Strengthening inclusive Indigenous research ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean

 

Indigenous research and science ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face several challenges. A history of colonialism and marginalization has had long-standing negative impacts on Indigenous populations’ development trajectories. Recognition of this legacy and how it has impacted the visibility and opportunities of Indigenous peoples in all fields, including research, remains lacking. Similarly lagging is the degree to which data collection with Indigenous peoples has been done in collaborative, rather than extractive ways, ensuring Indigenous communities are at the helm of knowledge creation and policy change. Lastly, research systems have historically valued and supported Western approaches over traditional Indigenous ways of knowing.

This project seeks to strengthen Indigenous knowledge ecosystems in LAC. More specifically, it will identify knowledge gaps and development priorities that are most relevant to Indigenous researchers and communities across LAC and map Indigenous-led and enabling research organizations in LAC. It will foster a regional knowledge-exchange network and support strategic positioning of Indigenous-led research in scientific and policy fora to promote greater recognition and uptake of Indigenous knowledge. It will also document best practices in collaborative research across Indigenous, Afro-descendant and non-Indigenous researchers to inform programming practices.

This work is expected to contribute to the field, as well as inform IDRC´s Indigenous Action Plan, a framework of institutional policies and practices to support Indigenous knowledge and mobilization.