Qaujimajatuqangit

The Inuit term Qaujimajatuqangit describes Inuit ways of seeing and being in the world or the Indigenous Knowledge of the Inuit, which encompasses their Traditional Knowledges, ecological knowledge, and local and community-based knowledge, inclusive of stories, art, etc.

Qaujimajatuqangit ways are Inuit teachings that provide a culturally grounded sense of purpose and inherent responsibilities and act as customary laws. The wisdom of these teachings guide respectful relationships, management practices, and governance.

“It values evidence, experimentation, curiosity, objectivity, repeatability, knowledge mobilization, and peer-review. It is built on respect and care for others and the environment, fostering good spirit by being inclusive and welcoming, being innovative and resourceful, and working together. It is respected by Inuit as Western science is by scientists.”

—Cited from A new approach to ethical research in the North

Qaujimajatuqangit concepts for research and engagement

• Pijitsirniq: the concept of serving
• Aajiiqatigiingniq/Aajiiqatigiinniq: the concept of consensus decision-making
• Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq: the concept of skills and knowledge acquisition
• Ikajuqtigiinniq/Piliriqatigiinniq: the concept of collaborative relationships or working together for a common purpose
• Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq: the concept of environmental stewardship
• Qanuqtuurnniq: the concept of being resourceful to solve problems
• Inuuqatigitsiarniq: the concept of respecting others, relationships, and caring for people
• Tunnganarniq: the concept of fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive

Let’s explore each of these concepts in more detail. Each of the quotes in the below section come from IQ Principles by the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA).

ᐱᔨᑦᓯᕐᓂᖅ, Pijitsirniq

Serving and providing for family and/or community.

“The concept of serving is central to the Inuit style of leadership as is the measure of the maturity and wisdom of an Inuk. Key here is the understanding that each person has a contribution to make and is a valued contributor to their community. Staff will be expected to demonstrate this kind of leadership and commitment to serving the common good.”

ᐋᔩᖃᑎᒌᓐᓂᖅ, Aajiiqatigiinniq

Decision-making through discussion and consensus.

“The concept of consensus decision-making relies on strong communication skills and a strong belief in shared goals. All staff are expected to become contributing members of their community and to participate actively in building the strength of Inuit in Manitoba. Being able to think and act collaboratively, to assist with the development of shared understandings, to resolve conflict in consensus-building ways, and to consult respecting various perspectives and worldviews, are expectations that cross all working areas.”

ᐱᓕᒻᒪᒃᓴᕐᓂᖅ, Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq

Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort (knowledge acquisition).

“Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort — the concept of skills and knowledge acquisition and capacity building is central to the success of Inuit in a harsh environment. Building personal capacity in Inuit ways of knowing and doing are key expectations for staff. Demonstrating empowerment to lead a successful and productive life, that is respectful of all, is a powerful end goal of our working environment.”

ᐃᑲᔪᖅᑎᒌᓐᓂᖅ, Ikajuqtigiinniq/Piliriqatigiinniq

Nurturing collaborative relationships or working together for a common purpose.

“The essential Inuit belief that stresses the importance of the group over the individual should pervade all our work. Expectations for staff will reflect working for the common good, collaboration, shared leadership and volunteerism. Piliriqatigiinniq also sets expectations for supportive behaviour development, strong relationship-building and consensus-building.”

ᐊᕙᑎᑦᑎᓐᓂᒃ ᑲᒪᑦᓯᐊᕐᓂᖅ, Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq

Stewarding the environment—respecting and caring for the land, animals, and the environment.

“Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment — the concept of environmental stewardship stresses the key relationship Inuit have with their environment and with the world in which they live. Staff will be expected to articulate respect for this mutually interdependent relationship and to demonstrate responsible behaviours that seek to improve and protect the relationship in ways that meet global challenges to environmental wellness.”

ᖃᓄᖅᑑᕐᓂᖅ, Qanuqtuurniq

Being innovative and resourceful.

“Being innovative and resourceful — the concept of being resourceful to solve problems, through innovative and creative use of resources and demonstrating adaptability and flexibility in response to a rapidly changing world, are strengths all our staff should develop. Resourcefulness should be demonstrated in all work areas and also thinking that seeks to improve the context in which Inuit live.”

ᐃᓅᖃᑎᒌᑦᓯᐊᕐᓂᖅ, Inuuqatigiitsiarniq

Respecting others, relationships. and caring for people.

“The concept of respect and treating others equally are characteristics the Elders have always stressed in their words of advice (uqaujjuusiat).”

Inuit research guides

Nunavut Research Institute and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami developed Negotiating Research Relationships: A Guide for Communities [PDF] and Negotiating Research Relationships with Inuit Communities: A Guide for Researchers [PDF].

National Inuit Strategy on Research

The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami National Inuit Strategy on Research [PDF] outlines several priority areas and objectives to advance research in the Inuit community:

1. Advance Inuit governance in research
2. Enhance the ethical conduct of research
3. Align funding with Inuit research priorities
4. Ensure Inuit access, ownership, and control over data and information
5. Build capacity in Inuit Nunangat Research

Each of these priority areas is described in more detail below.

Advance Inuit governance in research

This area emphasizes the need for Inuit self-determination in research. Key objectives include achieving greater Inuit representation in research governance, reforming research-related legislative and policy mechanisms, and ensuring Inuit self-determination in research governance.

Enhance the ethical conduct of research

This priority focuses on improving the ethical conduct of research in Inuit communities. Objectives include regulating the ethical conduct of research, supporting Inuit-led research ethics review processes, and developing Inuit-specific ethics guidelines.

Align funding with Inuit research priorities

This area highlights the importance of aligning research funding with Inuit research priorities. Objectives include advancing Inuit self-determination in data collection, investing in Inuit-led data and information technology, and ensuring Inuit ownership of data.

Ensure Inuit access, ownership, and control over data and information

This priority emphasizes Inuit access, ownership, and control over data and information. Objectives include building human resource capacity in Inuit regions, establishing an Inuit Nunangat university, and enhancing research infrastructure in Inuit communities.

Build capacity in Inuit Nunangat Research

This priority focuses on building research capacity in Inuit Nunangat. Objectives include broadening research funding criteria to recognize Inuit research methodologies, investing in broadband access, building infrastructure in Inuit communities, and developing Inuit-specific training and education programs.

Inuit Tuttarvingat principles

Inuit Tuttarvingat developed five Inuit research principles:

1. Respect for language and knowledges
2. Empowerment of the community
3. Mutually beneficial research that increases positive outcomes in the community
4. Knowledges sharing between researchers and community
5. Respect for animals

Attributions

• “Inuit Tuttarvingat Research Principles” diagram by Connie Strayer and Robyn Grebliunas is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.