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UNIKKAAQATIGIIT:

PUTTING THE HUMAN

FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE

INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT REGION UNIKKAAQATIGIIT:

PUTTING THE HUMAN

FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE

INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT REGION

Workshop Team: Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Centre Hospitalier du l’Université du Québec (CHUQ), Joint Secretariat: Inuvialuit Renewable Resource Committees (JS:IRRC)

Funded by: Northern Ecosystem Initiative, Environment Canada

* This workshop is part of a larger project entitled Identifying, Selecting and Monitoring Indicators for Climate Change in Nunavik and Labrador, funded by NEI, Environment Canada This report should be cited as:

Communities of Aklavik, Inuvik, Holman Island, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk, Nickels, S., Buell, M., Furgal, C., Moquin, H. 2005. Unikkaaqatigiit – Putting the Human Face on Climate Change: Perspectives from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Ottawa: Joint publication of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments at Université Laval and the Ajunnginiq Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization. TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Naitoliogak ...... 1 1.0 Summary ...... 2 2.0 Acknowledgements ...... 3 3.0 Introduction ...... 4 4.0 Methods ...... 4 4.1 Pre-Workshop Methods ...... 4 4.2 During the Workshop ...... 5 4.3 Summarizing Workshop Observations ...... 6 5.0 Observations...... 6 5.1 Regional (Common) Concerns ...... 7 Changes to Weather: ...... 7 Changes to Landscape: ...... 9 Changes to Vegetation: ...... 10 Changes to Fauna: ...... 11 Changes to Insects: ...... 11 Increased Awareness And Stress: ...... 11 Contaminants: ...... 11 Desire For Organization: ...... 12 5.2 East-West Discrepancies And Patterns ...... 12 Changes to Weather ...... 12 Changes to Landscape...... 15 Changes to Vegetation: ...... 17 Changes to Insects...... 17 Changes to Fauna ...... 17 Increased Stress...... 18 5.3 Community-Specific Concerns ...... 18 Inuvik ...... 19 Aklavik ...... 20 Tuktoyaktuk ...... 20 Holman Island ...... 21 Paulatuk...... 21 5.4 New and Unusual Bird and Animal Life ...... 22 6.0 Going Forward ...... 25 6.1 Organization ...... 25 6.2 Information Dissemination ...... 26 6.3 Monitoring...... 26 6.4 Partnerships/Scientific Inclusion ...... 27 6.5 Alternative Energies...... 27 7.0 Conclusions & Recommendations ...... 27 8.0 Appendix ...... 30

1.0 NAITOLIOGAK Ovani inuit meetiqtoat elittogiyut okoa Inuvialuit eliogaivaliqtoksat nutanik savaotinik sila allango- Akongani okioni 2002 onalo 2003, meetika- taililogo. Ovani okoa emaitoqsat: tarqtut tavvaoi talimat inuvialuit nunaini ovani • Amigaitoaqlogit tosaaqatigeeqlotik sunaqot Inuvialuit Nunataqviani Nunainni (ISR) elittok- (i.e. cell phones, CBs, nalaotiqot ovalo sila saiyut taotuqtaini sila allangoqtoak. Tabkoa taotoqtoaqlogo okoalo tagiomi nainaiksi- inuqaqneet okoamat Inuvik, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, malogo nalaotini ema sila allangoktoaq Oloksaktok, onalo Paulatuk. Tasamani metiq- suliyami sivoganaqsioq ovalo nalonaqsivloni paoqtoakmata kinatlo RC-d nalonaiyaktoan aolaagiami. inuqnit okaosiqaqsotik, maliqtoksaqot, sila allangoqtoakmat talavani ISR elittogitiaqtat • Esoaqsaqlogit ekiaqmiot piqsait ayoqnai- silaqtik allangoktoak, ona nuna kanogilitoak logit, oqaqlogit sivoganaktoat nunat ovalo sila allangogami, ovalo kanoqtut inusiginiakpat nalaotiqut tosaaqataqlotik ovalo eligailotiq sila allangoktoak naliak sivoniqmot aolavigi- iglokpakniq nunani oqovikhanik ema niaqpat inusiqmot. silaloqtoaqpat silaqiteeviqsanik emalo emaq emaqoqsigangat. Tasamani angitqiaq savaksak, metiotiginiakpat • Sanalotiq ovalo monagilogit nunani inuit ajikotanik nunami tasamani ovanilo As Labrador, sequteeviit ema niqqit kiqomayangitni Nunavik onalo Nunavut. Samna sivosiqsat ema siqot nongotiqtoat kiqiteeviknik ema savaqsak pannaiyaqniaqpat opalonaiyaklotik ekitoanik angoniagiami sogaanik. sivoniqmot allangoliqtomi nuna silalo okaosi- givaqniakpat metigagomik ovalo ayoitot esiv- • Ekayuqlogit esivgiogait kanogilitoat savaat gioktit silamik nunani savaqpakniakpat. Elaa nanigiaqtoqtoat angoyait amiqliktoat mani- samani sivoniqsami savaaginiakpat sunaqqut liogotait ovalo ekayuqtoaqlogit nanigiaq- eliogailotik ovalo sivoniqsami nuna allangoliq- toktit nutanik angoniagotiniq. tomi metiotigivaqniakpat. Nalonaiqtoak, • Oktaqtoalogo emaq ematot emaq namma- sivoniqsa samani elittoqsiyat, nunami metiqtit gonaqsiok kisiani ema salumania taotoqlogo savaagivaqniaqtat opalongaiyaqlogo ovalo sivoganaitomiq sila allangoqtoami. Oqaosi- esoaksaklogo malgoq kanga ISR metiotani giyat niqqitlo esivgioklogit nammanigitniq. ovani Oloqsaqtomi ovanilo Paulatuk-mi. Sapqonani metiotaini elisaiyuni, kafsit apiqoti- Tamani naitolioqlogo esomalogitiyat talimat ISR gilogit oktaktait nuna taotoqlogo silalo, elisai- inuqaqtoat, samna onipqaksak emaitoniquq: niqotlo atoqtoqsanik, tosaatjutiniqlo ovalo • Sila onaqsaligami kivatanit ovalo oaliniqmioni pannagiqlotik savaqatigiiktoaqlotik katimayiit. ISR inuqaktoani. Tamaita inuqaqtoat nunat Tavvani esumaalotigiyat okaotigiyat kengoliqmi elitogitoaqtot sila onaqsivaliayuq. Kivataani elangani “Sivomot Aolaloni” ona oktoqtoat inuqaqtoat nuna ajikotainik elisimaliqtoat kanoq alaqut Inuvialuit eliogainiaqtut savao- sila onaqsaliqmat (onaqtoak) okiotlo kesiani, tiksamingniq sila allangoqmat. emailitoat, aoyangat niglaomaliqsoni. Samna onipqatoak elitaqnaktok sivitoyoat ovalo • Tamaita inuqaqtoat nunat, tamaini kivatanilo kanoqut esivgioklotik nunami tasamai ovalo oaliniqmiotlo, elisimaliqtoat emaq sikoa somit inuqaqtoanit esumainik, elait nunat sila haliyuq ovalo nunap atani siqo mahaqti- allangoqtomi ajiqeengitmata. Elait elitogiyait, liktuq. Okoa taimailiyut ayuksaotigivagat suqqut savaqniaktat ovalo sunatigut savaoti- nunano aolaagiami nunani ovani ISR. qaqlotik homi nuna esumaalutaoyut Inuvialuit • Tasamani elittogitoaqtat tabkoat kiqtogiat esuvagiyait taotoqtaitlo, ovalo Inuit piomayait kivataanimiot ovalo oalinikmiot ovani ISR. ovalo sivolioquyait, esomaksaqsioqniakpait Tamani oaliniqmiot nunani, kiqtogiat angi- savaktaoyuksat nunani, nunaini, kanatami, glitiaqtooat, amigaiqsotiqlo ovalo tama- asiniikyoat nunaitnilo. neeqsakpaliktoat. Ovani Kivataani, emaitoat, nunani kiqtogiat miqiniqsaoyut, ekilivlotiq.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P1 1.0 SUMMARY The community workshops show what Inuvialuit require in order to develop further adaptation Throughout 2002 and 2003, workshops were measures and to minimize the effects of carried out in five communities in the Inuvialuit climate change. These include such things as: Settlement Region (ISR) to collect observations • Increased communication accessibility on climate change. These communities included (i.e. cell phones, CBs, two-way radios) and Inuvik, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, Holman Island, better weather and ocean information to and Paulatuk. Each workshop brought together local radio stations in the face of weather representatives from the communities to discuss, unpredictability that is causing danger and through a series of guided discussions, the uncertainty with travel. changes that the people of the ISR are seeing in their environment, the impacts or effects • Making satellite imagery more available, these changes are having, and how they have marking unsafe areas, and increasing com- already or how they can best respond or munication and the number of shelters adapt to them in the future. on the land to aid in coping with bad ice conditions and low water levels. As part of a larger project, workshops were • Rebuilding and maintaining community similarly held in the regions of Labrador, freezers as well as subsidizing household Nunavik and Nunavut. A key goal of this pro- freezers to compensate for thinning and ject was to build local capacity to implement depleted ice and permafrost conditions and carry out future environmental change causing a decrease in the number of workshops and research in communities in the animals harvested. region. In fact, this goal was realized, as regional representatives took the lead in organizing • Support to analyze potential effects of the and facilitating two latter ISR workshops in projected decline in the quality of furs and Holman Island and Paulatuk. trappers’ incomes and the means to help trappers adapt to the changes influencing By summarizing the main concerns of five ISR their livelihoods. communities, this report shows that: • Testing water to ensure confidence in security • Temperatures vary between the eastern of the water system but also to be certain and western ISR communities. All western that water quality does not deteriorate as communities have seen temperatures in all environmental conditions change. It was seasons rise. Eastern communities have also suggested that suspect meat should also seen milder (warmer) winters but, in contrast, be tested. have seen cooler summer temperatures. Throughout these workshops, a number of • All communities, both in the east and the requests were made for environmental moni- west, have observed diminished thickness toring, educational tools, communications, and in ice and melting permafrost. These con- increased organization and partnering. These ditions have led to difficulties with travel concerns are discussed in the final section in all areas of the ISR. “Going Forward” which aims to define some • A stark contrast exists in observations of the ways that the Inuvialuit would like to regarding mosquito populations between implement their responses to the challenges the east and the west of the ISR. In the posed by climate change. west, mosquitoes are larger, more plentiful and have a longer season. In the east, con- This report shows the importance and need of versely, both communities reported that examining this issue from both the point of mosquitoes are smaller, less plentiful and view of the region and from that of the indi- the mosquito season in this area is shorter. vidual community, since not all environmental

P2 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE changes affect each area in the same way. From employees to participate in the workshops and these findings, the proper course of action and for their interest and support in the project: appropriate resources can be directed to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Joint Secretariat: areas of concern that Inuvialuit feel are the Inuvialuit Renewable Resource Committee, most pressing. Finally, this report was written Hunters and Trappers Committee (Aklavik, in anticipation that these environmental obser- Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk), Olokhaktomiut vations, as well as Inuit needs and priorities, Hunters and Trappers Committee, Aklavik will be taken into account by decision-makers Hamlet Office, Holman Island Hamlet Office, at the local, regional, national, and even Southwind Radio Station, Diane Ruben, Paulatuk international levels. Visitor Centre, Parks Canada, Gilbert Thrasher Sr., Heather Hansen and Chris Alway. The team would like to thank all Inuvialuit in the five 2.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS communities and elsewhere for making the members feel welcome throughout their visits. First and foremost, the workshop team would like to thank all of the workshop participants Finally, we would like to acknowledge those for their participation and for sharing their that provided the financial support for this knowledge on climate and environmental workshop. They include Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, changes. A full list of participants, organized International Institute for Sustainable Develop- by community, is provided on p. 30. ment, Ajunnginiq Centre, National Aboriginal Health Organization, Health Canada, and Acknowledgement also goes to the five Environment Canada through the Northern communities, Aklavik, Holman Island, Inuvik, Ecosystem Initiative Program as well as CIHR Paulatuk, and Tuktoyaktuk, for participating in through a fellowship provided to C. Furgal. the project and for providing space as well as Their financial support and interest in this work resources for the workshops. The team would is greatly appreciated. like to also thank the following specific individ- uals and organizations for their help, participa- tion, efforts and humour during the workshops in Aklavik, Holman Island and Tuktoyaktuk. Figure 1. Map of the Thank-you to Diane Dillon (HTC Administrative Inuvialuit Region Support Officer, Joint Secretariat), Agnes Tardiff (Resource Person, Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee), Robin Fonger (HTC Technical Resource Person, Joint Secretariat), Barbara Armstrong (Regional Contaminants Coordinator, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation), Mark Buell (Health Liaison Officer, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation), Lillian Kanayok, Heather Hansen, Chris Alway, CKHI FM Radio Station, Debbie Raddi (Resource Person, Tuktoyaktuk Hamlet Office), and Eleanor Ross (Resource Person, Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee).

We would also like to thank the following organizations and individuals for allowing their

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P3 3.0 INTRODUCTION nity workshops held in five ISR communities between 2002 and 2003. These communities Evidence of global warming is projected to included Inuvik, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, Holman become most apparent first in Arctic and sub- Island, and Paulatuk. Each workshop brought Arctic regions. Rising temperatures have together representatives from the communities already created a variety of changes to the and aimed, through a series of guided discus- environment, and these changes are expected sions, to help communities document their to intensify. Some of these shifts include changes observations of environmental and climate in the characteristics of the ecosystems that change, the impacts these changes were having have supported traditional Inuit activities and on aspects of Inuit community and individual life for centuries. Cycles and movements of life and what is already being done or could be migrating animals, a decrease in the period done in response to these changes to minimize when it is safe to travel on the land and on impacts and take advantage of whatever the ocean, reduced access to certain natural opportunities these changes may represent. resources, and the destabilization of trails have all become growing challenges for Inuit in the last few decades. 4.0 METHODS

As residents of the higher latitudes, and users 4.1 Pre-Workshop Methods of the land and its natural resources, Inuit For all community workshops, standard methods possess unique and specialized knowledge were adopted and used. The workshop team about the land. They are sensitive to the effects included representatives from ITK, IISD and of climate change emerging in the North. the CHUL Research Centre – Laval University. Weather conditions, ice conditions, changes The team prepared written materials prior to in flora and fauna, and physical changes to the workshops outlining several exercises that the landscape are all being closely observed could be used during the workshop to gather by Inuit. Some of these changes are affecting community observations of climate change their livelihood and culture, and affecting and to develop a set of potential community the subsistence and trapping economies that indicators for monitoring change and climate dominate northern communities. change impacts. These exercises drew from participatory analysis and planning techniques In the past 30 years, and in the past decade including Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)1 in particular, Inuit have been confronted with and Objectives Oriented Project Planning very difficult challenges to the ways they use (ZOPP)2. ZOPP and PRA encourage participa- their environment. This report looks at the tion by everyone at a workshop, allowing a observed changes that are taking place in the community to identify and analyze its own ISR of Canada’s Arctic, an area comprising problems. Pre-workshop meetings involving the 435,000 square kilometres of land and ocean four workshop facilitators (Scot Nickels, Pitsey that stretches from the Mackenzie Delta region Moss-Davies, Chris Furgal, Jennifer Castleden) to the high Arctic, and the responses by the and regional representatives helped to: people living in these communities to these 1. plan the workshops; changes. This report represents a synthesis of information expressed at a series of commu- 2. discuss objectives (overt and covert);

1Robert Chambers of the University of Sussex pioneered the PRA approach over twenty years ago. He has written extensively on its use in promoting local input into project planning and implementation. See for example Chambers, R. 1997 Whose Reality Counts? Putting the First Last. Intermediate Technology Publications, London. 2The ZOPP technique was developed by the German development agency GTZ. ZOPP is an acronym for Ziel Orientierte Project Planning (see ZOPP: An Introduction to the Method. 1987 Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany)

P4 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 3. review the proposed workshop methodology; asked to record the environmental changes they have noticed and heard about in their 4. adapt the methods as appropriate; and area that they believe are related to climate 5. plan training for regional and community change on cue cards. These observations were representatives. recorded, one per card, and then posted on the wall for plenary discussion and the assembly The facilitators agreed that an approach where of a timeline. When relationships were noted all workshop participants – community mem- between observations (cause and effect or bers, regional representatives and facilitators otherwise), these observations were grouped would be co-investigators in the process. The together. The participants were asked to workshops were intended to be a dynamic arrange the observations according to when learning process for all, where everyone had an they started seeing each change. This was opportunity to investigate the issue of climate done in plenary with many participants going change and its meaning to their community. to the wall and grouping cards by decade. There was emphasis on animating a two-way exchange of information and perspectives on Following the placing of the observations in the climate change. timeline, the small groups were asked to review the observations they recorded and discuss the To facilitate the commitment to co-investigation, associated impacts they are experiencing as a the project team prepared a list of guidelines result of these changes. These were discussed to follow during the workshops: from the participants’ personal perspective. A plenary session was held and each group 1. Have fun! The experience of learning and prioritized and recapped these effects for the sharing knowledge with each other will be entire group of participants in attendance. insightful and enriching. 2. Try to choose activities that are most After discussing the effects of the changes that appropriate for the people you are working have been observed, workshop groups dis- with. Not all of the activities will necessarily cussed what could be done by individuals and be useful or practical for every group. communities to adapt or cope to these changes. Sometimes, there were already things being 3. Be flexible in that the group or community done in the community to adapt to environ- may already have their own methods and mental changes, and many of these were techniques for sharing information. These noted. Participants were also asked to discuss ideas can be shared at the beginning of the who they wanted to know about their climate workshop and incorporated as the group change observations, from local officials to sees fit. international organizations.

4.2 During the Workshop The final presentation of the workshop was Each workshop began with a series of opening directed at providing information to the par- questions related to the groups’ hopes and ticipants as to how their information was expectations for the workshop. In order to connected to other environmental initiatives. ensure contribution from all workshop partici- At the national level these include DIAND’s pants, people were split into manageable groups Inuit-specific multi-year strategy, Environment of five to six people (if required) for much Canada’s Northern Ecosystems Initiative, and of the work with groups periodically coming ITK/IISD’s Pan-Northern Monitoring Strategy. back into a plenary session to share the discus- Internationally, it includes the Arctic Climate sions of the smaller groups. After the opening Impact Assessment (ACIA), initiated by the discussions and introductions, groups were Arctic Council, among others.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P5 4.3 Summarizing Workshop Observations It is important to note that this report depicts Throughout the course of the ISR workshops, only a synopsis of the observations discussed hundreds of observations were recorded. Obser- throughout the ISR workshops, and that if an vations raised repeatedly during the workshop observation does not appear here it is not process and by more than one of the workshop necessarily because it is not considered a groups were generally deemed the most impor- significant indicator of climate change to Inuit tant or most prevalent in that community, and in that area. The individual workshop reports were recorded as such. The remainder of this for each community should be referred to in document aims to: order to get a more complete picture of the environmental changes taking place in that 1) Highlight and discuss observations that are community and the required adaptations significant in all ISR communities (Sections which residents reported need to be developed. 5.1 and 5.4). These are observations that indicate high priority concerns for all ISR Overall, methods employed throughout the residents, and should dictate the majority workshop process aimed to flesh out an honest of future attention from scientific and representation of the intricate and unique climate governmental bodies. change observations distinct to each community, and to give life to some of the real impacts 2) Isolate which environmental changes are that climate change is having on Inuvialuit. specific to more western ISR communities Due to the participation of the ISR residents in (Inuvik, Aklavik, and Tuktoyaktuk) from the community workshops, the detailed docu- those specific to more eastern ISR commu- mentation of each community’s observations, nities (Holman Island and Paulatuk) (see based on the rich and valuable traditional Inuit map p. 3). The ISR spans several biogeo- knowledge, has been recorded and is accessible graphical regions, roughly characterized for referral by local, regional, national and by the fluvial Mackenzie Delta in the west international bodies. and the high Arctic polar tundra in the east. There are basic differences between the western and the eastern regions in terms 5.0 OBSERVATIONS of the changes taking place, and how these changes affect the people who live on The following sections (5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4) the land. In some cases, a common envi- describe the results of the five ISR workshops ronmental change has different effects in that were held in the winter of 2003. Section 5.1 different parts of the Arctic, leading people summarizes all regional concerns and obser- from different communities to view these vations that were raised several times within changes very differently. each workshop and by all five communities. When warranted, some attention is also given 3) Highlight and discuss observations that are to observations that were discussed in at least unique to each ISR community. Issues that four of the five communities. Some concerns are distinct to certain communities may be and observations were significant exclusively overshadowed by the collective concerns to the eastern or the western regions of the of the region. By isolating concerns specific ISR, and these are discussed in section 5.2. to each community, the aim is to better Concerns that are unique to certain communities understand the differences that belie the are discussed in section 5.3. Section 5.4 presents varying priorities within the ISR. One example a summary of some of the new and unusual of this is the effects of thinner ice. In Inuvik, bird and animal species that are being seen this affects the economy because the ice across the ISR. road is useful for fewer weeks of the year. In Paulatuk, it affects the economy because When possible, recommendations, reported in thinner ice has a negative effect on the seal the communities regarding future action and population. research, are given. These are intended to ease

P6 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE the challenges posed by the effects of climate 5.1 Regional (Common) Concerns change. In most cases, these recommendations The following environmental changes have are adaptations that residents have started to affected all five communities throughout the put into practice, but which need further sup- ISR (Figure 2). As a whole, these observations port in order for them to be more effectively and their effects should be given high priority conducted. One example is the need to increase and consideration when deciding what action the capacity of certain communities to organize plans should be put into play to aid in the group hunting activities for Elders who are adaptation, mitigation, and monitoring of having difficulty accessing geese. environmental changes. It is important to realize that although these changes are felt It may or may not yet be proven whether some throughout the ISR, their effects can be very of the changes reported by Inuvialuit are actual different given the economies, priorities, and results of global warming, but even without values of each community. As much as possible, scientific corroboration of their direct link attention to the different effects and adaptations to climate change, these observations are that each community expressed during their extremely valuable and represent legitimate workshop are also described here. changes and matters of genuine concern. They should be viewed as sound and compelling statements that describe the ISR environment Changes to Weather: and the environmental changes that are taking Higher temperatures have been observed place there. throughout all the ISR communities. The rise,

Figure 2. Summary of Shared Concerns

All ISR communities reported the following environmental changes taking place in their area:

Changes to Weather • Higher or “high” temperatures, winter lows not as extreme. • Less snow. • More wind in summer. • Weather is less predictable overall.

Changes to Landscape • More erosion of banks and shores. • More sedimentary deposits in oceans and rivers. • Rougher and less safe trails; decreased accessibility of animals, fishing areas and camps. • Sea Ice: — Diminishing thickness. — Early spring break up. — Delayed fall freeze up.

Changes to Vegetation • Number / size of plants in general are on the increase. • Territory of willows is expanding. • Size of willow plant is increasing. • Decrease in the number of berry-producing plants. • Berry-producing plants are producing fewer berries.

Changes to Fauna • Caribou migration routes are changing. • Many new and unusual species.

Changes to Insects • Many new and unusual species.

Increased Stress and • Concern for overall pollution levels/ contaminants, and risk to human health. Awareness • Desire for organization on Inuit climate change issues.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P7 however, is not uniform. Western communities other areas, people are concerned about the (Inuvik, Aklavik, and Tuktoyaktuk) have seen additional wear to ATVs and skidoos (caused temperatures in all seasons rise, particularly by traveling over rocky and muddy terrain). In during summer months. Eastern ISR commu- some instances, less snow forces people to nities are experiencing milder temperatures as travel on the ocean, which is considered to be well, but not in summertime when conditions more dangerous at certain times of the year. are cooler and damper. Throughout the ISR, winter temperatures are milder than ever More wind in summer has a dangerous effect before. Several residents of each community on travel, since high winds on the ocean can commented that temperatures are not dipping create waves large enough to strand or capsize as low as before and cold “snaps” are not boats and also to threaten homes and camps lasting for as long as they used to. situated near the ocean. High winds can be extremely dangerous, so planning trips on Aside from the temperatures themselves, the open water or even on the open ice can other indicators have helped identify a rise be very challenging. Strong, variable winds in temperatures. These include an increase in in autumn cause sea ice to break up before freezing rain during the winter months (Inuvik refreezing into a rough surface that is difficult and Paulatuk); snows of a heavier consistency to travel by skidoo. In these cases, people are (Inuvik); a higher prevalence of fog (Inuvik) and forced to travel around rough areas of sea ice. more cumulonimbus cloud formations (Aklavik The overall result has been fewer hunting trips, and Tuktoyaktuk). Residents directly relate each or longer more expensive ones. of these occurrences to higher temperatures. Weather throughout the ISR in general has Though less frigid winter temperatures are become more variable and therefore less generally welcomed, they also come with predictable. This affects everyone but particu- their own challenges. In the western regions, larly hunters, trappers, and guides. Elements of where trapping is still an important part of the the weather that were once accurate predictors economy, animal fur has been negatively of weather, such as winds and clouds, can no affected (discussed in section 5.2, p. 12). longer be relied upon. Primarily, this makes Changes to sea ice, wind patterns, animal choosing safe travel routes more crucial, and migration, and permafrost are all thought to also more difficult to do. Consequently, people be results of changed temperature patterns. are less likely to go out of town unless weather Impacts from these (such as impacts on travel is forecast to remain stable for a long period routes, or increased fog) are discussed within of time. Psychologically, the landscape is per- the following sections of this report, along ceived as less accessible, and hunting activities with recommendations and possible ways to are associated with more fear and uncertainty ease human adaptation. than before, particularly by the younger generation. Less snow is a serious concern all over the ISR. In the west, less snow has created drier Recommendations: Many uncertainties related soil conditions, resulting in fewer plants and to weather could be mitigated by better access fewer berries. It has also meant there is less to weather information and communication, runoff, and that lake and river levels are lower. especially through greater accessibility of It is believed that low water levels have personal communication devices such as cell increased water temperatures, have affected the phones and CBs, and better local scale weather quality of fish meat and have caused spawning information available to local radio stations. to commence earlier in the spring. In the Delta Creating better communications between the region, lower river levels have also meant more communities and the Coast Guard, as well as hazardous conditions for boating and certain improving infrastructure (such as shelters on areas have become impossible to navigate. In the land) could also improve search and rescue

P8 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE effectiveness. The more information people economy are rooted in their environment. have access to, the more correct their inter- Water, whether it is frozen or liquid, dictates pretations of the weather will be, which will people’s activity on the land. lead to safer outings. Community residents in the ISR requested these forms of improvement Trappers and hunters are affected by thinner in weather monitoring, information and commu- lake and river ice. They generally access the nications in relation to the impacts associated land on foot, by skidoo, or by ATV and are with effects of unpredictable changes in weather. required to cross numerous streams, rivers and lakes in order to reach animals. Once ice Changes to Landscape: starts to get thin, trappers’ ability to access Erosion of banks and shores is a primary their trap line is hindered, and overland routes concern, particularly for those whose homes become dangerous and obstructed. The safety are near river embankments or those con- of certain travel routes, and the timing of thin- cerned about the deterioration of meaningful ning ice, can no longer be relied upon. This sites (such as graves and historically significant introduces fear and unease. Many people are areas). Reclamation projects, such as those that very hesitant to take part in hunting activities have been undertaken in Tuktoyaktuk and in unless ice conditions are known to be safe. In Inuvik, are an ongoing expense. Insecurity and essence, the changing conditions of the land worry beset those whose homes are threat- have made a psychological barrier to hunting ened by physical degradation of foundations, as well as a physical one. or nearby banks and shorelines. On the ocean, rougher, thinner sea ice has Over the long term, water currents carry earth far-reaching effects. Thin ice inhibits traveling to and rock downstream, where it is deposited camps in the fall and spring when the sea ice is in areas where accumulated sedimentation changing and travel routes become dangerous. creates further problems. More sedimentation People are required to choose their routes encourages plant life to propagate in water. more carefully. Rougher and thinner sea ice In many areas, algae and increased effluence can lead to shorter hunting trips when hunters have created murky-tasting drinking water of choose not to go out at all, in order to avoid questionable quality and safety. Also, rivers the risks associated with hunting in changeable that were once channels for boat transpor- or unknowable conditions. Other times, it may tation are now too shallow to navigate with result in longer trips when Inuit are forced to ocean-worthy vessels. Sandbars and shallow take roundabout routes to avoid dangerous areas have become a hazard in many areas. sea ice.

There is strong consensus that certain qualities As a layer between the ocean and the air, of sea, river, and lake ice have changed. This ice cover has the effect of reducing humidity includes 1) diminished thickness of sea and and preventing foggy conditions. Earlier freshwater ice, likely caused by shorter and break-up of sea ice has resulted in more warmer winters; 2) early spring break up of foggy days, conditions that are risky for any ocean, river and lake ice. This is believed to activity on the land. Further, sea ice has a be caused by #1; and 3) delayed freeze up of protective quality for people who travel on ocean, lake and river ice believed, in the west, the open water since it keeps waves down. to be caused by longer and warmer summers Obviously, less sea ice means there is also and, in the east, by temperatures that are not less protection from rough water. as low in the winter. In the Delta and on the tundra, the ISR is dominated by poorly drained People have adapted to these increased risks and waterlogged terrain. It is hard to estimate by increasing communication efforts. Few will how far-reaching the effects of changing ice leave town without a radio, and people discuss patterns can be to Inuit, whose culture and forecasts, wind, ocean and ice conditions, as

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P9 well as their travel route before leaving town. Changes to Vegetation: Another adaptation has been to build more ISR residents have noticed that there are more stationary seasonal hunting camps far from town. plants of all types growing in previously barren This means hunters can remain relatively more areas. For the most part these are willows and sedentary when they hunt, while also being able sometimes grasses, which have experienced to access animals that may be far from town. an increase in their territory and their size. In the west, these changes are thought to be Recommendations: It is recommended that related to higher overall temperatures. In the residential drinking water, along with other eastern areas around Holman Island, the north- sources, be tested more regularly and this ward shift in willow territory also indicates a information be made available to community northward expansion of the tree line. It is not residents. This is becoming increasingly essential clear if rain has caused the expansion of willow not only to ensure confidence in security of and grasses, since some areas report higher the water system but also to be certain that rain and others less. water quality does not deteriorate as environ- mental conditions change. Inuit are aware that All ISR workshop participants also agreed several mining and drilling operations in the that there is a decrease in the number of berry area have stored tailings and other contaminants plants, and that those berry plants that have in the permafrost, a practice that may be back- survived are producing fewer berries. This began firing as the climate warms and areas that were in the 1980s but has become widespread in permanently frozen begin to thaw. Inuit are the last five years. The reasons for this vary concerned that seeping contaminants, as well depending on the area. Less rain and increased as increased effluence and higher levels of drought-like conditions in the west are nega- algae, are all serious threats to their water tively affecting cranberries, yellow berries and supply and to their well being. blueberries. In the case of cranberries, it was reported that plants are not only producing In order to aid decision making when planning less fruit but that the fruit is very pale, possibly trips, it would be very useful if current satellite due to stronger solar rays. In recent seasons, imagery were made available to residents. This some fruit-bearing plants have dried up before could help to determine areas of thin or rough fruit has a chance to develop, and in other cases ice, shallow areas in rivers, or snow cover. It the only plants bearing fruit are those that grow could also aid in determining some of the in shaded or boggy areas. In general, berry long term changes to landforms, like pingos, harvesting is taking place earlier in the summer sand dunes, and shorelines. (July or early August). Conversely, there are con- current reports that blueberries, when healthy, Increased communication resources for local are growing to sizes never before seen. inhabitants would aid in helping people to forecast weather. Simply making CB and two- In the west, where summer temperatures have way radio more widely available would increase been lower and conditions very rainy, many safety, and allow people in town to have infor- berries simply do not ripen, or ripen very late mation from people who are already out on in the season but then freeze. the land. Other communications, like weather and ocean reports from drilling camps and The reduced number of berries is not having a weather stations, should also be made more serious economic effect on this region. Berry widely and easily available. Such information picking is however considered a culturally should be regularly distributed through the important activity to Inuit and losing this way community radio stations. of life is seen as serious. It is a well-liked family

P10 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE activity and it is a favourite way to spend time able and dangerous, since hunters generally on the land. Also, it is one of the few activities do not wish to take undue risks. The result is that can be enjoyed by four year-olds and that the risk and the effort of finding caribou 84 year-olds alike. may outweigh the benefit of the hunt, so hunters may choose not to hunt as much. Changes to Fauna: Since the early 1980s, migration routes of Changes to Insects: caribou have changed. In most communities, There are numerous “new” and unusual insects this means that caribou are not available at the being seen in the ISR lately. Biting and stinging “habitual” time of year in “habitual” places. ISR insects, though they are not necessarily new, residents had several possible explanations for are on the rise. Spiders, bees, wasps, and these changes. In Aklavik, an introduced musk unknown insects like “flying ants” are very ox population, as well as changes to habitat worrisome to northerners who have not seen caused by climate change, are both being them before and who worry that they may blamed. In most other areas, earlier break-up carry diseases. A more detailed discussion of and later freeze-up of river and lake ice are insects that are new to the ISR is listed in believed to be forcing caribou herds into differ- Figure 6 on p. 24. ent areas. Softer soils due to melting perma- frost may also be making travel more difficult Increased Awareness and Stress: for the animals. It is assumed that longer mosquito and black fly seasons may be taxing Uncertainty could arguably be one of the most caribou and their young. In Holman Island, important impacts that climate change is having where the number of mosquitoes has actually on Inuit. So far we have seen that climate decreased, caribou are being found further change, and the uncertainty that it brings, inland (away from town) since there is less decreases the overall amount of time that reason for them to stay near windy shores. people spend on the land. With trapping, hunting, and foraging becoming less acces- Other problems accompany the change in sible and convenient, people are sometimes migration patterns. Around Holman Island, the deprived of their livelihood, and sometimes number of caribou has decreased, and those forced to find new economic pursuits. This can that are harvested have been much thinner than leave them without their most meaningful and usual. In Inuvik it has been noticed in the last customary ways to practice their culture and 30 years that caribou have developed swollen to express it to future generations. joints. Some are infected with parasites and worms that burrow in their flesh. These caribou, Contaminants: if hunted, end up being thrown away or fed to Although environmental contaminants seem dogs. The result is that people are becoming like a matter that is totally separate from climate more wary of caribou meat and selective about change, Inuvialuit see these two issues as closely the health of the animal that they kill. linked. For one, contaminants in the Arctic sometimes originate from mine tailings that As discussed earlier in this section, the effects are stored indefinitely underground, frozen in of warmer temperatures (thinner lake and river permafrost. It is believed that warmer tempera- ice, earlier thaws etc.) have made overland tures and melting permafrost are threatening travel and hunting expeditions more proble- to release some of these contaminants into matic for hunters. This affects hunting of all the groundwater and soil. Two, global circu- kinds, but especially caribou hunting since lation patterns in the atmosphere already bring herds are further away. There is less desire to airborne pollutants to the Arctic where they go out on the land when conditions are change- accumulate. Inuvialuit are worried that shifts in

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P11 air circulation patterns, and possibly in water idea is discussed in further detail in the final circulation patterns, may increase the input of section of this report entitled “Going Forward”. foreign contaminants into the local ecosystem. Far from being separate issues, climate change Recommendations: Residents feel there are and contaminants are closely linked in the many questions and a lack of hard facts sur- perspective of ISR community residents. rounding contaminants, their presence and effects in the region. At the moment, residents The potential relationship between climate are aware that there are threshold levels for change and contaminants in the North is a eating certain types of meat, but they would serious concern, since some contaminants still like to see more education channels and bio-accumulate in animal organs and flesh, outreach materials concerning this issue. They particularly seals and fish. Inuvialuit feel that would like to see more resources devoted to the natural indicator for higher contaminants is testing suspect meat. Also, they would like a decline in animal and human health. Already, to see more resources aimed at monitoring in Paulatuk, some char that are deformed have contaminants and climate change indicators, been noticed. In Holman Island, people have and they would like to have more information noticed an increase in the amount of cancer made available to them from around the and diabetes in their community and wonder Canadian Arctic and from other nations. if it is from the increase in contaminants. 5.2 East-West Discrepancies and Patterns Since contaminants and human health are A number of differences and patterns exist in so closely linked, they are matters of utmost observations reported in eastern versus western importance and high priority. A perceived lack ISR communities regarding their observations of information compounds their fear. To solve of climate and environmental change (Figure 3). this sort of problem is no simple task, but several Several potential reasons for discrepancies exist. suggestions are made in the final section of this One is that Inuvik and Aklavik are settled in report “Going Forward”. Suggestions include, the Mackenzie River Delta, a region with solid bolstering communication and information differences from the coastal maritime regions dissemination, and creating strategic partner- where Holman Island and Paulatuk are located. ships, as ways to help put people at ease and Tuktoyaktuk is located between the two areas, answer some of these important questions. and can be characterized by climate and fauna similar to that found in the Delta area as well as the polar maritime climates more character- Desire for Organization: istic of areas to its north and east. Aside from As discussed in the Inuit Climate Change being within (below) the tree line, Inuvik and Roundtable, held in March 2003 in Ottawa, Aklavik in the Delta area can also be character- there is a recognized need for greater organi- ized by fluvial lowland terrain, with countless zation in the effort to monitor and mitigate lakes and discontinuous permafrost. Paulatuk climate change. In the ISR, there is a feeling of and Holman Island are situated on rockier terrain, isolation that goes beyond simple geography. more likely to have continuous permafrost. Information, outreach, education, and resources can seem far away. Establishing an umbrella Changes to Weather organization for northern communities would In the western ISR, weather patterns are domi- create a structure capable of tending to their nantly continental. This means that the area multifaceted needs. Basically, it could facilitate typically receives short, cool, humid summers the communication of requirements, ease infor- and cold, snowy winters. By contrast, Holman mation dissemination such as the results of Island and Paulatuk are in a ‘Polar’ climate zone, monitoring programs and educational materials, and are more likely to experience very cold and also help to share ideas on adapting to the and dry weather in all seasons. These overriding changes being seen in the environment. This weather patterns should be kept in mind when

P12 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Figure 3. Summary of East-West Discrepancies and Patterns Isolating the environmental issues specific to eastern and western areas of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region

West East (Inuvik, Aklavik and (Holman Island and Tuktoyaktuk) Paulatuk)

Changes to Weather Precipitation • Precipitation is harder to • More rainy days; heavier predict. rainstorms (HI). • More dry spells, droughts = • More freezing rain (P). lower water levels.

Summers • Summer storms are more • Summer temperatures are extreme (tornados) and cooler. summer temperatures are warmer.

Storms/Winds • There are more thunderstorms, • Unpredictable wind directions. and more fog. • Prevailing wind direction has • Winter storms are fewer and changed. less intense.

Changes to Landscape Rivers/Ice/ • More sedimentary deposits. • More erosion and deposits (P). Water levels • Lower water levels. • Low and high water levels • Thinner ice and melting noted. permafrost. • Thinner ice and melting permafrost.

Changes to Vegetation Vegetation • More willows and grasses. • Very few berries and berries ripen later.

Changes to Insects Mosquitoes • Number of mosquitoes has • Number of mosquitoes is increased. fewer. • Length of mosquito season • Shorter mosquito season than has increased. before. • Insects seem larger. • Mosquitoes are smaller than before.

Changes to Fauna Geese • Fewer geese. Migration route • More geese. has changed.

Fish • Fish are spawning earlier. • More turbot, salmon and cod. Also larger.

Mammals • Cougars are new to the tree • Polar bears are more of a line areas. nuisance. • Fur-bearing animals: fewer muskrat and beaver. • Wolverine: fur is priming later and is shorter. • Hare: fur is thinner and more yellow. • Fox: fur is thinner, yellow, priming later. • Wolf: fur is thinner, yellow, priming later. • Numbers of otters have increased.

Increased Stress • Economic effects of environ- • General stress caused by mental change. change. • Physical erosion of cultural/ • Fear of the unknown. gravesites.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P13 comparing regions within the ISR. While of Holman Island has seen an increase in rainy comparing the changes that each area has summer days and heavier rainstorms. experienced in the last few decades, it is important to remember that changes are Paulatuk and Holman Island have also experi- relative to the weather typical of the area. enced unpredictable wind directions, with the prevailing wind direction in Paulatuk reported Characteristics of climate change that are to have shifted from southwesterly to westerly. reported to be taking place in the western Coastal communities are very sensitive to region of the ISR are fundamentally different to changes in wind conditions as they affect every- those being experienced in the east. All com- thing from sea ice, tides, temperature, bugs, munities in the west have reported increases to a plethora of other things. In Holman Island, in temperature in all seasons. Winter lows high winds coupled with high tides can become are less extreme and there is an increase in very dangerous and can threaten roads and uncomfortably hot summer days, particularly homes along the shoreline. High winds may at mid-day. Less precipitation and more break up land-fast ice, or crowd a bay with ice drought conditions have led to lower water pans making access and safety on the sea ice levels in the Delta area (this is discussed at very uncertain. People have not been able to length below). Dry conditions have also had adapt to these conditions easily. They are more an impact on the local vegetation, particularly reluctant to go out on the land since there is berry plants, which sometimes dry up before a greater degree of fear and inaccessibility the end of the season. Surviving plants have not associated with hunting. been able to produce fruit or it is produced in much smaller quantities. Summers were found to be getting cooler in the eastern region of the ISR. It is unusual that in a workshop aimed at collecting observations Shorter and less intense winter storms are related to global warming patterns, that obser- sometimes a welcome change as safety is vations indicate lower summer temperatures, increased and there is less threat to property. but this is the case in Holman Island and to Calmer winds have created safer conditions for some degree in Paulatuk. This phenomenon hunting, with there being fewer whiteouts and conflicts with typical assumptions of climate a decreased potential for freezing skin. change – that temperatures will go up through- out the globe. It is important to remember that Summer temperatures, precipitation, and storms one of the consequences of climate change is are more extreme and unpredictable. Storms a general disruption of regular water and air “come up faster” and are more likely to be circulation patterns and that, together, these violent. Fog is very hard to predict (when it may result in some areas cooling. In the eastern will arrive or when it will lift). Fog is more region of the ISR, it is not known exactly what common now than before and it is an added is causing cooler summers. One possibility is difficulty when out on the land. The overall increased cloudiness (higher humidity causing result is that people have become more fearful less sunshine at ground level). It may also be especially when traveling on the ocean. This due to cooler localized ocean currents and affects everybody, but is most significant to wind currents. These possibilities have yet to hunters who cannot travel safely and who be explored. have a hard time planning a safe trip. Recommendations: Since weather is more In the eastern region of the ISR, changes with variable and less predictable, people in the precipitation were unique to each community. west have adapted by using cabins (in winter) Paulatuk residents noted an increase in freezing and by overnighting at established summer rain, which is dangerous for hunters and is camps while out on the land hunting, fishing discouraging for travellers. The community and traveling. This allows them to access far

P14 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE away areas without traveling back and forth as sedimentation increases effluence and has a much. Increasing the number of cabins out on negative impact on the quality of drinking water. the land can both increase the accessibility of certain areas (making the region more attractive In the east, in particular in the community of to hunters) and offer life-saving shelter in Paulatuk, a similar trend in landscape change rough conditions. has been observed. Residents have noticed an increase in the erosion of banks and shorelines, Marking unsafe areas (such as putting up buoys especially in deltas. The Hornaday River was and markers) would also likely be effective in mentioned as a specific example, with reports helping people navigate shallow, rough waters, that it is filling with sediment. and help when traveling in fog. Efforts to do this in the past have sometimes resulted in Lower river water levels compound the prob- the markers being blown over or engulfed in lem of higher sedimentary deposits (and may in ice. An investment in durable, high quality fact be the cause of them). Also, lower precipi- buoys would help to make the expenditure tation, especially in the wintertime, means that more worthwhile. lakes are not being replenished. The result is that it is difficult to travel by boat, particularly Increasing communication and access to infor- in smaller creeks, and this makes it harder to mation would help to ease fears and would help access hunting areas and camps. Traveling to people to plan safer trips. Sources of weather the ocean is also more difficult. Schooners that information might include Environment Canada, were often used up until the 1960s are not used or direct access to information from some of much anymore since their deeper keels do not the regional weather offices including Herchel allow them to navigate the rivers. Another pos- Island, Yukon, and Inuvik. It could also be useful sible result of lower water levels is that river and to access weather information from places that lake temperatures are warmer in the summer- are “upwind”, so as to know the incoming time, which may be affecting the quality of weather (and perhaps ice conditions as well). fish meat, as sometimes netted fish are “soft”. Community radio stations could become responsible for collecting and broadcasting In the east, similar reports of low water levels the weather conditions in outlying areas. and consequent difficulties with fishing and traveling were made in the Holman Island Improving capacity of the local coast guard workshop. In fact some residents commented and search and rescue operations is another that some rivers have run dry altogether. Con- option, although it is assumed pre-emptive versely, in Paulatuk, the second community in efforts (like communications and information the east, residents reported that higher tides sharing) may help to decrease the need for (and high winds) are causing higher water levels responsive ones (like search and rescue). and stronger currents. High water levels and subsequent river conditions in this community Changes to Landscape are thought to be causing increased erosion In terms of the physical changes that are being and therefore increased sedimentary deposits. seen throughout the ISR, the eastern and Conversely, as previously discussed, increased western communities are seeing some similar sedimentation in the west has been attributed changes. Observed changes in the Inuvik and to opposite conditions, lower water levels Aklavik areas can be related directly to the in rivers. estuarine landscape where they are located. An increase in sedimentary deposits coupled There was consensus in the Inuvik and Aklavik with decreased water levels (since the 1970s) workshops that the thickness of river ice has has made traveling in the summer and fall very diminished since the 1970s. In Tuktoyaktuk, challenging. Sandbars are a constant hazard in thin ice was noticed in the 1980s. As a result some areas. In some cases, it is believed that of diminished ice thickness, spring break-up

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P15 on rivers occurs earlier in the season, lasts for have the capacity to buy two different types of less time, and is less dynamic and noisy. This boats. Residents have also tried to find different has three main effects: 1) A decreased number routes to safely access the land and the ocean, of months that the ice road can be of use (dis- though this is not always successful, and comes cussed in the Inuvik specific portion of section with its own dangers. One solution might be to 5.3). 2) A decreased degree of safety on the mark one river route from the towns to the ocean river itself. Thin river ice is a serious hazard (with buoys), allowing people to use a corridor to hunters who use the river as a corridor for that is relatively safe for deeper keeled boats and travel in the winter. 3) A decrease in the amount outboards. Dredging may be required in some of trapping that can take place. Late formation of the shallow areas to create the required of river and lake ice means that the land is less depth, and this may need to be repeated each accessible by skidoo or by foot. This can have year in order to maintain a safe route. serious economic effects for some families. Residents are unsure of the quality of the drink- The Delta region is in an area of discontinuous ing water. Their concern is based on two main permafrost (i.e. 50% to 90% of the land is factors: 1) the increased effluence and “swampy” permanently frozen due to lack of solar heat). taste and; 2) the possibility that melting perma- Warmer summers, milder winters, less snow, frost may contribute to the release of previously as well as other changes related to climate frozen contaminants. It is recommended that change have started to melt areas that were residential drinking water along with other once frozen and to increase the depth of the sources, be tested regularly and this informa- “active layer” that lies overtop of permafrost tion be communicated to residents to secure during summer months. The effects on the individuals’ confidence in their water source. western ISR are multiple: 1) storing meat is more challenging, and this problem is compacted It was suggested that the Mackenzie River by the small, and sometimes malfunctioning, around Inuvik and Aklavik be monitored with community freezers. The impact on Elders is the aid of satellite imagery to track changes and highest as their capacity to hunt is challenged determine areas that are under the greatest by old age and they rely on community freezers threat of low water levels, degrading shores to supplement what is otherwise available to and banks, higher sedimentation and emerging them. 2) There are an increased number of sandbars. mudslides, especially at banks and shores in the region. 3) An increase in the amount Ice houses, gas-powered freezers, and com- of slumping, resulting in roads and homes munity freezers should be considered as ways needing to be moved. to moderate the effects of thinning and depleted permafrost. Most hunting activity in the area Similar observations of diminished ice thickness takes place in the spring and summer months, and melting permafrost were observed in the putting a seasonal strain on community and eastern region of the ISR. Both communities household freezers. Out on the land during have seen travel become more dangerous as the summertime, permafrost is key to storing a result. Travel to camps in the fall and spring meats until they can be transported back to has been inhibited because sea ice is changing town. It would take a substantial amount of and unpredictable during these seasons. Hunting gas, manpower, and ongoing maintenance to trips have become shorter also as a result of rebuild and manage the freezer. Alternatives these ice conditions. could include subsidizing the cost of household freezers. Recommendations: People have adapted to traveling on shallow rivers by using flat bot- A cost-benefit analysis should take place to tom boats. These boats are not appropriate, determine what, if any, actions would most however, to use on the ocean and few people benefit the community.

P16 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Changes to Vegetation: take place. Terrestrial mammals such as hare, The three western ISR communities have seen fox, wolf, and wolverine have been affected. numbers of willow and grasses rise in their Changes include yellowing of the fur, a decrease region. In the Aklavik workshop, it was noted in the amount of guard hair, and shorter fur that there has been an expansion in the territory overall. Priming takes place later in the fall of the willow. The height of these plants is season due to temperatures staying warmer greater as well. In contrast, in the eastern region later. This is of economic importance to all ISR of the ISR (where there were few observations communities, but particularly to the western on vegetation) in the community of Paulatuk ISR where these changes have been more the number of grasses has decreased. In addi- pronounced and where trapping is a mainstay tion, a change in the growth of berries was of the economy. To compound the problem, noted in both eastern communities. Berries muskrat and beaver populations in the Delta are less plentiful and are seen to ripen later, have decreased since the 1990s. The result is or not ripen at all now. that people are not taking part in hunting or trapping as much, since the economic benefits Changes to Insects may not outweigh the cost of the hunt. Addi- tionally, seamstresses are sometimes required It is interesting to note the disparate experi- to buy furs at the local co-op, which can be ences that different areas of the ISR are having very expensive. when it comes to mosquitoes. In the west, the number of mosquitoes has increased, along It is noteworthy that there has been a rise in with the length of the “bug season” and the the number of sightings of cougars in the size of mosquitoes. This is partly explained by Delta region. However, cougar are a worry the increase in stagnant water (caused by lower for residents that come into contact with river and lake waters) and a thicker “active them, especially while out on the land. It is layer” of soil overlying melting permafrost. It not understood yet how to behave during is also likely caused by longer spring and fall such encounters in order to avoid tragedy, seasons that the area is experiencing. It is or what the true dangers might actually be. believed that more mosquitoes drive caribou north to the shores where higher winds may Since the early 1990s, Inuvik, Aklavik and give them relief from the biting insects. Tuktoyaktuk residents have seen the spring goose migration patterns shift eastward, away In Holman Island and Paulatuk the exact from their communities and into the eastern opposite seems to be true. There are fewer ISR lands. Today, longer travel is required in mosquitoes, the length of the mosquito order to hunt geese, and overall these birds season is shorter than before, and the insects are harder to locate. One response has been themselves are smaller. It is probably relevant to organize an Elders goose hunt to ease some that both towns also reported longer winters of the difficulties that the seniors have in access- with freezing temperatures lasting well into ing geese. The drop in availability in goose the spring, which effectively decreases the meat (and the concurrent drop in availability number of weeks per summer that mosquitoes of ducks, in some communities) has forced can survive. Furthermore, the terrain in the Mackenzie Delta residents to look to other eastern ISR is dominated by rocky tundra and communities for these meats, usually Holman continuous permafrost so it is not as ideal for Island, Sachs Harbour, and Paulatuk, which are mosquito breeding as the Western Delta region. located in areas that seem to have benefited from the eastern shift in the goose migration Changes to Fauna route. Unfortunately, intercommunity sharing Since the 1990s, several changes in the quality continues to be hindered by the lack of well- and characteristics in animal fur have started to maintained community freezers.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P17 In the eastern ISR, where communities are villages and camps as sources of food. To deter situated on the coast, polar bear, and to some the development of “problem” bears, some degree grizzly bear and wolves, are coming towns in the eastern areas of the ISR may also closer to town than ever before, and inhabi- wish to consider secure, bear-proof garbage tants are fearful of them. It is not yet under- cans in their communities. stood whether these animals are driven by changes in their environment brought about Increased Stress by climate change, or if they are simply lured by Although there is little direct consequence garbage and stored meat. It is likely however, to subsistence, health, or livelihood, there is that thinner sea ice and earlier break-up forces a great deal of concern over the erosion of polar bears off the ocean and onto land earlier cultural sites in the western areas of the ISR. in the season, where they have less access to This includes the erosion of grave sites and of the seals that make up most of their diet. It areas that were felt to be culturally important, should be noted that grizzly tracks have been such as old whaling beaches, lookout sites, and seen on the ice, and that polar bears have ancient graves. These are considered to be been seen within the tree line, indicating that significant places in the lore and ancestry of they are exploring territories outside of their the area, and there exists significant anxiety typical habitat. over their deterioration.

Recommendations: Thinning ice across the In all communities where workshops were ISR (discussed earlier) and the decline in the held there was much fear and anxiety voiced quality of furs means that trappers’ safety and regarding the tentative accessibility of game, income from the traditional fur-based economy hunting camps, and fishing areas, as well as are threatened. Given the projected increases rougher and less safe travel routes. Also, fear in temperatures over the next several decades, of the unknown, particularly where disease changes to the land and to the quality of fur and contaminants are concerned, is extremely may not be reversible. There is a need to further disconcerting (this is discussed in detail in analyse the potential effects of the projected section 5.1, p. 7). Overall, it cannot be ignored decline in this culturally and economically that climate change is having serious effects significant industry, and a need to develop the on all aspects of the environment. In a region means to help trappers adapt to the changes so closely tied, culturally and economically to that are influencing their livelihoods. the land and sea, this is having deep reper- cussions. People are fearful of the attrition of It is strongly suggested that to counter unfore- their culture and well being (both economical seen fluctuations in the patterns of many animals and mental) as activities that must, by necessity, (i.e. geese), the community request support to take place on the land are becoming more fix and maintain the community freezer. This difficult, less safe, and economically unfeasible. might help to bolster intercommunity trading in country food, easing the disproportionate 5.3 Community-Specific Concerns availability of certain species, and helping to Despite numerous overlapping observations and store meats. concerns in the ISR (discussed in the previous section), appropriate attention should also be Another positive impact of increasing the given to some of the unique environmental capacity for freezers is that they could also changes that have been observed in each help to keep animals out of town and away community. These changes also have deep from camps, as animals such as bears and and significant impacts on the economies and wolves do not easily detect properly stored wellness of the people that reside in the ISR. and frozen meat. If meat is stored or disposed The following are some of the environmental of improperly, there is a possibility that some observations that are unique to each ISR animals may grow accustomed to identifying community (Figure 4).

P18 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Figure 4. Summary of Community-Specific Concerns

A summary of environmental concerns unique to each ISR community

Inuvik • More forest fires. • Warm water is affecting the quality of fish meat. • Numbers of insects are increasing and staying longer in the fall. • Ice roads threatened.

Aklavik • Weather has become more violent (tornados). • Earlier spawning of fish. • Number of whales has decreased. • Changing drainage patterns.

Tuktoyaktuk • Permafrost is melting quickly. • Herring are thinner. Their numbers have decreased. • Numbers of ptarmigan have decreased. • Algae in rivers and lakes has increased.

Holman Island • There are fewer mosquitoes. • Seals are negatively affected by less snow and ice (skinny, harder to raise pups, poor pelts). • Polar and grizzly bears are closer to town. • Diabetes and cancer are more prevalent.

Paulatuk • “Mosquito season” is shorter. • More char are deformed (their spines and heads). • Higher ocean levels and tides cause stronger currents. • More freezing rain.

Inuvik marten, etc) are scared away from burn areas and this makes trapping impossible. Migration More Forest Fires: routes, in addition, circumvent recent burn areas. Residents from Inuvik were the only ISR resi- And in the long term, forest fires reduce the dents to express deep concern over the increase availability of berries. in the number of forest fires in the region since the 1970s. Settled within the tree line, forest Warm Water is Affecting the Quality of Fish fires concern them more than any other ISR Meat: community. Residents link this phenomenon Shallower, warmer rivers and lakes are believed to two things. 1) More frequent “dry seasons” to be having adverse effects on local fish. Several and drought-like periods, with less precipita- Inuvik residents complain that after several hours tion at all times of the year. 2) The perceived caught in fish nets, fish die more quickly. Also, “increase” in forest fires may also be a result their flesh becomes soft, particularly on top, of how forest fire management has changed in and is not able to be dried as it is mushy and the past. Forest fires are left to burn for longer “cooked”. The result is that some fish have to periods of time now, so long as they are not be thrown away as they cannot be preserved threatening people. Forest fires affect the com- or eaten fresh. To avoid fish dying in the nets munity in a variety of ways. First of all, there is and rotting, fishers no longer leave their nets a certain amount of natural fear and anxiety in the water overnight and they limit the time that is tied to the idea of forest fires. Also, in that they leave their nets in the water during the short term, animals (muskrat, bear, mink, the daytime.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P19 Number of Insects are Increasing and Staying it has left a deep impression that the possibility Longer in the Fall: for unusual and extreme weather exists. It also Contrary to the reports from Paulatuk, Inuvik drove home the fact that micro climates (weather residents are finding that the “bug season” in patterns that are very localised), whether they their area has become longer and that there are are caused by climate change or not, can be more insects and more different insect species extremely powerful. The community would like than ever before. Sand flies and mosquitoes are to know how to prepare for this type of an event. the greatest worry since they are not only a nuisance but they are believed to carry disease. Earlier Spawning of Fish: While in town, residents cope with this prob- It is not certain what causes this. Warmer lem by installing screens on windows. Caribou waters, faster break-ups of river ice, increased may be reacting to the increased bug and mos- sediment, and less run-off are all presented as quito population by spending more time closer possible causes. to the coast where the wind offers respite. Number of Whales has Decreased: Ice Roads Threatened: Only in the past few years have bowhead whales Inuvik is a unique community as it one of the become less common. Since the early 1990s, only Inuit communities with ice roads linking Aklavik residents have hunted bowheads, and it to the south. The quality and longevity of have come to rely on their meat. The decrease these ice roads have an enormous impact on in whales, or in whale sightings, has meant the economy of Inuvik. Residents have noticed that the community has had to trade with that the longevity and the condition of ice other communities for meat when they need roads have deteriorated since ice forms later in some. They have also learned to rely on the the fall, and breaks up later in the spring. This community freezer to help with their supply affects people’s mobility on the land, since ice when they run out. roads are used as avenues to access game. It also affects the cost of doing business, eating, Changing Drainage Patterns: and living in general, since transporting goods There are several possible causes for this. Less into Inuvik by air is much more costly than snow is believed to contribute to less spring trucking goods in. The decreased existence of runoff and lower water levels overall. Also, ice roads has affected people in that 1) they melting permafrost is believed to be the cause are forced to use alternate routes when traveling of entire lakes draining. Furthermore, increased on the land; 2) they are much more dependent sedimentary deposits and sandbars have on outboards in the spring and on skidoos in changed the character of certain parts of the the fall (expensive items which may or may not river Delta. Overall, the landscape is drier be available); and 3) they are forced to pay than it was in the past. higher prices for store-bought foods at a time when alternatives (the local game) are not Tuktoyaktuk easily accessible. Besides greater monitoring Permafrost is Melting Quickly: and communication, there are few things that Mudslides, landslides, and erosion, as well can aid in making the ice road safer. as “disappearing” pingos (used as a reference when out on the land) are all more common Aklavik now due to melting permafrost. In town, roads Weather has Become More Violent: and infrastructure are threatened. It is suggested A tornado sighting (away from the community) that this is brought on by more rain and higher was reported in the past two years. Although temperatures. it had little physical effect on the community,

P20 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Herring are Thinner, their Numbers have significantly decreases the amount of time Decreased: that seals spend with their young. They have Thinner and fewer herring are a concern that reported that seal pups have become fewer only Tuktoyaktuk residents have voiced, though and also skinnier, and that there has been a other communities have the same concern for decrease in the quality of their pelts, possibly other fish species. Residents have adapted to indicating malnourishment. They have also this by beginning to fish for herring earlier in noticed that polar bears are forced off the the year. oceans earlier in the season and onto land, thereby spending more time closer to the Number of Ptarmigan has Decreased: community. This was described as a long term trend. It is believed that the ptarmigan are migrating Decrease in the Mosquito Population: closer to the river now. With fewer of them Although the community of Paulatuk has found near town, capturing enough to make noticed a decrease in the mosquito season a meal is difficult and more energy must be (the number of weeks each summer that spent traveling to find them. mosquitoes survive), it was only in Holman Island where residents were concerned over Algae in Rivers and Lakes has Increased: the apparent decrease in the local mosquito Tuktoyaktuk residents believe this is related to population. It is uncertain what the cause of low water levels, and more stagnant waters. this is, though the increase in wind and drier They have also noticed that the taste of fresh- conditions could be causing a drop in the water from lakes is “swampy”. People prefer number of these pesky insects. the freshwater that comes from icebergs in wintertime. Polar Bears and Grizzlies are Closer to Town: In general, this is seen as a danger and a nui- Holman Island sance. It is also frightening, and residents have become very careful in terms of how they store Effects of the Decrease in Snow and Sea Ice: their meat and dispose of animal remains. There are numerous concerns shared between the communities (see Figure 2 on p. 7). One Diabetes and Cancer are More Prevalent: of these common concerns is the affect the The community has expressed concern over decrease in the thickness of sea ice is having these two diseases and stressed that they do on animals and travel route access in the not know why they seem to be more prevalent regions. It is significant that, although each now than ever before. Also, they would like to community voiced alarm over this recent know how to cope with these diseases and environmental change, not all communities find out whether their occurrence is related find it important for the same reasons. to genetic or environmental factors. One example is the following: While other ISR Paulatuk communities link the effect of thinning ice to the decreased accessibility of travel routes Shorter Mosquito Season: and game, Holman Island residents link the Throughout the ISR (Inuvik in particular), and diminished thickness of sea ice directly to its in other areas of the Arctic, mosquito popu- effects on seals, and to some extent on polar lations have benefited from the milder and bears. Thinning ice means that break-up takes sometimes damper climates. This is not true place earlier in the year, when mother seals are in Paulatuk, where residents are reporting a nursing their young on the sea ice. Holman shorter mosquito season. It is not certain what residents maintain that the advent of break-up the exact cause for this is although higher winds

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P21 near the coast and cooler, drier summers have observed population surge in all communities been considered as possible contributors to since the end of the 1980s. shorter mosquito seasons. Holman Island stands alone in this regard. More Deformed Char: Besides a greater number of geese, the com- Some char have been found with misshapen munity did not report many new or unusual spines and at least one captured char had a birds. This is likely due to Holman’s location bulge on its head. Also, the meat of some char on the northern archipelago, and a geography is pale, not bright pink. It is suspected that con- that cannot support other species beyond high taminants may be causing these deformations Arctic maritime birds. Of the five communities and the worry is that bioaccumulation of discussed here, Holman has the most unvaried contaminants in fish will lead to the further landscape in comparison to the others with poisoning of seals and humans who eat char. landscapes including tundra, tree line, Delta, and/or ocean that can support a wider array Higher Water Levels in the Oceans: of bird life. Although bird life may be a good Higher tides cause stronger currents, which indicator of climate change in the other four result in changes in the characteristics of the communities, it is likely that birdlife is simply coast and erosion of the shorelines and beaches. not symptomatic of environmental changes in One good example can be seen at Johnny Green the Holman Island area. Bay, once a thirty-foot-high lookout for whalers. Over time, its height has decreased greatly. Hardy animals, such as fish and insects, make up the majority of observations of new and More Freezing Rain: unusual (and typically more southern) animal In the past few years, Paulatuk residents have species (see Figure 6, p. 24). Except for an observed more freezing rain. This is dangerous increase in the size and prevalence of salmon for hunters both on the land and on the sea. In and the recent appearance of cougars in the addition, it was noted that freezing rain some- Delta region (which may or may not be related times drives caribou away as they search for to climate change), there is little consistency feeding areas free of freezing rain. This furthers or pattern to the species of unusual animals the problems for hunters as caribou move visiting the region. What is significant, how- further distance away and are sometimes ever, is that all communities reported seeing out of reach. new species from the south, and that these sightings continue to become more and 5.4 New and Unusual Bird and Animal Life more common. Except in the case of Holman Island, it seems very apparent that ‘new’ southern bird species It should be noted that flora and fauna typical have started making themselves more at home to the region (such as polar bear, char, seals at higher latitudes (Figure 5). There are almost and fox) are not considered on these tables. twenty recognizable new bird species being Increases in their population and changes in noted by local inhabitants. In the western ISR, their patterns and behaviours are considered in tree-line birds such as robins, kingfishers, and other parts of this report. Further, observations blue jays have been more commonly sighted that are extremely unusual (such as pelican since the 1980s. In Paulatuk, tree-line birds and dolphin sightings) have been included in have been noted since as early as the 1960s Figures 5 and 6, in order to create a consis- and have become increasingly common since tent and thorough report, and to omit the then. Gulls, ravens, and crows, though already preconceived notions of non-residents as common to the area, have all notably had an much as possible.

P22 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Figure 5. New or Unusual Bird Species Observed in the ISR

Inuvik Aklavik Tuktoyaktuk Holman Is. Paulatuk TOTAL

Robin ●● 2

Goldfinch ● ● 2

Hummingbird ●● ● 3

Heron ●● ● 3

Eagle ● ● 2

Vulture ●● 2

Raven ●●2

Crow ● 1

Gull ●●2

Kingfisher ● 1

Red Grebe ● 1

Blue Jay ● 1

Goose ● 1

Shorebird ● 1

Songbird ●● 2

Pelican ● 1

Magpie ● 1

Snowy Owl ● 1

TOTAL 7 7 7 1 7 29

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P23 Figure 6. New or Unusual Animals Observed in the ISR

Inuvik Aklavik Tuk. Holman Paulatuk TOTAL

Fish Jellyfish ● 1

Eel ● 1

Salmon (increase) ●●●3

Turbot (increase) ● 1

Cod (larger) ●●2

Insects Grasshopper ●●2

Ant ●● 2

Yellow Jacket ● 1

Hornet ● 1

Bumblebee ● 1

‘Reddish’ Beetle ● 1

Dragonfly ● 1

Spider ● 1

Reptiles Lizard ● 1

Amphibians Frog ● 1

Mammals Cougar ● 1

Lynx ● 1

Beaver ● 1

Rat ● 1

Shrew ● 1

Marine Dolphin ● 1 Mammals

TOTAL 4 9 1 5 7 26

P24 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 6.0 GOING FORWARD These five points are discussed below.

Currently, there is great concern over some of 6.1 Organization the changes taking place in the ISR. Residents’ There is a need for an Inuit-specific organiza- awareness of the various environmental threats tional structure. Many Inuit needs would be at play in Arctic regions is not always coupled answered by installing a full-time climate change with the knowledge of what can be done to resource person at the national level (possibly help mitigate their effects. It is important to at ITK) with full-time regionally based people ensure that Inuit have the capacity and resources in the communities. This committee could focus to participate in regional, territorial and federal on climate change issues that link regional, climate change and energy-related activities so national and international organizations. They that they can make informed decisions regarding would manage the relationships and partner- the impacts of climate change and the effects ships between research bodies and communi- of measures to address climate change. Inuit ties. They would manage and promote the can then determine the most appropriate miti- communication channels that are required for gation and adaptation actions to minimize information exchange and education initiatives adverse effects on the health and quality of life surrounding the climate change issue. They in their communities. To do so, they need the would coordinate and promote alternative capacity to initiate an ongoing strategic plan- energy efforts in the ISR (and in all Inuit regions), ning process, centered on a long term Inuit and they would help to source funding for proper climate change strategy. monitoring of climate change indicators.

This section discusses some of the ways that This is required to ensure that Inuit from all Inuvialuit would like to go about responding regions and communities: to these challenges. These include: • are informed of the potential health and 1. Create an organizational structure respon- environmental effects associated with sible for overseeing and coordinating an climate change; Inuit response to climate change. • can participate in the federal government 2. Increase communication and information decision-making process on climate change; that is available to the region. • can assist the federal departments involved 3. Increase the amount of monitoring that to deliver their climate change mandates; takes place so as to develop quantifiable knowledge regarding the changes taking • are able to participate in the scientific and place in the North. policy initiatives required to define and react to the impacts climate change may 4. Increase local participation in scientific bring to the Arctic; research that takes place in the area, so as not only to include the perspectives of • are able to participate in energy-related hunters but also those of Elders, youth, programs and initiatives; and and women. • have the capacity to make informed decisions 5. Access more information on alternative regarding the impacts of climate change. energy, identify potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, promote There is a further need for an Inuit-specific renewable energy and energy efficiency coordinating committee to focus on climate technologies in the communities, including change that links regional, national, and inter- better access to household energy audits. national organizations. Similar to the Inuit

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P25 health model, funding should be available to 4. New energy-related technology options and include organizations like the Pauktuutit Inuit renewable energy and energy efficiency Women’s Association, youth and the Regional measures. Inuit Associations. It would be best if this information were avail- An Inuit-specific mechanism could promote able in schools, but also in community centers meaningful Inuit responses and solutions. and other public buildings so that everyone Capacity building and effective participation could have access to them. This information is critical. Cooperation and coordination are should be made available in Inuktitut. essential to this process. Inuit and the Arctic ecosystem are at the vanguard of global warning It is important that information dissemination and as a result, it is essential that recognition, does not take place as a one-way channel. It respect, and support be provided to Inuit now is equally important that knowledge regarding and in the future. effects of climate change or the success or failure of adaptation and mitigation efforts is 6.2 Information Dissemination directed outward to people who need this Inuvialuit need a well-entrenched, two-way information. Informal and formal dialogues communication strategy. The overall purpose with other communities, as well as people in would be to have relevant, complete, up-to-date the scientific and governing bodies would and accessible information for Inuit to increase have great benefit. their understanding and control over climate change-related issues and problems, and to Once clear channels of information flow are in assist Inuit in making their own, informed place it will become far easier to effectively lifestyle decisions. make use of community-based front-line com- municators. As people based in Inuit commu- During the workshops, Inuvialuit voiced specific nities, they would be able to answer questions items that they felt were important to under- and serve as sources of knowledge on climate stand, and which they felt would be helped change related matters. Their role would be by the implementation of a well-organized essential in ensuring that Inuit build the capa- communication strategy. These include: city and resources to participate in regional, territorial and federal climate change and 1. Basic climate change material that can help energy-related activities. Inuvialuit understand what causes climate change, signs of climate change in their area, 6.3 Monitoring and other information on natural science. The extent of climate change, and the degree 2. Reports on present and future potential to which it affects an area, can only be known health and environmental effects of climate through proper monitoring. By collecting climate change in the North. change observations, an appropriate toolbox of climate change indicators can be developed. 3. North American laws and regulations, as During discussions, communities pointed out well as the international accords that aim areas where they felt monitoring these indi- to moderate the effects of climate change. cators would reveal significant trends. For Inuvialuit have little or no control over many example, Aklavik residents would like to of the environmental problems they are see the landscape at Shingle Point monitored, experiencing. These are problems which since its harbour has degraded and the land come from southern and foreign places and there has subsided to the extent that people which leave Inuit wondering why laws are fear it may disappear altogether. not more effective, and why penalties are not high enough to deter polluters.

P26 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 6.4 Partnerships/Scientific Inclusion 7.0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Many participants voiced a serious desire to be included as equal partners in scientific and The workshops in the ISR elicited community policy initiatives that arise from the changes perspectives on climate and environmental in the Arctic that are brought on by climate change in this region. Climate change is affect- change. They would like: ing many aspects of the environment in this region. In fact, it is in the Arctic regions where • to have a say where research resources are many of the most drastic effects of climate directed; change are already being seen. Local temper- atures rise in the face of global warming and • to participate in scientific, mitigation, and the physical environment, vegetation, animal impact and adaptive initiatives to suggest and human life are all affected by the resulting ways of using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) changes in a variety of successive steps and in studies and in the monitoring of climate chain-like processes. Being the last level of the change, and; chain for many impacts, humans are forced to • to ensure the participation and training of respond, cope and adapt to changes directly Inuvialuit youth in the technical and scientific to themselves and to those in the environment areas of climate change, so as to encourage around them. As Inuit are so closely tied to skill development, as well as to lay a foun- the land, sea, and waters around them via the dation for lifetime awareness and sensitivity species these environments provide, and as to this issue. the Arctic environment is one that is exhibiting very rapid changes in the face of global climate A good example of where partnering with change, it is important to better understand scientific bodies could be of enormous benefit Inuit and northern community perspectives comes from the Paulatukmiut, who wish to on these issues and to begin to work with have their drinking water monitored. Not only communities to develop adaptation measures. would this serve the initial purposes of guaran- The following diagram (Figure 7) summarizes teeing purity, quantifying contaminant levels, the influence of global warming on Inuit and easing people’s fears that water quality is communities. not affecting human health; it could also grant opportunities to people from Paulatuk to learn To understand the climatic and environmental about this aspect of the environment and take picture of the region as a whole, it was impor- on the responsibility to oversee the health of tant to look at five distinct communities in the the town drinking water supply. analysis of change occurring in the ISR. The five communities who participated in these workshops were Aklavik, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, 6.5 Alternative Energies Holman Island and Paulatuk. Owing to the Inuvialuit expressed a desire to be involved in uniqueness of each community’s specific developing a plan to identify potential renewable location as well as to their varied proximity energy and energy efficiency projects and to to each other, a comparison and contrast of promote these technologies in their communi- differences and similarities was possible within ties. This would ideally be done in consultation and between communities as well as between with appropriate organizations and appropriate the eastern ISR and the western ISR. This report federal government incentive programs should presents this analysis in Section 5.0, covering be used. Community and household energy shared concerns between all ISR communities, planning initiatives, including energy audits, comparisons and patterns between eastern and should be a part of this process. western ISR communities and finally a short

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P27 synopsis of changes unique to each community. observed. Based on the community workshops Further, throughout this report recommendations and perspectives expressed by residents in for future action and research as well as adap- attendance, a summary of these recommenda- tations to be made by communities or those tions with regards to future research and action already being used at the community level were on the issue of climate change and community made with regards to many of the changes adaptations for the ISR is presented in Figure 8.

Figure 7. Influence of Global Warming and Increased UV-B on Inuit Communities

Rise in Temperatures and UV-B

As the physical environment, Physical plant life, and animal life Environment respond to climate change, and Vegetation people respond to the changes that are happening at ALL levels of their environment.

EachEach consecutiveconsecutive lvellevel is is affectedaffected byby allall levelslevels aboveabove it.it. Animals Insects and Birds

Human Human Coping, Interations with Adaptation and the Environment Mitigation

P28 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Figure 8. Summary of Recommendations

Concern Recommendation

Unpredictable weather makes travel • Increase communication accessibility (i.e. cell phones, CBs, two- uncertain and sometimes dangerous. way radios). • Better weather and ocean info (from drilling camps, regional weather stations and Environment Canada) to local radio stations. • Better communication between coast guard and communities and build capacity within coast guard. • Build more permanent shelters on land.

Ice conditions and low water levels make • Make satellite imagery more available to community residents to travel uncertain and sometimes dangerous. track changes and areas of greatest threat. • Mark unsafe areas with durable, high quality buoys; mark safe routes for deep-keeled boats and outboards. • Better communication and shelters on land.

Thinning and depleted ice and perma- • Icehouses, gas-powered freezers and rebuilt community freezers frost conditions are putting a strain on should be considered as ways to moderate the effects. storage space and capacity in community • A substantial amount of gas, manpower and ongoing maintenance and household freezers. to rebuild and manage the community freezers would be needed; alternatives include subsidizing household freezers.

Thinning ice and warm temperatures are • Analyze potential effects of the projected decline in this culturally causing a decline in the quality of furs; and economically significant industry. trappers’ incomes are threatened. • Develop the means to help trappers adapt to the changes influencing their livelihoods.

Changes in current and future fluctuations • Communities should request support to fix and maintain the in the patterns of many animals (i.e. geese community freezers. and caribou). • Intercommunity trading in country foods should be bolstered.

Contaminated drinking water and increased • Water should be tested regularly to ensure confidence in water contaminants in meat. sources and to monitor changes. • Education on these issues should increase. • More outreach materials to communities. • Suspect meat should be tested. • Monitoring contaminants and climate change indicators.

UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P29 8.0 APPENDIX

Figure 9. List of Workshop Participants

Inuvik William Vaneltsi, Lucy Adams, Ruby McLeod, Sarah Tingmiak, Johnny Banksland, Andy Tardiff, Joe Teddy, Mary Teddy, Walter Elias, Jessie Colten, Elias Aviugana, Maureen Elias, Deva Gordon, Elizabeth Firth, Albert Bernhardt, Agnes Nasogaluak, Catherine Mitchell, Mary Allen, Louie Goose, Roy Goose (observer), Lynn Lau (observer).

Aklavik Danny A. Gordon, Annie B. Gordon, Carol D. Arey, Jacob Archie, Danny C. Gordon, Pat Kasook, Jerome Gordon, Louisa Kelanik, Jim B. Edwards, Agnes Edwards, David John, Alice Husky, Gary Montgrand, Ruth Furlong, Faye Gordon (observer).

Tuktoyaktuk Maureen Pokiak, Agnes Felix, Noah Felix, Lena Anikina, Dennis Raddi, Bradley Voudrach, Ernest Pokiak, Emmanuel Adam, Billy Jacobson, Ernest Cockney.

Holman Island John Alikamik, Lisa Alikamik, Anita Oliktoak, Joshua Oliktoak, Ryan Oliktoak.

Paulatuk Connie Green, Josie Green, Peter Green, William Kuptana, Brenda Ruben, Edward Ruben Sr., Kathy Ruben, Larry Ruben, Mary Evik Ruben, Peter Ruben, Veronica Ruben, Gilbert Thrasher Sr.

P30 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE