Candice Sudlovenick finds fulfillment in her role as an outreach programs manager at SIKU. She became involved with Ikaarvik as a young person more than ten years ago and attributes her passion for research to that experience. Describing her time with Ikaarvik as empowering, Sudlovenick emphasized the importance of realizing her voice and the receptiveness of others to listen.
A recent paper published in Arctic Science, co-authored by University of Calgary postdoctoral fellow Danielle Nowosad, who is of Métis heritage, delves into the methods of Inuit leadership in research. Nowosad highlighted the growing emphasis on including Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in Canada.
Ikaarvik originated with a group of Inuit youth who completed the Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Pond Inlet in 2010. Their aim was to extend environmental work beyond the classroom setting. The organization’s namesake reflects its mission to transform obstacles into connections. Ikaarvik strives to equip Inuit youth for careers that blend traditional Inuit knowledge with scientific research.
Sudlovenick acknowledged the historical challenges in research relationships with communities and lauded Ikaarvik for advocating that Inuit contributions go beyond traditional roles. Nowosad emphasized the longstanding efforts by Inuit communities to engage meaningfully in research, highlighting the compatibility between Western science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), or traditional knowledge.
Despite progress in collaboration, Nowosad and Sudlovenick noted persistent challenges in research endeavors. They mentioned the mismatch between the timeframes of academic systems and community-based work, with universities often prioritizing rapid publication and measurable outcomes over long-term relationship building.
In the face of accelerated climate change in the Arctic, the value of local knowledge is increasingly recognized by researchers and community leaders. Sudlovenick stressed the importance of acknowledging Indigenous knowledge on par with Western science to empower youth in northern communities. She envisioned a future where the convergence of technology and traditional knowledge could bridge the gap between Western science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
