1. Allows future generations to benefit and learn from Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge;
2. Ensures that informed consent occurs between the Gwich’in and researchers in the
process of research;
3. Assists the Gwich’in to restore and maintain control over the use of Gwich’in
Traditional Knowledge, and cultural and heritage resources recognizing that they are the
stewards of these resources;
4. Encourages appropriate sharing of Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge with others;
5. Ensures the participation of Gwich’in communities in Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge
research activities including reporting back to the communities the results of research
activities in an appropriate manner and format;
6. Ensures respect for Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge holders and ethical use of
Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge in research, giving it an equal standing with western
scientific knowledge;
7. Ensures that research dealing with Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge, culture and
heritage conducted in the Gwich’in Settlement Region gives equal weight to Gwich’in
Traditional Knowledge;
8. Supports the use and preservation of the Gwich’in language; and,
9. Supports the ethical use and application of Gwich’in Traditional Knowledge in heritage,
renewable and non-renewable resource management in the Gwich’in Settlement Region.
III: SCOPE OF THE POLICY
The policy applies to the following Gwich’in organizations in the Gwich’in Settlement Area:
• Gwich’in Tribal Council
• Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute;
• Other Designated Gwich’in Organizations including but not limited to:
Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council
Gwichya Gwich’in Council
Nihtat Gwich’in Council
Tetlit Gwich’in Council
Gwich’in Land Corporation
Gwich’in Settlement Corporation
IV:
DEFINITIONS
Collaborative Research Methodologies
Collaborative research methodologies are research approaches that recognize participant sociocultural values and that invite the research participants and local community members to
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DRAFT
January 21, 2004