Indigenous Ocean Governance

Summary and Expectations

Indigenous nations have been involved in ocean observation for many generations, both through lived experience and through the use of new and emerging methods. However, the use of Indigenous knowledge in ocean observation is not always well understood or engaged by the non-indigenous community. In this session, delegates from Canada, Hawaii, the continental US, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands will provide insight on some of the priorities, methods, and values for Indigenous ocean observation today, and for the coming decade, followed by an opportunity for dialogue with the audience. Through this dialogue, this session aims to build relationships to ensure the rights, interests, knowledge, and specific ocean information needs and technical capacities of Indigenous peoples are reflected in the next decade of ocean observation efforts.

Expected Outcomes/Recommendations

• Formally recognize the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples worldwide as well as the articles within the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Establish meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and Nations to learn and respect each other’s ways of knowing;
• Negotiate paths forward to design, develop, and carry out ocean observing initiatives; and share responsibility and resources.