Pirie, Emma Elizabeth

The bringing together of Indigenous (IK) and Environmental science Knowledge (ESK) has garnered significant attention in environmental research. This intersection has been recognized for enhancing understanding of various contemporary environmental challenges. Despite its acknowledged importance, there remains a notable gap in understanding how these knowledge systems are brought together, specifically at the level of data analysis, presentation, and interpretation of results. Furthermore, even less is known regarding the appropriate and effective use of any one approach and method in its application. Therefore, this thesis was guided by the question, 'What approaches and methods have been used previously to bring together Indigenous and Environmental science Knowledge in environmental research, and what are the challenges and limitations of any one approach and method in practical application?' This question is investigated through the conduct of a systematic map and application of a case study scenario. A search protocol was developed and served as a guide for the conduct of a systematic map. This protocol detailed how articles focused on bringing together IK and ESK would be systematically gathered and analyzed (Chapter 2). The resulting systematic evidence base highlighted four main approaches used in the peer-reviewed literature to bring together IK and ESK, namely: (1) a narrative approach to mixing; (2) the use of statistical analysis; (3) use spatial overlap in GIS; and (4) mixing IK and ESK using illustrative figures (Chapter 3). In order to gain a more in-depth understanding of the identified approaches and methods, their use was explored through the application of a case study scenario on environmental factors influencing Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) growth in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Chapter 4). Although more data collection and analysis is needed to understand the relationship between environmental variables on Arctic Char growth in lakes surrounding Ulukhaktok, the attempt to link Indigenous Knowledge of lake ice change with Environmental science Knowledge on landlocked Arctic Char growth, coupled with insights informed from a review of relevant literature, led to the development of criteria that may be used in future research to test the identified approaches and methods. This thesis makes contributions to the academic literature by documenting and examining the types of approaches used to bring together IK and ESK at the level of data analysis, offering insights into the complex and evolving landscape of linking IK and ESK in environmental research.

Author Keywords: Arctic, Arctic Char, Environmental research, Environmental science Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge, Knowledge linking