National Inuit Leader Announces Inuit Qaujisarvingat: The Inuit Knowledge Centre

January 12, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, today announced the creation of a centre for the advancement of Arctic research that will help to bridge the gap between western science and Inuit knowledge and build capacity among Inuit to respond to growing interest in Arctic issues.

Inuit Qaujisarvingat: The Inuit Knowledge Centre will provide the tools to help Inuit access the systems of western science and aid southern-based scientists interact fully and appropriately in Inuit communities and with Inuit knowledge.

“Inuit and Inuit communities have been studied by western scientists since the time of first contact — and some of these relationships have served us well,” said Simon. “But the current processes and practices can be greatly improved.”

Like western scientists, Inuit have a system of acquiring knowledge based on observation, hypotheses and experimentation. Inuit knowledge, which also includes what is known as traditional knowledge, is currently undervalued in Arctic research, yet it can stand on its own and in many instances can work with the scientific process to provide new depth, perspective and context.

“Our government is pleased to support Inuit Qaujisarvingat, which will help researchers develop meaningful engagement with Inuit on vital research issues in the Arctic,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “I look forward to the innovations this centre will bring.”

Inuit Qaujisarvingat (kow-yee-sar-ving-at) will develop educational materials, such as training modules for appropriate research processes and practices in Inuit communities.

It will also aim to secure key partnerships with foundations, governments, NGOs and private sponsors, and has already made several collaborative relationships with researchers and research institutions.

“It is time for Inuit to take the lead in research about our people and homeland,” said Simon, “and for Inuit knowledge to contribute substantially to sustainable Arctic science and policy.”

For more information:
Patricia D’Souza, communications officer
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
613/292-4482; dsouza@itk.ca