Worldwide, researchers are being asked to There are practical, ethical, and regulatory reasons better communicate their science to the public for involving local communities in research (Pearce et (Lubchenco, 1998). In Nunavut, Canada, where al., 2009). On a practical level, research often depends on dozens of research projects take place each year, commucommunity resources, including local knowledge, guides, nity consultation and engagement have been legally manand equipment, in order to complete work either within dated by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (INAC, the community or on the land (Gilchrist et al., 2005). 1993). Relevant portions of the Act include Sections Researchers also have an ethical obligation to engage com 5.1.2(h), 5.2.37, and 5.2.38, and Article 33 as it extends to munities in the work, as research findings may be relevant field research. Thus, each research project that takes place to local management decisions (Pearce et al., 2009). In in Nunavut must undergo community review as part of the Canada's North, where land-claim agreements have been permitting process before any work is authorized. signed, researchers also have a legal obligation to engage The permitting and consultation process in Nunavut is and involve communities in local studies, complex for those unfamiliar with the existing protocols, Community involvement in science programs has also and it varies with the scientific approach and duration of been identified as a priority to improve local community a project. Briefly, each research project must acquire perdecision making, and it is recognized as a key to success mits from various regulatory agencies, which may include ful co-management of resources (Fazey et al., 2006; Lebel the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Department of Fisheret al., 2006). Involvement of communities increases local ies and Oceans, and the Nunavut Research Institute. Most investment and support in completing the project. Timely, of those permits require evidence of prior consultation with relevant, and accessible information delivered as part of the community that is geographically closest to the study a two-way dialogue can also increase community under 1 area. Experience has shown that this process is greatly standing of findings from a variety of disciplines, which facilitated when the research team has first contacted and can increase community capacity, stewardship, and public consulted with the community on the proposed work and, participation in local governance related to the environment if relevant, discussed results of previous studies. Given the (EMAN, 2002). importance of consultation, some government departments Despite the obligations and benefits of involving local have initiated broader consultation processes that give local community members, many researchers by their own organizations the opportunity to comment on any research admission simply do not have the contacts, skills, or plan in their jurisdiction, as well as updating them on terresources to actively engage community members beyond ritory-wide efforts (Gearheard and Shirley, 2007). As part the required permitting process (Gearheard and Shirley, of this procedural review, the community groups that are 2007). At the same time, many educators in the North | involved in the review boards have the opportunity to comwould like to incorporate more integrated learning expe ment on projects and to request more information (ITK riences into their teaching curricula, but while researchers and NRI, 2007). The primary purposes of this extensive are often keen to contribute to educational programs, they application, review, and consultation process are to provide lack the resources to do so (Salmon et al., 2011). As a result, northern residents the opportunity to comment on research although legislation and consultation practices have been conducted near their communities and to identify potential implemented, and community members do assist, inform, risks to the local flora and fauna. Unfortunately, although and learn from research activities (usually hunters, Hunt great efforts have been made to rectify the in, fly out ers and Trappers' Organizations (HTOs) members and approach that has sometimes been practiced by researchguides), many northern community members—particularly ers in the past (Korsmo and Graham, 2002; Gearheard and students and educators from elementary to post-secondary
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