determine appropriate research areas and approaches. Collaborative research methodologies
often involve direct community benefit in the way of training, education, capacity building,
elder-youth interaction and employment.
Gwich’in Settlement Area
The Gwich’in Settlement Area is defined as those lands lying within the NWT as described in
Appendix A of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (1992).
Gwich’in Settlement Region
The Gwich’in Settlement Region includes the Gwich’in Settlement Area as described in
Appendix A of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (1992) and the lands within
the Primary and Secondary Use Areas as described in Appendix C of the Yukon Transboundary
Agreement within the GCLCA, and other traditional territory as outlined in the Interim Measures
Agreement (Appendix C, 8.3.1) signed on April 28, 1999 between the Government of Canada
and the Gwich’in Tribal Council (see Maps in Appendix A of this policy document).
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge is that body of knowledge, values, beliefs and practices passed
from one generation to another by oral means or through learned experience, observation and
spiritual teachings, and pertains to the identity, culture and heritage of the Gwich’in. This body
of knowledge reflects many millennia of living on the land. It is a system of classification, a set
of empirical observations about the local environment and a system of self-management that
governs the use of resources and defines the relationship of living beings with one another and
with their environment.
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge Holder
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge holders are Gwich’in persons who are known, or come to be
known, by the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute, a Designated Gwich’in Organization or by
the Gwich’in Tribal Council to possess Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge. Holders of Gwich’in
Traditional Knowledge should be clearly acknowledged for any traditional knowledge they have
shared with researchers.
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge User
Anyone using any part, parts or whole of Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge.
Informed Consent
Informed Consent is a statement or oral agreement between the participant and a researcher
(Principal Investigator) that outlines the nature of the research, and the manner in which the
information the participant is providing can be used and accessed. Such consent must be given
freely prior to research commencing. The essential elements contained in an Informed Consent
Statement can be found in Schedule “B”.
Research
Research is an endeavour to study, diligently search for, and obtain knowledge through use of a
systematic approach with the intent of clarification. This includes activities that attempt to
discover new facts, information, or new applications to existing knowledge. It also includes
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DRAFT
January 21, 2004