Potential Risks & Benefits of Participation

Indigenous Knowledge being taken out of context

Indigenous Knowledge is inextricably linked with the Indigenous cultures and locations where it arises and is a part of holistic knowledge system. If Indigenous Knowledge is taken out of its broader cultural, place-based, and holistic contexts, this could lead to its misinterpretation, misrepresentation and/or misuse. This may particularly be the case if used by non-Indigenous researchers.

How we will manage this risk:

• Participants will have the opportunity to review notes taken during the Summit.

• Project team will follow up with participants if questions arise.

• Context will be included in all publications resulting from the Summit.

• Participants will have the opportunity to review and co-author Summit summary reports.

Indigenous Knowledge being re-used in ways other than those outlined in the Informed Consent Form

The project research team commits to using the information provided by Summit attendees only as outlined in the Informed Consent Form. However, summary information will be published and once published will become part of the public domain. As such, it could be used by others for profit or purposes other than those outlined in the Informed Consent Form. Even if information is not published, information may still be subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Under FOIA the public can request access to federal agency records.

How we will manage this risk:

• Summit attendees will be able to withdraw knowledge at any point up until publication. This can be done by letting facilitators know or contacting the project at arcticrivers@colorado.edu or 928-523-6758. Summit participants will be made aware of anticipated publication dates.

• Participants will have the opportunity to review notes taken during the Summit and withdraw information.

• All members of the research team will sign the Informed Consent Form and be made verbally aware of how Summit information can be used.

Given the nature of conversations, accidentally sharing Indigenous Knowledge that you do not want to share

Given the nature of conversations, we cannot anticipate and thus inform you of every question that will arise and so there may be risks of inadvertently sharing information that you do not want share.

How we will manage this risk:

• Summit attendees will be able to withdraw knowledge at any point up until publication. This can be done by letting facilitators know or contacting the project at arcticrivers@colorado.edu or 928-523-6758. Summit participants will be made aware of anticipated publication dates.

• Participants will have the opportunity to review notes taken during the Summit and withdraw information.

Indigenous Knowledge being used without proper attribution

The project research team commits to properly attributing Indigenous Knowledge shared by Summit attendees. However, given the nature of gatherings, such as the Summit, the project team cannot control how others may attribute Indigenous Knowledge.

How we will manage this risk:

• During the Summit, attendees will be informed of this risk and we will stress the importance of proper attribution.

• The project's lead investigator will review all publications to ensure proper attribution.

More relevant, useful, and accessible information from the project that Indigenous communities can use for climate change planning

Information shared at the Summit will be used by the Indigenous Advisory Council and the research team to inform decisions about which river reaches and fish to model. The information will also be used to inform decisions about which climate, river, river ice, and fish modeling products to develop for communities.

Enhanced understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation options

By bringing together people from diverse locations in Alaska and the Yukon during the Summit and weaving together Indigenous Knowledge and western science, the project hopes to enhance our understanding of the current and potential future climate change impacts Indigenous communities may experience. The inclusion of insights from diverse knowledge systems, both Indigenous and western, can expand the the identification of possible adaptation options and lead to the formation of solutions that are harmonious with both the cultural and scientific aspects of Indigenous communities.

Increase inclusion of Indigenous values, perspectives, and approaches in decision making

The Summit will provide an opportunity for networking among Tribal, governmental, academic, non-governmental organizations and other partners to discuss the state of Arctic rivers. In addition, opportunities such as the knowledge exchange Weaving Together Indigenous Knowledge with Western Science and Management, and the related Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threat activity, may increase the inclusion of Indigenous values, perspectives and approaches in decision-making processes.