. We began the session with a series of talks, and the remaining time was dedicated to a round table discussion between the panelists and opportunity to hear from and engage with audience-members.