The purpose of this guidebook is to help communities establish a practical, community-based model to facilitate controlling access to and protecting indigenous knowledge. In the words of the authors, "the main objective … is to empower communities to recognize, protect, preserve and share their knowledge in keeping with their goals and traditions." The guidebook opens with a brief introduction to the concept of indigenous knowledge, including definitions, comparisons to western science, reasons for preserving and protecting indigenous knowledge, and examples of abuses and misuses of such knowledge. Following this is a brief discussion of the community development model, but the bulk of the guidebook is comprised of a step-by-step community development process. The process includes actions like organizing a first community meeting, identifying key issues and concerns, progressing to an indigenous knowledge management approach, and securing control over the uses of a community's knowledge. The appendices include a legal terms glossary; a chart outlining general legal and other mechanisms to protect indigenous knowledge; the uses of intellectual property rights: strengths and weaknesses; and Inuit research guidelines. The authors note that even though a step-by-step process is provided, it is understood that each community will be different, with varying needs and actions. But it is hoped that the model, already familiar to many Aboriginal communities, will provide an effective starting point.