Inuit-academic research relationships in Inuit Nunangat have a fraught history, and Inuit have worked for decades to shift the power imbalances that characterize research institutions. The National Inuit Strategy on Research (2018) is the first road map for achieving the Canadian Inuit vision for self-determination in research, and its implementation plan defines Inuit expectations for research partnerships in Inuit Nunangat. At an international level, the Inuit Circumpolar Council has outlined a series of Inuit-driven protocols for the equitable and ethical engagement of Inuit in research. The forthcoming Inuit Nunangat research policy will clarify Inuit expectations for Inuit involvement in setting Canada’s Arctic research agenda in the future. A growing number of Inuit and non-Inuit researchers now engage in meaningful and collaborative research partnerships in Inuit Nunangat, tied to aspirational work to renew Inuit knowledge systems linked to Inuit-driven policy needs, and guided by Inuit knowledge experts and Elders.
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