Nain & Hopedale, Nunatsiavut
Year(s) Funded: 2008-2009
Topic Area: Access to Land Contact: Chris Furgal, Trent University, [email protected] Partners: Nunatsiavut Government & Trent University Title: Establishment of Inuit Community Based Ice Monitoring and Surveillance Programs for Human Safety and Security
Action: Two ice monitoring stations were installed and maintained at two critical points important for travel and hunting for residents of the community of Nain. These stations were monitored weekly and the results were disseminated to community members, who found these stations very valuableas the sea ice was thinner and less predictable than in most years. Residents felt safe using the same routes that the ice monitors used to travel to the stations, knowing that local surveyors are monitoring the area. Results: Two ice monitors were trained through the management of Sikumiut Environmental Inc. and Trent University. They learned the process of installing and maintaining the stations while spending time on the land with fellow community members. They gained an understanding of the purpose of the sea ice stations as well as the processes of sea ice itself over a winter to spring period. Sea ice, snow conditions and information gained through monitoring stations were disseminated to the community through the local radio station, bulletins, social networking sites and word of mouth. This provided many different ways to try to reach as many community members as possible every week. The information is available from Sikumiut Environmental Inc. as well, with many residents relying on this information on a weekly basis. Outputs: Two ice monitoring stations were installed and two ice monitors were trained. |
Warmer weather affects the food chain, also the snow that turns into ice and freezes…that gives animals a hard time to get their food underneath the hardened snow.- Inuvik Elder |
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