Apoqnmatulti’k: pairing ways of knowing to guide aquatic research in Mi’kma’ki

Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw for “we help each other”) is a collaboration among the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, the Marine Institute of Natural and Academic Science, the Ocean Tracking Network, Dalhousie University, Acadia University, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Guided by the Mi’kmaw principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), this initiative pairs Mi’kmaw, local and western scientific ways of knowing to co-design and implement research to track the movements and seasonal habitat use of mutually valued aquatic species in two regions of Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). The success and impact of Apoqnmatulti’k lies in commitment to its partnership model rooted in equity, mutual respect, and open dialogue at all levels. Apoqnmatulti’k approaches Etuaptmumk with three core tenets: Netukulimk (shared stewardship), Msit no’kmaq (all relationships), and Aknutema’ti’k (understandings). Here, we examine Apoqnmatulti’k as a tangible example of Etuaptmumk in practice to provide researchers with insights into fostering successful partnerships that bridge Indigenous, local and western knowledge systems.