Candice Sudlovenick takes pleasure in her role as an outreach programs manager at SIKU after first engaging with Ikaarvik as a young person over ten years ago, an experience she attributes to her newfound passion for research. Reflecting on her time with Ikaarvik, Sudlovenick expressed how empowering it was, highlighting the realization that her voice matters and is valued.
A recent paper published in Arctic Science, co-authored by Danielle Nowosad, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Calgary of Métis descent, delves into the methods of Inuit leadership in research. Nowosad emphasized the increasing emphasis on the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and their knowledge in Canada.
Ikaarvik originated from a group of Inuit youth who completed the Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Pond Inlet back in 2010. The organization, named after these individuals, aims to transform obstacles into opportunities by preparing Inuit youth for careers that bridge traditional Inuit knowledge with scientific research.
Sudlovenick highlighted the historical challenges in research relationships with communities, noting that Ikaarvik has been instrumental in advocating for a more holistic view of Inuit roles beyond traditional stereotypes. Nowosad echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the longstanding efforts of Inuit communities to attain meaningful participation in research.
Despite improvements in collaboration, both Nowosad and Sudlovenick acknowledged persistent challenges. They pointed out that universities and funding bodies often operate on timelines incongruent with relationship-based work, creating a disconnect between academic priorities and community needs.
The importance of Indigenous knowledge alongside Western science is increasingly recognized as crucial, particularly in the face of accelerated climate change in the Arctic. Sudlovenick stressed the significance of empowering youth in northern communities by valuing Indigenous knowledge on par with scientific expertise, envisioning a future where the divide between the two narrows with the integration of modern technology and traditional wisdom.