Indigenous Knowledge

Polar Bears International values the deep knowledge held by Indigenous peoples who have coexisted with polar bears for thousands of years. In addition to insights passed down from generation to generation, Indigenous Knowledge (IK) also encompasses current and more recent observations, including those related to polar bears in a warming Arctic. These insights can deepen our understanding of the bears, and help guide management decisions.

Other terms for this knowledge include Traditional Knowledge (TK), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), and, specific to parts of the Canadian Arctic, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ). Many Indigenous cultures also have their own words for their knowledge in their own language.