Weaving Indigenous knowledge systems and Western sciences in terrestrial research, monitoring and management in Canada: A systematic map

Over the last decades, a growing body of work within environmental science disciplines has sought to co‐produce projects led by, or conducted in partnership with, Indigenous communities to ensure more equitable and effective outcomes for biodiversity conservation. Inherent to knowledge co‐production is the weaving of Indigenous knowledge systems and Western sciences, a process that emphasizes respect and dialogue, mutual learning, collaboration, holistic understanding, as well as practical outcomes and adaptability. This systematic map aims to compile and summarize studies that have woven Indigenous knowledge systems and Western sciences in research, monitoring and management conducted across terrestrial ecosystems in Canada. We identified a total of 177 case studies dating from 1988 to 2021. Approximately 82% of all the articles were published between 2005 and 2020, with a significant expansion of Indigenous authorship observed since around 2005. Across the case studies, we found reports on 14 species (including birds, mammals and plants) and 19 ecosystems with a high number of cases coming from northern Canada. First Nations and Inuit knowledge holders were most represented across the case studies. While many studies did not report on the gender or age of Indigenous knowledge holders, Elder contributions were reported in most cases and youth involvement appeared limited. We found 14 distinct methods used to gather Indigenous knowledge and the same number of Western scientific methods to collect biotic or abiotic data. Community‐based participatory research was the most common weaving methodology employed. There were a wide range of research outputs and outcomes reported for Indigenous communities across the systematic map including: (i) informing biodiversity management; (ii) having Indigenous knowledge used in decision‐making; and (iii) increasing interest in Indigenous knowledge from scientists. Practical implication . This systematic map can be drawn upon by environmental research and management practitioners to help ensure that new initiatives are synergistic and that professionals entering the space of knowledge weaving have a comprehensive understanding of the recent landscape in Canada, including the importance of place‐based and contextual practices.