##  [Indigenous Knowledge Circle (IKC) of the NBCKC](/about/indigenous-knowledge-circle-ikc-nbckc) 

 Established in 2018, the Indigenous Knowledge Circle (IKC) was a sister group of the [National Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium (NBCKC)](https://www.cclmportal.ca/project/national-boreal-caribou-knowledge-consortium-nbckc-0). The mandate of the IKC was to advocate for and provide the NBCKC with guidance and feedback on their relationship with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. **From June 2018 to March 2026, both the IKC and the NBCKC were supported by a central secretariat within Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). As coordination by ECCC comes to an end in March 2026, the groups are exploring how to maintain work and connections moving forward. Any updates for the IKC will be posted on this webpage.**

| Our Goal |  |
|---|---|
| ![IKC logo](/sites/default/files/inline-images/IKC_logo.png)  *While the focus of the Indigenous Knowledge Circle was on Boreal Caribou, the group convened in solidarity with other stewarding nations focused or working with other caribou herds.* | The IKC's ultimate goal (vision) is for First Nations, Métis and Inuit to have relationships with caribou for harvesting, sharing, social and ceremonial purposes, to restore balance to the people and caribou today and into the future.  More specifically, the group worked towards:  1. Improved understanding and respect for Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Systems about caribou in order to foster collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, governments, and organizations and to influence cooperative relationships and decision making about the management of caribou. 2. Ensuring that western science and IK equally inform all decisions regarding caribou. 3. More holistic community involvement for caribou research, planning, recovery, and management that reflects a broader understanding of ecosystem wellness reflected in community. |

| What the IKC Did |
|---|
| The IKC met every second month to gather and share information, provide input to NBCKC projects, and advance their own projects. Their work focused on:  1. **Gathering and sharing** information, experiences, and teachings from stories with NBCKC, and IKC members about:     - ​​​Indigenous-led work towards caribou recovery - what’s working and not working     - working collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples on research, monitoring, planning and management     - the cultural importance and value of Indigenous Knowledge, and its appropriate inclusion alongside scientific information in decision-making 2. **Connecting and supporting** Indigenous leaders working towards caribou recovery 3. **Providing guidance and feedback** to the NBCKC on the recognition and the appropriate use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems alongside Western Science as the foundation of caribou conservation and recovery.  The IKC launched [**Beyond Conservation: A Toolkit for Respectful Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples**](https://ipcaknowledgebasket.ca/resources/beyond-conservation-a-toolkit-for-respectful-collaboration-with-indigenous-people) in 2023**.** It was the result of more than two years of effort by the IKC and quickly became the go-to place to find guidance and resources for collaborating with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners on conservation and stewardship. The toolkit contains guiding principles, hundreds of tools and resources, and tips and advice to help non-Indigenous people repair relationships, open doors, build trust, and increase capacity with their Indigenous partners.  [![Beyond Conservation toolkit strip](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Toolkit%20page%20header.png)](https://ipcaknowledgebasket.ca/resources/beyond-conservation-a-toolkit-for-respectful-collaboration-with-indigenous-people) |

| IKC Members |  |
|---|---|
| The IKC's membership included representation from ~40 Inuit, First Nations, and Métis organizations, communities, regional governments, and co-management boards who are actively involved in the conservation, recovery, and management of caribou. Many IKC members were also members of the NBCKC along with government scientists, academic researchers, industry experts, and representatives from environmental organizations. Both the IKC and the NBCKC were supported by a central secretariat within Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). | ![Indigenous Knowledge Circle members](/sites/default/files/inline-images/IKC.jpg) |

| Member Organizations |
|---|
| [Assembly of First Nations](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/assembly-first-nations) | [Inuvialuit Joint Secretariat (Game Council)](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/inuvialuit-joint-secretariat) | [Prince Albert Grand Council](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/prince-albert-grand-council) |
| [Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/athabasca-chipewyan-first-nation) | [Inuvik Native Band](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/inuvik-native-band) | [Prince Albert Model Forest](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/prince-albert-model-forest) |
| [Chiefs of Ontario](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/chiefs-ontario) | K’áhsho Got'ı̨nę (Big Arrow Dene) | [Sahtu Renewable Resources Board](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/sahtu-renewable-resources-board) |
| [Chipewyan Prairie First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/chipewyan-prairie-first-nation) | [Kikino Metis Settlement](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/kikino-metis-settlement) | [Saulteau First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/saulteau-first-nations) |
| [Cold Lake First Nations](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/cold-lake-first-nations) | [Kineepik M](https://kineepik.ca/)[é](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/manitoba-metis-federation)[tis Local #9](https://kineepik.ca/) | [Seal River Watershed](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/seal-river-watershed) |
| [Congress of Aboriginal Peoples](https://abo-peoples.org/) | [Manitoba Métis Federation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/manitoba-metis-federation) | Shúhtaot’ı̨nę (Mountain Dene) |
| [Cree First Nation of Waswanipi](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/cree-first-nation-waswanipi) | [McLeod Lake Indian Band](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/mcleod-lake-indian-band) | [Tłı̨chǫ Government](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/tlicho-government) |
| [Cree Nation Government (Grand Council of the Crees – Eeyou Ischee)](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/cree-nation) | [Métis Nation of Alberta](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/metis-nation-alberta) | [Torngat Wildlife, Plants & Fisheries Secretariat](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/torngat-wildlife-plants-fisheries-secretariat) |
| [Dene Tha' First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/dene-tha-first-nation) | [Métis Nation of Alberta Region 5](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/metis-nation-alberta-region-5) | [Treaty 6](https://www.treatysix.org/) |
| Délı̨nę Got'ı̨nę (Délı̨nę Dene) | [Métis Nation of Saskatchewan](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/metis-nation-saskatchewan) | [Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta](http://www.treaty8.ca/) |
| [Fort McKay First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/fort-mckay-first-nation) | [Michipicoten First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/michipicoten-first-nation) | [Wek'eezhi Renewable Resources Board](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/wekeezhii-renewable-resources-board) |
| [Fort McKay Metis Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/fort-mckay-metis-nation) | [Mikisew Cree First Nation](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/mikisew-cree-first-nation) | [West Moberly First Nations](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/west-moberly-first-nations) |
| [Four Rivers Environmental Services Group](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/four-rivers-environmental-services-group) | [Nunatsiavut Government](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/nunatsiavut-government) | [Ya’thi Néné Land and Resources](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/ya-thi-nene-lands-and-resources) |
| Gwich'in Nation | [NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC)](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/nunatukavut-community-council) |  |
| [Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/gwichin-renewable-resources-board) | [Okanagan Indian Band](https://www.cclmportal.ca/organization/okanagan-indian-band) |  |

The image below is a graphic recording of the IKC's discussion of the principles that should guide collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and organizations working together to conserve caribou. This discussion was the basis for a draft of 10 principles for collaboration that are central to the IKC's toolkit: [*Beyond Conservation: A Toolkit for Respectful Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples*](https://ipcaknowledgebasket.ca/resources/beyond-conservation-a-toolkit-for-respectful-collaboration-with-indigenous-people).

![Graphic Recording - Principles for Collaboration Discussion](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indigenous%20Knowledge%20Circle%20%28IKC%29%20Annual%20Meeting%2C%20June%202021_1.jpg)The image below is a graphic recording of the IKC's discussion of their Terms of Reference, and how the IKC works together with the NBCKC. This discussion informed the IKC's draft Terms of Reference.

![Graphic Recording - IKC Terms of Reference Discussion](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chart%202_Indigenous%20Knowledge%20Circle%20%28IKC%29%20Annual%20Meeting%2C%20June%202021_1.png)

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