"Biographical zoning refers to the process whereby the individual or the affiliated group claims exclusive biographical privilege at the expense of other biographical information. In effect, when the individual shares informal or formal membership with a variety of groups, each group may (unintentionally) disavow that person's affiliation with other groups. " "[...] Biographical zoning usually entails a complete lack of familiarity or knowledge of the individual's other associations. Biographical zoning entails a privileging of a visible, meaningful front-land association and a neglect or denial of an invisible hinterland association.

The absence of linkage between Inuit artists' art practice and other IQ knowledge activities follows this pattern. Published articles and interviews with renowned Inuit artists often omit mention of the fact that the subject of the article or interview is an internationally recognised artist. Many interesting connections to the artist's work have to be made by reading in the peripheries. One learns that Simon Tookoomee is widely acclaimed for his handling of the 12' long whip used with dog teams.

IK systems are dynamic. They are a culmination of generations of experiences, trial-and-error experiments and careful observations. (p.1)

IK is shared and communicated orally and by example (observation). (p.2)

The Erosion of IK Systems IK, biodiversity and cultural diversity are threatened by rapid modernization and cultural homogenization. Traditional channels of oral communication have been disrupted through displacement of family members, the imposition of western education systems and the introduction of communication systems such as television. IK has been either ignored or maligned by racist and/or ethnocentric colonial powers and scientists who placed complete faith in the progress of modernity and western science. (p.4-5)Nationalistic governments promote one language and one culture to the detriment of indigenous cultures. Formal schooling reinforces negative attitudes. (Grenier, Louise. 1998. Working with Indigenous Knowledge: A Guide for Researchers. Ottawa: International Development Research Centre IDRC Books)