Introduction to Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization in Northern Research: A Four Part Series
Introduction to Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization in Northern Research: A Four Part Series
In partnership with the Weston Family Foundation, ArcticNet is pleased to present a 4-part webinar training series entitled “Introduction to Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization in Northern Research”. Knowledge mobilization is becoming increasingly recognized as essential to Northern research. In the North, where climate change impacts are felt rapidly and severely, research on environmental change repercussions, vulnerability and resilience is crucial to determining risks and inform decision making. Ensuring that research is well translated among researchers, community members, partners and stakeholders is vital in this context. And because much of the research conducted addresses the concerns or the needs of nearby communities, it requires co-production and collaboration with community members as well as the meshing of different forms of knowledge. Researchers that develop the skills to work respectfully with Northerners and improve research relationships, ultimately improve the outcomes and the impact of their research.
This online event aims to cover the basics of knowledge mobilization and engagement in the context of Northern research with speakers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) of Canada, Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada and Providence Health Care. In addition to gaining knowledge for attending all 4 webinars in-full, attendees will receive a certificate of completion recognized by ArcticNet and the Weston Family Foundation.
- Episode 1: “Navigating Knowledge Mobilization in Arctic Research: Unveiling Strategies for Effective Impact” with Alexandra Gellé, September 7 1:00pm EST
Episode description: Knowledge is not meant to collect dust in peer-review journals. To unlock the potential of your work, you have to share them beyond your echo chamber. This webinar is an opportunity to grasp how you can make your expertise stand out and amplify your impact.We will explore what knowledge mobilization could mean as Arctic researchers, and how to make your research resonate with various audiences to forge lasting impacts.
Speaker bio: As a knowledge mobilization consultant specialized in the net-zero transition, Alexandra derives immense joy and inspiration from illuminating the work of others. Her approach to knowledge mobilization is defined by her love of crafting impactful strategies and telling captivating stories that resonate deeply with the people who need to hear them. Alexandra holds a PhD in green chemistry and nanosciences (McGill University, ‘21), and has years of experience in making complex scientific concepts accessible. She has worked with people from all walks of life – from speaking to youth in museums, to working with public servants and Indigenous communities.
- Episode 2: “Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Principle and Practice” with Harmony Johnson, September 15 1:00pm EST
Episode description: This talk will create a conceptual understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty and its connection to the rights of Indigenous peoples, as well as describe important context about the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty and for doing data-related work with Indigenous peoples. Harmony will also speak about finding practical ways to give expression to Indigenous data sovereignty in a range of potential scenarios and situations that are applicable to Indigenous organizations, non-Indigenous organizations, researchers, and data analysts.
Speaker bio: Harmony Johnson of the Tla’amin First Nation. Harmony is the Vice-President-Indigenous Wellness & Reconciliation at Providence Health Care, and operates a consulting business providing strategy, advisory, and project leadership services in Indigenous human rights, governance, data sovereignty, and issues of anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination. She teaches and writes in matters of Indigenous health and human rights, including print and digital books about her grandmother’s life history and Tla’amin teachings.
- Episode 3: “Conservation through Reconciliation: Perspectives on co-created research and community-based monitoring with First Nations” with Claire Farrell and Constance O’Connor, September 22 1:00pm EST
Episode description: WCS Canada staff scientists Connie O’Connor (Director of the Ontario Northern Boreal Program) and Claire Farrell (Science and Youth Coordinator with the Ontario Northern Boreal Program) offer their perspectives and lessons learned as scientists contributing to co-creating research and community-based monitoring with First Nations in northern Ontario. They provide some examples of successful projects that use different approaches to address unique community priorities.
Speaker bio (Claire): Claire is the Science and Youth Coordinator in the Ontario Northern Boreal Landscape Program at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada (WCSC). Claire completed her BSc and MSc at Carleton University: working with the National Wildlife Research Centre of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Lab. Her lifelong passion for the conservation and biology of threatened species and waters is reflected in the breadth of projects and research projects she has been a part of to-date. These include an early career in field research on long-term ecological monitoring and research projects, and later examining the impacts of forestry and cumulative effects on at-risk species in the boreal forest of Ontario. Currently she is working on a co-led lake sturgeon research project with Moose Cree First Nation and WCSC. As part of this, she helps lead an Indigenous youth program – engaging and empowering young people to discover future paths in environmental stewardship and research.
Speaker bio (Constance): Connie O’Connor is an ecologist and conservation biologist dedicated to finding conservation solutions for the globally important ecosystems of Canada’s boreal forests, and the people and the wildlife that rely on them. Connie leads WCS Canada’s research and conservation program in the Ontario Northern Boreal landscape. Some of her current program highlights include co-creating a lake sturgeon monitoring program with Moose Cree First Nation; identifying priority areas for freshwater fish and other biodiversity using conservation planning tools; and working with First Nations, policymakers, and industry, to apply research results to improve outcomes for wildlife and people. Connie is an Adjunct Professor at Lakehead University and Laurentian University. Connie has previously served as a member of the Freshwater Fish Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC, and before joining WCS Canada, Connie completed her PhD at Carleton University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University, where she studied how environmental stressors impact fish.
- Episode 4: “Exploring Circumpolar Inuit Protocols on Equitable and Ethical Engagement” with Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, September 26 1:00pm EST
The Circumpolar Inuit Protocols on Equitable and Ethical Engagement are the product of an extensive three-year process that involved Inuit from across Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka. Across the Arctic, there are growing discussions about climate change, increased resource development, expanding research initiatives, and expanding opinions on managing activities. While at the same time, international negotiations on these topics and additional issues such as biodiversity, shipping, animals and plants, and food security are underway that affect the Arctic and our way of life. There are eight protocols in the document. Each one provides guidance and directives to achieve shared goals while respecting Inuit sovereignty and self-determination. The EEE Protocols are not only about research. They are also about making decisions and policies to ensure that Inuit voices from across our homelands are represented in that discussion and that we may reach consensus on what is important to advance within international fora.
Speaker bio: Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk was born in Puvirnituq, Northern Quebec (Nunavik). With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Concordia University, Montreal, she holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Laval University, Quebec City. Fluent in Inuktitut, English and French, Lisa is currently the President of Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada. Before that, she acted as Communications Officer for Makivik Corporation for seven years and participated in various regional, national and international fora including several ICC general assemblies. Lisa is a member of the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission (KEQC) since 2010, which is an independent decision-making body responsible for evaluating and reviewing development projects in Nunavik. As the co-founder and former president of Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association of Nunavik, the issues of social justice concerning Inuit women and children lead her to spearhead a study looking into the Inuit women’s situation in Nunavik and to publish the Restore Hope and Peace report that raised issues on housing needs, education and employment, violence and abuse and the justice system in Nunavik. Her mandate as Researcher with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls recently ended with the submission of the Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place of the National Inquiry in June 2019. Lisa works for Inuit interests in self-determination advocating Inuit political and economic autonomy, social justice, and protection of the environment, culture and language.
