It is increasingly evident that Western scientific knowledge alone is not enough to address the ecological crises of our time. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems offers pathways to more just and inclusive knowledge production. In Canada, funding agencies increasingly require researchers to equitably braid Indigenous and Western knowledge throughout the research process. Similarly, federal government departments now have mandates to respectfully consider Indigenous knowledge in environmental decision-making (Wilcox et al., 2023). Yet, challenges persist, including lack of training, ethical oversights, and institutional barriers that reinforce extractive research practices. This presentation underscores the range of possibilities for engagement between Western science and Indigenous knowledge, from minimal interaction to Indigenous knowledge sovereignty. It first identifies key barriers to meaningful engagement, as outlined in the literature, then explores different approaches—from superficial inclusion to genuine co-production of knowledge. Drawing on literature and a case study from the FISHES project on traditional fish and fishing practices in Eeyou Istchee, it critically examines how researchers can move beyond tokenism toward respectful, reciprocal partnerships that uphold Indigenous knowledge sovereignty.