Season 2, Episode 6
Indigenous Knowledge and Arctic Policy with Henry Huntington
In this episode of From the Field, Henry Huntington, an independent researcher and Arctic Science Director at Ocean Conservancy, explains how the combination of traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge regarding the ecology of marine mammals, use of sea ice and climate change can accurately and effectively influence policy. He further explains how indigenous knowledge must be accepted within in the scientific community and Indigenous Peoples must be credited for their long lineage of knowledge and work in the Arctic.
You'll Learn
How Henry became interested in Polar Regions.
Working with Alaska Eskimo Whaleing Commission and Henry’s good idea.
Human-Environment interactions.
Sharing scientific and indigenous knowledge information.
The colonial history of denying indigenous peoples any credit for their work and information.
Why the colonial legacy must end in academic communities.
Why Co-Authorship is important.
Ocean Conservancy – creating policy to protect humans and wildlife.
Shipping routes through the Bering Strait and how it serves as a migratory path for animals.
How climate change is creating a wider gap between land, increasing vessel traffic.
Pressures of oil spills in the Bering Strait.
Working with native peoples creates understanding of what areas in the Strait are important to protect by creating policy.
Learning how to adapt.
Links From the Episode:
About Henry
ABOUT HENRY HUNTINGTON
Henry Huntington is an independent researcher and Arctic Science director of the Ocean Conservancy focused on environmental policy, indigenous/traditional knowledge and climate change. Based out of Alaska, Henry focuses on conservation efforts in Alaska, Canada and the Arctic Ocean and takes on research projects dedicated to human-environment interactions in the Arctic. Henry has a Masters and Ph.D in Polar Studies from the University of Cambridge. To read Henry’s publications, please click here.
Hosts & Guests
Priya Shelly – Host
Henry Huntington – Guest
Resources
Transcript