Indigenous rights, knowledge, and value systems are linked inextricably to the lands, waters, and non‐human beings that form the environments of Indigenous Peoples. Across the globe, the rights of Indigenous peoples are being formally recognized and as a result, efforts are being made to include Indigenous Knowledge and value systems in environmental policy and decision making. Scientists and decision makers must not only recognize this reality, but also operationalize these efforts through meaningful changes to create space for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous values, and sovereignty within the current methods for scientific enquiry and the development of environmental policies. Professionals in the environmental field have a responsibility to ensure that their work has a positive impact on Indigenous Peoples and their environments. In this study, we explore the concept of consultation and informed consent through the lens of the development of environmental policy and decision making. We will discuss these concepts in the context of ecological risk assessment related to a case study focused on contaminated sediment in a harbor within the Great Lakes. We will demonstrate a process that deconstructs the current protocols for risk assessments at sites with localized pollutants in sediment and rebuilds them with elements that recognize both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. This process includes collaborative fieldwork, relationship building, and informal and formal interviews with participants and community members. By utilizing such approaches, we were able to develop a risk assessment framework that recognizes the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and promotes effective Nation‐to‐Nation decision making.

中文翻译：

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使用土著和西方知识系统进行环境风险评估。

土著人民的权利，知识和价值体系与构成土著人民环境的土地，水域和非人类有着千丝万缕的联系。在全球范围内，土著人民的权利得到了正式承认，因此，人们正在努力将土著知识和价值体系纳入环境政策和决策中。科学家和决策者不仅必须认识到这一现实，而且还必须通过有意义的改变来开展这些努力，以创造空间，以便在当前的科学询问和环境政策制定方法中纳入土著知识，土著价值观和主权。环境领域的专业人员有责任确保他们的工作对土著人民及其环境产生积极影响。在这项研究中，我们通过环境政策和决策制定的角度探讨协商和知情同意的概念。我们将在生态风险评估的背景下讨论这些概念，该案例与案例研究有关，该案例研究的重点是大湖区港口的污染沉积物。我们将演示一个过程，该过程将解构当前在沉积物中存在局部污染物的站点进行风险评估的协议，并使用能够识别西方和土著知识系统的元素对其进行重建。此过程包括协作实地调查，建立关系以及对参与者和社区成员的非正式和正式采访。