Pangnirtung, Nunavut
Year(s) Funded: 2008-2009
Topic Area: Access to Land Contact: Dr. Audrey R. Giles, University of Ottawa, ([email protected]) Ron Mongeau, Senior Administrative Officer (SAO), Hamlet of Pangnirtung, P.O. Box 253, X0A 0R0 Partners: University of Ottawa & Hamlet of Pangnirtung Title: Understanding the impact of climate change on perceptions and practices related to water safety in Pangnirtung
Action: In Pangnirtung community members were very interested in the impact that climate change was having on ice, snow, and water conditions, believed to increase the vulnerability of people who are out on the land. Research sought to identify Pangnirtung residents’ views about whether or not climate change was having an impact and to understand how these changes impact perceptions of water-related risk and water safety-related behaviour. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with youths, adults and Elders to learn about climate change impacts in their community. Recurring themes in interviews and focus groups included: Ice and snow melt/safety and changing weather patterns; changing animal and plant patterns; skepticism about global warming; and unstable traditional hunting/transportation routes. Results:Community members in Pangnirtung were very interested in the impact that climate change is having on ice, snow, and water conditions, which is believed to enhance the vulnerability of people who are out on the land.The project built capacity by developing community members’ research skills (developing research questions, conducting interviews and focus groups, analyzing data, presenting data) and the research teams’ ability to conduct responsive and responsible research for and with community members. Outputs: An academic article titled ‘Adaptation to Aquatic Risks due to Climate Change in Pangnirtung, Nunavut’ was published in 2012. The project produced 100 thermoses (50 in English, 50 in Inuktitut) and 500 magnets with a list of recommended items when engaged in aquatic-based activities to reduce risks posed by climate change. Items were distributed to school children (magnets) and Elders and hunters (thermoses). Additional Resources & Publications
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