Benefits and lessons learned from conducting community-based mapping research in Inuit Nunangat - Natalie Carter, Jackie Dawson, Natasha Simonee, Shirley Tagalik & Gita Ljubicic

Conducting research in and with remote, predominantly Inuit communities in Inuit Nunangat (Inuit homelands) presents learning opportunities and challenges for southern-based visiting non-Inuit researchers, as well as for community members. The Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices (AC-NV) project involved participatory mapping workshops in and with 14 Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and Nunavik communities (www.arcticcorridors.ca). This multi-community study focused on mapping and understanding Inuit and Northern perspectives about the impact and potential management options for increased marine shipping in the region. Our research approach prioritized partnerships with local organizations, and training and hiring youth cultural liaisons as workshop co-facilitators. Strong north-south research relationships were developed as we strived for a model of co-leadership. Insights from Inuit, Northern, and southern-based visiting non-Inuit researchers involved in the AC-NV project will be shared. These include a number of benefits, challenges and lessons learned through our co-leadership approach. The insights we identified together will be the framework for this presentation about north-south research relations. Some challenges that will be discussed include: balancing local and external research interests, and ensuring youth are supported and cultural norms are adhered to. We will also share lessons learned, including the importance of: 1) conducting research that is relevant to local needs and interests; 2) partnering with local organizations; 3) including youth as cultural liaisons; 4) co-creation and refinement of research tools; 5) conducting results validation and sharing exercises; and 6) being open to forming friendships.