Community participation in coastal and marine research and monitoring in Inuit Nunangat: a scoping literature review

In Canada, the participation of Indigenous communities in research and monitoring is growing response to calls for partnerships heightened interest bridging Western science-based knowledge. Yet, as settler scholars, we have noted inconsistencies articulation operationalization community peer-reviewed literature. We conducted a scoping review coastal marine across Inuit Nunangat. This resulted 72 studies, most which were undertaken Nunavut. Fourteen terms used articulate participation, common being: participate, collaborate, community-based, consult, or variations these terms. Among studies that terms, found authors only defined 10% time. Community was operationalized primarily through interviews, mapping, field observations. assessed spectrum levels (81%) reflected minimal (i.e., consultative, contractual, less than contractual). Our results highlight need clarity language use, transparency reporting practices, stronger efforts support leadership decision-making authority, all must be on project basis.