On good terms: pathways to decolonizing science-appropriated Indigenous terminologies in Arctic research
Many western scientific disciplines adopted Indigenous Knowledge and terminology without deference or understanding of the original meanings and values attached to Indigenous terms and concepts. This form of scientific appropriation has become a serious issue in light of decolonizing Arctic research...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Arctic Science |
| Online Access: | https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/as-2025-0025 |
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| Summary: | Many western scientific disciplines adopted Indigenous Knowledge and terminology without deference or understanding of the original meanings and values attached to Indigenous terms and concepts. This form of scientific appropriation has become a serious issue in light of decolonizing Arctic research. The notion of Alaas is an example of such appropriation by the western science-based system of Indigenous knowledge about human-nature relations. This paper aims to discuss the term Alaas as it is represented in both western science and Indigenous knowledge. The paper will explore the development of ‘alaas’ as an international permafrost science term and Alaas as an economic, traditional, cultural and spiritual space of the Sakha People in Northeastern Siberia. In analyzing these histories and meanings, the authors will attempt to provide a pathway to decolonizing western science-appropriated Indigenous terminology. |
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| ISSN: | 2368-7460 |