Indigenous Peoples and environmental research and monitoring within the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin: A systematic map

The North American Great Lakes basin faces management challenges worsened by climate change, invasive species, and contaminants. Addressing these issues requires a collective approach, drawing on a diversity of perspectives and voices, including that of the Indigenous Peoples in the region—Tribal Nations, First Nations, and Métis peoples. For these priorities and needs to be meaningfully included, Indigenous communities, Nations and Tribes must be supported to participate in and direct environmental research and monitoring through approaches that respect community-based research and learning. However, the extent of environmental research and monitoring conducted with, for, or by Indigenous Peoples (including Indigenous communities, Nations, and Tribes) in the Great Lakes region is not well documented. Without a clear understanding of what research is taking place, where, and how Indigenous Peoples are involved, it is difficult to assess whether these efforts are truly inclusive or aligned with Indigenous priorities—highlighting the need to systematically map and characterize these efforts.

A systematic mapping protocol was applied to identify, gather, and review English-language peer-reviewed literature on environmental research and monitoring in the Great Lakes basin conducted with, for and by Indigenous Peoples. Sixty studies were identified and included in the systematic map database gathered and analyzed for this review.

The systematic map reveals that 57% of the studies took place in or around Lake Superior. Many focused on human health risk assessments, particularly related to environmental contaminant exposure. The role of Indigenous Peoples varied, with most studies reporting involvement at the data gathering and collection stage.

Practical Implication: This map describes the extent, focus, and roles of Indigenous Peoples in Great Lakes research and monitoring, based on peer-reviewed English literature. If this literature reflects broader research activity, findings suggest limited representation—only 19% of Indigenous communities and Nations across the basin were included, and few were engaged in early-stage planning or priority setting. However, this literature likely underrepresents the full scope of Indigenous-led or co-developed work. To support more equitable Great Lakes research, future efforts should promote broader geographic inclusion, increased Indigenous leadership across all stages, and greater transparency regarding Indigenous involvement.