NJUOLLA->QARJUK

Climate change and biodiversity loss affect regions worldwide; Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous experts, including youth, are essential for addressing these challenges. But currently, these knowledge systems are often undervalued, with non-Indigenous organizations implementing initiatives on Indigenous lands and waters without understanding their context and colonial history. Many non-Indigenous researchers, funders, and decision-makers are seeking to improve their collaboration with Indigenous partners. However, without proper co-creation tools, even well-intentioned efforts can perpetuate colonialism and harm Arctic communities. There is a need for awareness and capacity building and for tools that ensure equitable practices in Arctic work. NJUOLLA->QARJUK reflects and fosters conditions for truly co-creative, ethical work in the Arctic, benefitting communities, researchers, and practitioners.

NJUOLLA->QARJUK builds on the European Environment initiative (EURENI) project, DÁVGI, which supported co-creation for biocultural diversity in the Arctic. DÁVGI means ‘bow’ in Northern Sámi and was a metaphor for building bridges across knowledge systems. Taking the insights from DÁVGI a step further, NJUOLLA->QARJUK, meaning ‘arrow’ in Northern Sámi and Inuktitut, reflects a movement beyond the bow. Highlighting the connection between the regions of Sápmi and Nunavut, where these languages are spoken, the project is about the provision of guidance and direction and recognizes Indigenous Knowledge in ethical research guidelines and protocols, this project, and the larger research landscape.