"An Aboriginal perspective on Arctic Environmental Monitoring”, a four-day forum to be held in the fall 2007 in Ottawa, will bring Indigenous observations, knowledge, perspectives and values out of the anecdotal background into the forefront of environmental monitoring work in the Arctic. It will demonstrate that science-based environmental monitoring research in the Arctic cannot ignore the importance of Indigenous and community-based observations, knowledge and perspectives. It will also raise awareness of Indigenous environmental issues and concerns within the Arctic scientific community, and consequently support the active involvement of Indigenous Peoples in research that directly affects their communities, health and well-being.

By bringing together Indigenous Elders and knowledge-holders, environmental workers, land managers, and youth, the forum will show how circumpolar Indigenous Peoples identify and respond to changes in their environment. It will answer a crying need for research projects allowing for Indigenous Peoples to be the lead investigators and players in the sharing and use of their own observations and knowledge, instead of being the subjects of such research.

“An Aboriginal perspective on Arctic Environmental Monitoring” will blend keynote speeches, roundtable discussions and workshops to address issues such as Indigenous knowledge, the maintenance of cultural practices and livelihoods, participatory research, observational capacity and monitoring needs, and community-based monitoring. The forum will highlight how the capacity, needs and viewpoints of circumpolar Indigenous Peoples can guide environmental monitoring work and decision-making processes in the Arctic."