The Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) was created to provide connection, capacity, training, support, and coordination to groups interested in and carrying out ecological, climate, and environmental monitoring. By supporting skilled and experienced Sentinels and observers in communities, we have created a broad Network of tribal, academic, and Federal/state agency partners. Since 1999, the Network has focused on expanding to meet the needs and priorities of communities throughout Alaska and the broader Arctic. Given Alaska's vast scale and unique landscapes, climate impacts are profound, which have catalyzed ISN's expansion. The Arctic experiences accelerated rates of change due to climate change, prompting a greater need for monitoring and adaptation efforts. ISN's continual growth and outreach to communities across Alaska and the Arctic are aimed at responding to and addressing emerging challenges.
In the years of growth and expansion, the Network prioritized developing a flexible and adaptable technology platform that uses mobile and web-based applications and a privacy-protected online database to collect and store data generated from Sentinels participating in monitoring programs.
Many communities and organizations are eager to connect with the Network and implement monitoring programs. ISN communities know the enormous contribution Sentinels or Guardians can offer and the data they share will inform decision-making, climate adaptation planning, the health of communities and the stewardship of lands and waters. Our goals are to add capacity, offer training, and provide access to technology. This work and the leadership of communities in the Network means added benefits for us all and more connected environmental stewardship efforts.
Fill critical data gaps, produce baseline assessments, support proactive planning and management, and management, and enhance data collection for governance and stewardship needs.
Bring opportunities and training to Indigenous communities to support data collection which will in turn uplift self-determination, land and resource stewardship, and community resilience.
Expand partnerships across ecosystems and communities to build trusted connections and deeper relationships among local resource users and resource managers.
Foster collaborations to develop sustainable funding mechanisms and equitable research practices for Indigenous-led and community-driven monitoring, reduce duplication and build collaboration on shared goals.
Improve management and policy decision-making by providing on-ramps for different types of data (i.e., Traditional Knowledge, quantitative scientific) into processes for research and management at appropriate scales.
Uphold Indigenous Data Sovereignty as the right of Indigenous Peoples to own, control, access, and possess data that derive from them (Kukutai & Taylor 2016; Snipp 2016).
Online interface, all data archived and password protected, quality control and assurance, reporting and data query tools (exports to Excel), user friendly, data and intellectual property rights remain with each participating community with customized data access policies. ISN software supports research projects, communities, organizations, and individuals who need help storing, protecting, and sharing data.
Custom data collection form/survey builder allows for the development of different monitoring programs (i.e., coastal erosion, subsistence monitoring, etc.). These forms are then made available through the ISN Mobile App that community members and data collectors can access through Apple or Google Play Stores (users must register and have an active account that is connected to a community and a monitoring program effort).
ISN software and technology comes with a help and support handbook. In supporting the implementation of monitoring programs, ISN provides onboarding material, data collection and quality control protocols, reference materials, in-person training support, and online guides developed in collaboration with communities, relevant researchers, and federal and state agencies. The tools are flexible and responsive to monitoring needs, and feedback is incorporated to continuously evolve training and support.
ISN supports communities interested in science communication, data literacy, and information sharing. ISN coordinates with communities on data management, analysis, and communication plans. With permission and given program priorities, communities in the Network can share information via webpages, Facebook groups, and through newsletters operated with other Network partners.
