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The health of wildlife in Canada is .

But in this time of heightened ecological threats, exacerbated by a dizzying variety of human activities, wildlife are facing . Today, over with extinction.

At COP15 in December, Canada committed to as stewards of biodiversity.

These commitments can only be realized through innovative approaches to that support the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge.

In our , we examined Canadian studies that wove Indigenous and western ways of knowing to study environmental contaminants and wildlife health. We did this to call attention to the benefits of weaving knowledge systems and co-created research.

Harms of historical research practices

In Canada, natural science research has, and continues to, contribute to . We can see this in the many examples of research conducted ‘on’ rather than ‘with’ Indigenous communities.

These colonial and extractive research practices cause power imbalances and create a lack of trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. They undermine the potential good that could arise from a more respectful and inclusive approach.

Within the last decade, the release of has promoted a shift toward truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Western-trained, non-Indigenous scientists have been urged by Indigenous scholars, knowledge holders and organizations to incorporate reconciliation in all aspects of .

A good way forward

Western-trained, non-Indigenous scientists have the choice to reconcile their history by walking down a new path toward a more respectful and meaningful .

Indigenous Peoples’ .

For example, were the first to detect signs of death and disease in common eider birds, which led to carcass collection efforts. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of avian cholera.

Respectfully coupling — or — such expertise with western science approaches can increase the rigour of the research process and devise new ways to solve challenging environmental problems.

As such, weaving knowledge systems and thus, enhance .

It also and implementation.

MT : This is leadership: the many Indigenous communities that are serving as eyes and ears on the ground in , sharing their cultural knowledge to protect & care for the land for future generations.

— Coast Funds (@coastfunds)

Moving beyond ‘incorporating’

Weaving knowledge systems is more than just bringing together different ways of knowing. It is a .

Because each project, community and individual is unique, there is no approach for weaving knowledge systems.

That said, in any meaningful collaborative research, western-trained non-Indigenous researchers hold ethical responsibilities to promote benefits and reduce harm to .

This requires early and , authentic and placing at the forefront.

Weaving ways of knowing also requires that the power and authority in decision-making be given to or led by Indigenous communities. More importantly, it requires a willingness to unlearn our colonial ways of thinking and doing and .

Looking to the future

The power of bringing together ways of knowing can ultimately create mutual benefits for all involved.

These benefits include , answering questions that could not have been answered with , encouraging capacity building and promoting .

To ensure Canada delivers on its COP15 promises and protects the health of the lands, waters, wildlife and all biodiversity, we must adopt innovative and holistic approaches that centre .

By acknowledging their privilege and position, being flexible and meaningfully working together with Indigenous Peoples, western-trained, non-Indigenous scientists can help improve wildlife monitoring and management in Canada while reconciling relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

We acknowledge the contributions of our co-authors at Grand Council Treaty #3, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the University of Victoria.

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, Indigenous Co-Lead, Aki Kikinomakaywin; Alumni, School of Environmental Studies,  and , Assistant Professor, Department of Biology & School of Environmental Studies,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

The Conversation is seeking new academic contributors. Researchers wishing to write articles should contact Melinda Knox, Director, Thought Leadership and Strategic Initiatives, at knoxm@queensu.ca.