NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Objective(s): The goal of our project is to explore research that is built on Indigenous knowledge and integrates recent advancements in western science disciplines.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5684. The main objective of this research project is to explore research that is built on Indigenous knowledge and integrates recent advancements in western science disciplines (i.e., environmental metagenomic and ecosystem probing) to assess the potential emergence of novel antimicrobial compounds and/or antimicrobial resistant (AMR) genes from thawing permafrost in the Canadian Arctic Region (CAR). The specific objectives of this research are to: 1) listen and learn from Knowledge keepers about observed changes in the permafrost environment and potential health risks; 2) build on information gathered from traditional storytelling to assess the potential for antimicrobial compounds and AMR genes in environmental samples from degraded permafrost environments; 3) evaluate interactions between ecosystem factors and emerging permafrost microbes; 4) assess the relationship between current traditional Indigenous land uses and the ecological/human health risks associated with emerging permafrost microbes and their AMR characteristics. The research questions that will be used to address the objectives of this research include as follows: 1) What are the potential health risks anticipated by indigenous communities in changing arctic environment? 2) Is there potential for the evolution of antimicrobial compounds and AMR genes taken from environmental samples in degraded permafrost environments? 3) How do interactions between ecosystems and released melt water impact the characteristics of microbes emerging from permafrost? 4) Is there potential risk of contamination to land uses that support traditional and cultural livelihood of the communities? Addressing the complexity of climate change impacts on Indigenous communities requires a multi-lens approach that is grounded in a decolonial research process and a critical understanding of traditional knowledge production. Thus, the research methodology of this project will follow the decolonial research framework, which respects and honours the inclusion of decolonial epistemologies and ontologies by decolonizing the Western scientific paradigm from community perspectives. This decolonial multi-lens approach is critical to achieving the objective of this research project because of the need to decolonize climate change impact research in northern Arctic communities. To actualize the research objectives, the first and most important step in the project will involve building meaningful and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities by applying the Land and Peoples Relationship (LPR) Model. Some of the research team members have a track record of building respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. This project will build on their experience to establish new relationships and engage with the community to revisit the research goals, objectives, and research design so that this research can create meaningful implications for the community. For this, the team will rely on Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-keepers to guide them, which will create an opportunity for the research team to deeply listen and learn from the Knowledge keepers during a series of community engagement workshops in the first year of the project. This engagement will lead to the co-formulation of Indigenous Knowledge-informed hypotheses and field sampling design for antimicrobial compounds, AMR genes, and relevant environmental probing. Site visits for collaborative sampling campaigns will be led by Indigenous Elders, Knowledge-keepers, and local community Band leaders. Once sampling sites have been identified, the research team will use environmental DNA sequencing to examine the microbial content of the permafrost soil. This technique involves sequencing “free” DNA directly from soil; most of this DNA is from soil microbes, with some contribution from local flora and fauna (e.g., fallen leaves and fecal matter). To minimize the chemical waste produced in an ecologically sensitive area, a physical DNA separation technique based on magnetic beads will be applied. The team will sequence the DNA on-site and with community collaboration using a Nanopore MinION, a highly portable small-scale DNA sequencing machine, and therefore will not have to remove any physical material for DNA extraction from the local environment. The communication plan for the proposed research project is designed to ensure meaningful and respectful engagement with community organizations and Knowledge keepers. The plan will includes the following key points: Stakeholder Identification: Identify and involve key stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, Knowledge keepers, government agencies, and funding organizations. This will be followed by an engagement process. Engagement and Consultation: Engage in face-to-face consultations, community meetings, and engagement sessions to establish meaningful relationships, build trust, and foster open dialogue with Indigenous communities and Knowledge keepers. The engagement process will respect cultural protocols, traditions, and values of Indigenous communities, ensuring that research activities align with community values and practices. This research project promotes a two-way exchange of knowledge between Indigenous knowledge and western science, valuing the contributions of Knowledge keepers and actively listening to their perspectives. This will be led by an Indigenous elder in the research team, using clear and jargon-free language. The research team will also develop communication materials in multiple formats, and ensure accessibility for effective communication with stakeholders. The research team will maintain regular communication channels, provide updates on the project's progress, and seek feedback and input from Indigenous communities and Knowledge keepers. Keeping an open communication channel will foster collaborate with Indigenous communities and Knowledge keepers in the co-creation of knowledge products that reflect and respect Indigenous values and perspectives. The research team will disseminate research findings in a manner that respects Indigenous protocols and preferences, prioritizing sharing results with Indigenous communities first. The team will maintain ongoing communication, support, and collaboration with the communities to foster long-term relationships beyond the project. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: April 18 - December 31, 2024