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The Local Observations database was developed to record, archive, and share indigenous sea ice knowledge and expertise. This information is generously shared with the public by the observers and the communities within which the observers reside. We ask that anyone interested in browsing or using the information review and agree to adhere to the ethical and appropriate use guidelines.

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Access to the Observations Catalog

Use Agreement

I understand that the knowledge and observations compiled in this database were made by recognized sea ice experts, Indigenous Knowledge-holders and community members, and are shared generously by the observers and their communities to help further education, Arctic science research, and communication between Indigenous Knowledge-holders and research scientists. I acknowledge that observations shared do not necessarily reflect all environmental conditions at the time the observation was made. I also understand that the observations were made in the context of local ecological knowledge and are specific to the different communities that are part of this project; any interpretation of the data should respect this context.

When using or referencing data from this product for research or reporting purposes, I:

  1. Must acknowledge and cite by name the person(s) whose observations are being shared unless the name of the observer(s) is not identified in the observation record.
  2. Must use the following citation to reference the data set: Observers of coastal Arctic Alaska. 2022. Local Observations from the Seasonal Ice Zone Observing Network (SIZONet) and Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub (AAOKH), Version 2. Edited by AAOKH Team. Boulder, Colorado USA: National Snow and Ice Data Center. https://doi.org/10.7265/jhws-b380.
  3. Should refer to the specific context within which the observations were made and compiled, including:
    1. Location
    2. Community activities
    3. Spatial relationships
    4. Photos of people or landscapes
    5. Audio/video narratives
  4. Should refer to the most recent publication which outlines a new framework for the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub: Hauser, D.D.W., Glenn, R.T., Lindley, E.D., Pikok, K.K., Heeringa, K., Jones, J., Adams, B., Leavitt, J.M., Omnik, G.N., Schaeffer, R., SimsKayotuk, C., Sparrow, E.B., Ravelo, A.M., Lee, O., Eicken, H. (in press) Nunaaqqit Savaqatigivlugich - Working with Communities: Evolving Collaborations around an Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub. Arctic Science.
  5. Will not use data, knowledge or observations as a basis to infringe on Indigenous subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering traditional and customary practices.

By accessing the data, I agree to the above Use Agreement.

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