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.