Project Report
What does ethical Arctic research look like when it begins with introductions, not abstracts, when it centers relationships over results, follows Indigenous research guidelines and establishes trust before methodological details, and respects the land, the people, and the knowledge systems that have been there for time immemorial?During the session "Towards a Shared Understanding of Co-Creative and Indigenous-Led Research for ICARP IV" at the ICARP IV Summit in Boulder, Colorado, USA, part of the Arctic Science Summit Week, Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, Indigenous leaders, and youth gathered in a circle - not just in seating, but in spirit – to reflect on what it means to decolonise and Indigenise research in the North. Through stories, and shared visions, they challenged extractive norms and offered a powerful roadmap for change. While co-creative research projects show the power of true partnerships, funding mandates too often become box-ticking exercises that starve collaboration of real resources. Dominant Arctic research requires a better understanding of ‘co-creative’ and ‘Indigenous-led’ research and a clearer grasp on the structural and practical requirements to uphold Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination.
ICARP IV is an opportunity to advance this change. Charleen Fisher (University of Alaska Fairbanks) opened the session with a land acknowledgement, honoring the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Peoples who have long stewarded the mountains and lands surrounding the venue. Then, Fisher presented on the Gwich'in cultural practice of introductions - a process that contextualizes one’s identity, background, and work. Following her lead, each presenter and some participants in the room and online introduced themselves, setting the stage for an inclusive dialogue. Next, Fisher discussed the need to decolonise and Indigenise Arctic research through a thought experiment that invited participants to consider the values, attributes and interests that shape their lives and how these aspects manifest in Indigenous versus settler-colonial contexts. Fisher asked: How do you engage with and transform systemic structures within your cultural identity? How do you express leadership within these systems? Fisher acknowledged that this navigation of different cultural identities is a constant reality for many Indigenous researchers, who must balance cultural preservation with the demands of dominant academia. While powerful, even co-creative partnerships – a respectful and co-equal exchange across knowledge systems – may be costly for Indigenous individuals who must take time away from families, communities and personal work. This reflective exercise set the stage for the following presentations.
Aslak Holmberg (Saami Council) introduced two key publications by a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous co-authors with actionable recommendations for more ethical Arctic research: Comprehensive Policy Brief to the EU Commission – Roadmap to Decolonial Arctic Research (Herrmann et al., 2023) and Towards Arctic Research Upholding Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Recommendations for ICARP IV (Holmberg et al., 2024). The first addresses the EU and Sápmi and the second offers more a circumpolar perspective. Their goal is to transition from extractive research practices to approaches where Indigenous participation is genuine, relevant, and far from tokenistic, ultimately fostering long-term partnerships and institutional change. Since publication, practitioners from across the Arctic have shared feedback through conferences and surveys on implementing these recommendations.
Shelly Elverum (Ikaarvik), explained why these documents were created. She highlighted that Arctic research has the power to shape policies and, consequently, Indigenous lives, but dominant frameworks that have historically dictated research methods often overlook these impacts. Today, many early-career researchers want to challenge the status quo and engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities but lack guidance. Shelly stressed the need to open doors for them, not as a checklist to follow but as an invitation to learn, improve, and embody new ways of doing research, such as approaching their work with the understanding that they are entering someone’s home. These changes foster responsible and impactful research, which ultimately provides decision-makers with well-informed insights.
An overview of each Recommendations for ICARP IV chapter followed: Evie Morin (Research Institute for Sustainability) presented Chapter 1 on Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self‑Determination as Essential for High‑Quality Arctic Research, emphasizing awareness of colonial contexts and co‑equal inclusion of Indigenous voices in projects, funding bodies and decision-making structures. Rune Fjellheim (Saami Council) presented Chapter 2 on Ethics, Methods, and Methodology, calling for expanded data sovereignty, ethical guidelines and accountability mechanisms. Aslak Holmberg (Saami Council) presented Chapter 3, Indigenous Led Research in Design and Practice, advocating for Indigenous ethical guidelines, Indigenous-led structural assessments, and more opportunities for Indigenous youth in research. Thora Herrmann (University of Oulu) presented Chapter 4 on co‑equal participation in Arctic Research Funding Structures and Decision‑Making, underscoring the need for Indigenous roles in research, funding, policymaking and evaluation. Annette Scheepstra (University of Groningen) presented Chapter 5 on Funding for Co‑Creative and Indigenous‑Led Arctic Research, urging accessible funding with clear language and flexible deadlines, and highlighting the need to recognize Indigenous‑defined outputs, co‑develop evaluation criteria and reduced reporting burdens.
Following the chapters, Rune Fjellheim elaborated on the importance of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. He noted that Indigenous Data gathering has often operated as an extractive industry, with valuable data systematically ending up outside the Indigenous communities where it originates. As a result, Indigenous peoples increasingly insist that without recognized data ownership, there is little to share. This understanding of Indigenous Knowledge ownership is foundational to the Saami Council’s Sámi Ownership and Data Access Principles, which ensure that data and associated benefits remain under Sámi control.
As an example of co-creative work, Máret J. Heatta (Saami Council) shared about the Climate Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems (CITE) project, a co-creative initiative between Sámi reindeer herders and researchers in northern Sápmi aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity impacts on reindeer herding. The project was co-developed in a pilot phase in 2021 and regular dialogue allowed the project design to adapt to the reindeer herders' needs and schedules, respecting their seasonal demands and building trust among participants. The project ran from 2022 to 2024 and developed a mapping tool by and for herders to record observations. Crucially, the data remains owned and evaluated by the herders even as the tool is open access. The project stands as case study of successfully weaving knowledge systems and embracing flexibility.
Finally, as an outlook into the future of Arctic research, Michael Milton (Ikaarvik), shared insights on bridging Inuit Knowledge with Western research from his perspective as an Inuit youth. First, he explained the historic role of Inuit as original Arctic researchers. Then, he shared his experiences growing up in Pond inlet, Nunavut, where he witnessed Elders and trappers engaging with Western researchers, often speaking the same language yet missing each other’s understanding. Today his work with Ikaarvik—meaning "bridge" in Inuktitut—aims to unite Indigenous Knowledge and Western methods. Emphasizing that research should not only produce results but also foster relationships and have lasting positive impacts on communities, he called for collaborative efforts that build trust, lasting friendships, and mutual growth. His message was clear: co-creative research is not just more ethical and effective but also more fulfilling, as it builds relationships and honors the valuable contributions of Indigenous Peoples who are eager to shape and lead a sustainable future of the Arctic.
The session ended with positive feedback from both online and face-to-face participants. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the conversation and the welcoming space that had been created. Milton's closing presentation from an Indigenous youth perspective was a highlight and resonated strongly with the audience. The overall energy and optimism underscored an important message: co-creative research partnerships with and led by Indigenous Peoples are not only essential for producing high quality research outcomes but also make the process more fun and rewarding for all involved. Participants repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage in this conversation.
Speakers:
- Charleen Fisher (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
- Aslak Holmberg (Saami Council)
- Evie Morin (Research Institute for Sustainability)
- Representatives from Ikaarvik (Shelly Elverum and Michael Milton)
- Annette Scheepstra (University of Groningen)
- Thora Herrmann (University of Oulu)
- Rune Fjellheim (Saami Council)
- Máret J. Heatta (Saami Council)
Highlights:
- Indigenous Leadership is Essential in Arctic Research:
Research that engages with Indigenous territories, histories, and knowledge must involve Indigenous Peoples as active, respected partners. Their leadership ensures that projects are relevant, ethical, and accountable to the communities most affected. - Systemic Change is Needed, especially in Funding Structures:
Sustainable, equitable Arctic research depends on transforming funding structures to support Indigenous-led and co-creative work. This shift fosters long-term partnerships and helps shape Arctic research where outcomes are meaningful and community driven. - Co-Creation Strengthens Research:
Co-creative approaches challenge extractive norms which may require significant time, resources, and commitment, but it builds capacity, deepen relationships, and ultimately makes the research more impactful and fulfilling for all involved.
Dates and Location:
28 March 2025 | Boulder Colorado, US (ASSW2025)
IASC Working Groups funding the Project:
Project Lead
Evie Morin (Research Institute for Sustainability - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), Germany)
Year funded by IASC
2024
Project Status
Completed