The Importance of Coproduction of Research
The co-production of science between Indigenous communities and Western
scientists, based on clear expectations and relationships with
knowledge-holders (Adams et al., 2023;
Huntington, 2000), can provide insights
and ecological understandings that might otherwise be missed and
facilitate cultural continuity (Skroblin
et al., 2021; Thompson et al., 2020).
However, there are still many barriers to weaving together Indigenous
and Western ways of knowing that can hamper collaborations
(Smith, 2021), such as biases that lead
to a sense of the hierarchization of knowledge
(Brook & McLachlan, 2005). These barriers
are slowly being surmounted as converging and diverging perspectives and
values are addressed through Indigenous-Western science partnerships
(Bélisle et al., 2022). Excitingly, there
is growing recognition that Indigenous-centered knowledge and
Indigenous-led research are essential for conservation on traditional
territories and across ecosystems more broadly (FIsher et al., 2021;
Rayne et al., 2020). However, much must
be done to build relationships with knowledge-holders and meaningful
collaborations between those practicing Western science and Indigenous
Peoples. Here, we have worked together to co-create a research program
based on Indigenous knowledge of the land and changes to wildlife
communities and add to a slowly growing body of like research. Finally,
we urge industries operating on First Nations lands to better engage
responsibly with First Nations and for Indigenous conservation and
stewardship to be upheld in policy.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Elders of Whitefish Lake First Nation for their teaching
and guidance to the co-authors and Brian Tallman, Band Administrator at
Whitefish Lake First Nation, and Chief and Council. Whitefish Lake First
Nation and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of
Canada (NSERC) provided funding to the University of Victoria through
the Alliance Advantage Program, ALLRP 580864-22. JTF was additionally
supported by the Oil Sands Monitoring Program.