Module 1: Ethical and Legal Considerations
Inuit Governance Practices
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.
Learner notes
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.
Learner notes
“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
Learner notes
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
Learner notes
Sources and recommended readings: Indigenous Data Sovereignty – Research Data Services – LibGuides at University of Victoria Libraries (uvic.ca). The source only uses six of the Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Concepts. The following sections will discuss the six and explain the additional principles.
The Elders identified six guiding principles (the Nunavut government later added an additional two). These six guiding principles form the basis of an interlocking conceptual philosophy for IQ, but also inherent in each is a process for developing the principle in an individual and in society. Taken together, they form a plan for the continuous application of IQ in Inuit society.
Sources and recommended readings: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: The role of Indigenous knowledge in supporting wellness in Inuit communities in Nunavut [PDF] | National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (nccih.ca) and NCCIH – National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health > Home > NCCIH PUBLICATIONS
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.
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