Using discourse analysis to identify key elements of a consensus process grounded in Inuit traditional knowledge in Canada’s Arctic - Priscilla Ferrazzi, Shirley Tagalik, Peter Christie, Joe Karetak, Kukik Baker and Louis Angalik

Aajiiqatigiingniq is a principle of Inuit traditional knowledge (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) representing a cultural system for consensus decision-making considered crucial to harmony in Inuit communities in Canada’s Arctic. This cultural system was pushed aside with the introduction of a Western system of governance. This study brought together a group of elders to discuss, for the first time since colonization, the concept, process and application of aajiiqatigiingniq to address the modern day issue of Inuit in trouble with Western laws. The methods involve a facilitated space for the revitalization of Inuit traditional knowledge by Inuit, and discourse co-analysis by Inuit and non-Inuit researchers to identify key elements of the generations-old consensus method. This research offers a respectful, ethical and holistic approach to qualitative analysis of Inuit traditional knowledge.