On 18 September 2023, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research (the Committee) decided to undertake a study on the ways in which Indigenous knowledge and science can inform Canadian research and policy development. During its study, the Committee held seven meetings between 6 November 2023 and 13 February 2024. It heard from 47 witnesses and received five briefs.

Witnesses warned the Committee that simple definitions of Indigenous knowledge and science are impossible to establish, due to the diversity of Indigenous communities across Canada and the localized, place-based nature of specific Indigenous knowledge systems. However, some common elements of Indigenous knowledge systems include the involvement of Indigenous knowledge holders, focusing on relationships, respect for the world and those within it, and the use of Indigenous languages. Other witnesses cautioned against defining a knowledge system based on membership in a specific cultural or ethnic group, emphasizing the universal nature of knowledge.

The Committee heard from some witnesses that rather than integrating Indigenous knowledge and science into Canadian research and policy development, organizations and governments should focus on supporting such concepts as parallel paths, two-eyed seeing, ethical space, braiding and weaving as ways to show how knowledge systems of equal prominence and value can support and strengthen decision-making processes.

The Committee heard about the many ways in which Indigenous knowledge and science is already contributing to Canadian research and policy development at federal, provincial, territorial, international and institutional levels, such as through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Witnesses also provided suggestions on how to resolve any conflicts that emerge between different knowledge systems, and ways in which the Government of Canada can improve the way Indigenous knowledge and science is considered in research and policy development. Some of these improvements include supporting early and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities during research projects and policy development, aligning government practices with existing policies such as UNDRIP, supporting Indigenous communities and institutions, and providing increased educational and training opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada on this topic.

Based on the testimony it heard, the Committee is making 15 recommendations to the federal government to support the use, development and integration of Indigenous knowledge and science in Canadian research and policy development.