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UNIKKAAQATIGIIT:
PUTTING THE HUMAN
FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
PERSPECTIVES FROM COMMUNITIES OF
THE LABRADOR NORTH COAST
REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP
HELD IN NAIN, LABRADOR
APRIL 30 – MAY 1, 2002 UNIKKAAQATIGIIT:
PUTTING THE HUMAN
FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
PERSPECTIVES FROM COMMUNITIES OF
THE LABRADOR NORTH COAST*
REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP
HELD IN NAIN, LABRADOR
APRIL 30 – MAY 1, 2002
Workshop Team: Public Health Research Unit, CHUQ-Pavillon CHUL/Université Laval Labrador Inuit Association Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Funded By: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Health Canada – Climate Change and Health Office 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. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We acknowledge those that provided the financial support for this workshop. They include First and most importantly, the workshop team Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Health Canada, and would like to thank all the workshop participants Environment Canada through the Northern for their participation and sharing of knowledge Ecosystem Initiative Program as well as CIHR on climate changes. Great thanks go to all those through a fellowship provided to Chris Furgal. individuals that opened their homes as well to Their financial support and interest in this work make sure our participants were fed, happy and is greatly appreciated. had somewhere warm to sleep while in Nain. Also, for providing baked goods for our break times at the meeting, we thank Jessie Ford and Henry Broomfield.
We would like to thank the following organizations for their interest and support in the workshop: • Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) • Labrador Inuit Health Commission (LIHC) • The Town Councils of all coastal communities •OKalaKatiget TV and Radio
LIA is gratefully acknowledged for their provision of the meeting facilities in Nain. Special thanks go to Mary Denniston of LIA Research for all her work in the organization and planning of the workshop, her involvement was truly invaluable. The LIA field workers in each community are also thanked for their assistance in identifying and recruiting participants to come from each community. Our interpreter/facilitators (K Naeme Tuglavina and Sarah Obed) and local facilitator (Frances Murphy) ensured that we all under- stood each other and facilitated the exchange of information among participants and the workshop team and for this we thank them.
This report should be cited as:
Communities of Labrador, Furgal, C., Denniston, M., Murphy, F., Martin, D., Owens, S., Nickels, S., Moss-Davies, P. 2005. Unikkaaqatigiit – Putting the Human Face on Climate Change: Perspectives from Labrador. Ottawa: Joint publication of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatimi, Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments at Université Laval and the Ajunnginiq Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Naillitisimajuk ...... 1 Executive Summary ...... 7 Introduction ...... 13 Methods ...... 14 Group Organization ...... 14 1.0 Opening Questions...... 15 2.0 Collection of Observations on Climate Change and Development of Timeline of Changes ...... 20 3.0 Effects ...... 31 4.0 Reactions/Adaptations ...... 45 5.0 Who Should Know About This?...... 50 6.0 Regional, National and International Processes ...... 52 7.0 From Observations to Indicators ...... 53 8.0 Conclusions...... 54
NAILLITISIMAJUK ammalu asingit avatiujummi asianguvalliajut nunani avittusimajuni, Kanuk sukkuiniKaman- Labradorimi Silak tautsivallianinga ammalu gâta tâkkua asianguvalliajut kinakutuinnanik Kanuitailigasuannimut katimaniujuk katititsilauk- ammalu nunagijaujunnik Kanullu inuit pilim- Kuk 19-nanik nunaliuKatigengitunik kiggatut- mangâta upvalu Kanuk pigunnamangâta sunait tinik ammalu Pingasunik UKattinik/ablsangutitsi- tautsivallianinginnut jinik ilonnâni Labradorip satjugianganit nuna- linnit (ilautinnagu Hopedale-imiut silalukam- katimaKataugiattusimajuit malugusuKattavut mut apviataulaummata katimaKataugiattugia- unuttunik asianguvaliajunik avatiujummi piluat- mut). Ilagiallugu, tamana katiKatigenniujuk tumik silak asianguvallianingani Labradorip sat- ilautitsilaukKuk atautsimik takunnagiattusima- jugiangani. Ununingit asianguvalliajut attuini- jumik DFO-kunit, ammalu sâkset Kaujisattet KammagikKut inunnik ammalu nunagijaujunnik. atuinnagutjisimajut katimaniujutsamik LIA-kunit, Tamakkua asianguvalliajut, ununninginni, adjiu- Laval University ammalu ITK-kunit. Tamana lungilat upvalu ilingaKatigellutik atautsimut katimaKatigennik sakKititaumavuk uKâlautau- nunagijaujummut ammalu taimaimat kamagi- gunnatillugit ammalu allataugunnatillugit inuit jausagaigiaKavut. Ilangat uttutigillu asianguval- isumâlutigijangit, Kaujimausingit ammalu liajut uKausiuKatasimallutik nunaliujunnut isumâlutigijangit pillugit silak tautsivallianinga ammalu Kanuk attuiniKamangât ilautitsivut:
Naillitisimajut uKausiuKattalutik avatimmi asianguvalliajut ammalu attuinigijangit Labradorip satjugiangata nunagijanginni.
Avatet Pillugit Asiangujut/ takunnataujut Takujausimajut/ Attuinigigajattangillu
Niguminninga • Niguminisak ukiatsâmit • Asiangutitsijuk aullaviusonik pinasuagiamut • Niguminnisak ukiumi • KamatsiatuKagiaKavuk aujami nillasilluni • Niguminninga aujami unaluak. (ilangit inuit)
Silaup piusingit • Silak Kanuilinganiamangât • Unuluat inuit nugunnangiumasot nalunalualittuk • Ajunnalualittuk Kanga aullatuKagunnamangât
Sikuit • Sikusanninga upalumalualittuk • AsiangutitsiKattajuk aisongugiamik • SikuisagailauKattajuk atuttausainnatunut nunanut • Imappimi sikuk sâlualittuk • Inggagiamik ullugianannisak ilangani, • SikutsiasimaKattagunnaituk pilukattuKaluatluni
Aputik • AputiKanginitsaulittuk ullumi • AjunaluaKattalittuk Kangauligaimmat • AKilualittuk aputik aisongugiamut nunanut • Kannik upalungaluaKattalittuk • Pisugalagiamut piunitsausok ilanginnut inunnut • Illuvigaliupviusongungituk tamanna aputik
Imatuinnak • Ilangit taset panilittut • ImaKatsiagunnaituk aullasimatluni nunamut • Imait itijugunnaitut ununinginni • Imipvigigianga imituinnamik ajunnalualittuk imaKasongujuni
Pigusot ammalu Paungait • Ikinnisait ammalu mikinitsait Paungait • Ikinnisiat paungait ammalu pigusot nigijau- • Asiangusimajut paungait songulutik taimangasuanit pigupvigisongit • Kaninginitsamut aigiaKasot napvagasuagiamik
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P1 Naillitisimajut uKausiuKattalutik avatimmi asianguvalliajut ammalu attuinigijangit Labradorip satjugiangata nunagijanginni.
Avatet Pillugit Asiangujut/ takunnataujut Takujausimajut/ Attuinigigajattangillu
Nunamiutait Omajuit • Asianguvalliajut pijausongujuit(sullo • Kaninginitsamut aigiaKannik napvagasuallugit, tuttuit) ajunnaluat pigasuagiangit Kangauligaimmat • Salunnisiat tuttuit ullumi • Ilangit nigigiangit piungitut • Ununnisait sukkusimajut omajuit • Nutât omajuit piujugajattut, sulli pinniagun- •Ilangit nutât (sullo:mooset taggami, nangittavut utivallianingit amaguit) • Ikinnisiat ilangit omajuit(sullo ukalet)
Imamiutait Omajuit • Puijet salunnisaulittut • Unuluat puijet niginasuttut ogagalanik • Unulualittut udjuit ammalu Kaigulet • Puijet ilutsingit isumajannalittut imak • Unulualittut pânguliat piujugaluamangâta
Timmiat • Ikinnisait ununningit ammalu nungu- • PaingunaKattajut ilangit timmiat tusagiangit simajut ilangit (sullo:KulliKuliat, takugiangillu Kotsiutet, Sitjagiat) • Ikinnisaulittut taimanganit pijausot timmiat • Nillet tikisagailualittut • Nillet tikisagainningit uKumaittumititsisot •Ilangit nutât (sullo, swan, pinasuapviKaKâtinagu hummingbird takujauKattaningit)
Ogagalait • KuliligaKagunnaiKuk ammalu • Ikinnisaulittut ogagalait nigigiangit, ogatuinnanik kavisilet pigasuagiangit ajunnalualilutik mikinitsaulittut
Asingit • SukkuinattuKalualittuk ullumi • Sukkuivalliajuk avatimmik. Sukkuigunnatuk • SiKinik unalualittuk omajunik. • Sikinik utâtsigesongulittuk
katimaKaujut nalunaitsilaukKuk unuttunik inuit • Asiangutillugit ilangit aullaviuKattajut ammalu piusigilittanginnik upvalu piusigijatsanginnik piusiuKattajut (Kijuttagiallutik upingsâmmi sunait asianguvallianinginni. Tâkkua ilautitsilutik: ukiatsângutillugu sikuttailisimannimut-mânna December-imi ammalu ajunnatulluni Kijut- • Napvâgasualutik akKutitsaugajattunik tagiagasuagiak ukiuk pigiasitainnatillugu) tamaungatsainak • Kaninginitsamut aigiaKallutik tâkkuningat- • NiKitsanik piuliukKailutik Kuatsivimmut sainak pinasuallutik (tâvatuak akitunitsak) ilanganni pinasugatsait ajunnasongumata pigasuagiangit jâriup ilanginni. • KaujisattaugiaKaningit imittausot iluani Kanitânillu nunaliujuit • KaujisapviKallutik Kanuilingatsiamangât sikuk asinginni nunagijaujunni. • AsiumajuKammat KinijattiKavuk Nainimi, ilonnatik pittaKagialet nunalet Pinippautillugu, katimaKataujuit pigumalualauk- • Inosuttuit ilinniatitaugialet Kanuilingasongu- Kut Kaujititsiutiujunnik ilonnaini satjugiammi mangât silak ammalu Kaujimasongullutik nunagijaujunni ammalu inosuttuit ilisattauKul- tamânituinnâgutik lugit tamakkuningagalak InutuKaunitsannit
P2 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE ammalu asinginnit nunagijamini sunait asiangu- Mackenzie Basin Impact Study tâkkua sukkuiju- simammangâta, Kanuk asiangusimannet kama- Kagajappat Kaujisautet, Nunatsualimâmmi gijaugunnamangâta ammalu ikKananninga ilin- Kaujisapvik Asitattausonik Pivallianikkut (IISD) niagiamut Kanuk pijuKasongumangât nunatsu- pigiasititsilaukKut Inuit kamaKatausongu- amittuKalluni InutuKaunitsanit, angajukKâgijau- ninginnik Silak Asianguvallianinganut Sachs junnit asinginillu ilisimajunit katimaKataugiat- Harbour-imi, NWT, ammalu mânnaKammik tusimajut pikKujilaugivut tânna Kaujititsiutik katimalaulutik Inuvialuit Satusattausimajop tunijaugiaKaninganik nunaliujunnut, avittusima- Nunagijanginni (ISR) sivullittilugit Inuit Tapiriit junut, prâvinsimmi, nunatsualimâmmi ammalu Kanatami (ITK) kaujimajaummijogaluat Western kavamannut KaujimakKulugit sunait asianguval- Arctic-imi kittânit, taimaigaluattilugu asiagujuit liamangâta Kanullu attuiniKamangâta Labradorip uKausiuKattasimavut kittimiunni ammalu sulia- satjugianganik. KattuKammagigiaKatluni tukisinitsaugiamut ammalu niugulluni asianguvallianiattunik Tânna suliatsaujuk pigiasilâkKuk malillugu kati- ammalu attuiniKagajattunik Taggamiunit. maniusimajuk sivulittilugit LIA, Laval University ammalu ITK. Ilangautillugu suliaKausiup taijauluni Killigiudj- inik, Tigullainik ammalu kamannik Silak Asiangu- Tânna katimaniujop Kaujititsiutinga pigiasititsi- vallianinganut kamagijauvut Nunavik ammalu vuk pigianningani uKâlautaujutsanik, allataujut- Labrador pigiasisimallutik 2001-2003, nunalet sanik ammalu kamanitsamik isumâlutaujunik katimattitauningit avatet asianguvvalianinginnut ilingajunik silak asianguvallianinganut ammalu tamâgik Kaujisattausimavok. Kaujititsiutet sakKi- avatik asianguvallianinganut ammalu attui- titauKattasimavut katimajukKâtillugu 19-nait niugajattumik Labradorimi satjugiangata kiggatutte ilautillugit Labradorimit, katimannet nunagijanginnik. ilonnaini pingasuni Nunavik nunagijanginni ammalu atautsik Kaujititsiutik nalunaitsivuk Kaujisattaumajunik ilonnaini pinsauni Nunavik ILONNÂGUT NAILLITISIMAJUK – nunaKutinginni. Katillutik, tâkkua Kaujititsiutet LABRADORIMI AVATET naillitisimavut nunalet Kaujimausingit ilautilugit ASIANGUVALLIANINGINNUT KATIMANNET ammalu uKâlautigillugit isumâlutauluattut inun- nut. Nalunaitsilaugivut sunanaik akuniungitumut Isumagijaummagittut nunatsualimâmmi silak akunimut maligaKagiaKamangât ammalu suanit asiangunianninganik tâkkua Ukiuttatumiut kaujusiutjaugiaKamangâta pigumajauluattut Nunagijangit attutaullagigajaningit silait asiangu- ammalu killigiudjilutik sunait ikKanaluamangâta vallianinginnut. Taimaimat ikKanammagikKuk kamagiamik asianguvalliajunik. katitsuigiamut Kaujititsiutinnik pillugit sunait sakKijâlimangâta tâkkunani nunaujunni. Tamana iKkanaluakKuk Ukiuttatumi. Ukiuttatumi avatet Labradorimi Avatet Asianguvallianingit ammalu sujusagaipput ammalu Inuit atummagiKattavut Kanuittailinnimut katimannet katititsilaukKut nunamik ammalu sikumik. Inuit piusituKangit 19-nanik nunaliujunik kiggatutinik ammalu ammalu ullu tâmat inogusigijangit attutauniKa- pingasuit Ukatte/ablasâgutitsijet ilonnânit Lab- magikKut sunait asianguvallianinginnut avati- radorip satjugianganit (ilautinnagit Hopedale- gijanginni taggamiut nunagijanginni. Avatik imiut silalukammut apviataulaugamik katima- ikKanammagimmat inogusiujunnut, Inuit Kau- nitsaup ullungani). Ilagiallugu, katimannik jimaKattagivut asiangutuKanialimmat. Taimaimat ilautitsigunnalaugivuk atautsimik takunnagiat- ikKanammagikKuk tusâgiamik ammalu ilautit- tusimajumik Oganniatuligijikkunit Imappiligi- sialugit Inuit Kaujisannimut ilisimausiKatsiamat jinillu Canada-mit, ammalu sâkset Kaujisattet ikajugajattumik tukisinitsaugiamut ammalu atuinnagutjisimajut katimanitsamik Labrador kamagillugit avatet asianguvallianingit. Inuit katutjiKatigenninganit, Laval University ammalu Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Katimannet Asianguniujajut Ukiuttatumi kamagijauligekKut uKâlatitsigunnalaukKuk ammalu allataugunna- ammalu KaujititsiutiuKattalutik atâgut taijaujop tillugit inuit takusigisimajangit, Kaujimausingit
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P3 ammalu isumâlutigijangit pillugit silak asiangu- nisaulilluni ammalu inuit uviningit utâsagailua- vallianinga ammalu asingit avatimmi asiangu- Kattalillutik. Inuit nalunaitsiKattasimalikKut valliajut nunagijaujuni, Kanuk sukkuiniKasongu- Kanimagalanimik unagaluamut ammalu mangâta inunnik ammalu nunagijaujunik KaujiKattasimallutik unutsivallianingit inuit ammalu Kanuk inuit pigunnamangâta upvalu niakKiginnimut unagaluamut. pigunnamangâta sunait asianguvalliatillugit. Ilonnâgut, KaujijauKattasimavuk ilonnaini nuna- Katimausiusimajunni PiusiukKujait gijaujunni silak ajunnalualittuk Kaujigasuagianga Piusiugialet katimajuKanningani sakKititaulauk- Kanuk piniagalualimmangât. Silak asianguval- Kut malillugit pidjutaujuit atânettut. liasimavuk angijummagimmik 60ni jârini Kângi- simajuni. Silak Kanuilinganiamangât nalunat- • Kamagijaunningit asianguvalliajut avatimmi tuKattalikKuk. Tâkkua silait Kanuilinganial- • Kaujititsiutet attuinigijangit asianguvalliajut imangâta nalunannet inunnik nogunnangiu- nunagijaujunni ammalu kinakkutuinnanut malitlutik nunamit. •Mânnamunut songuitisannet upvalu kiuguset Adjigegunnainingit Kannet ammalu aputiup asianguvallianiujunnut, illugijaujunni upvalu ilutsingit KaujijauKattasimagivut Labradorimi. nunagijaujunni sakKipalliajut Ilonnâgut, inuit KaujiKattasimalikKut aputiKats- • Pigumajaujut sivunitsatinni songiutisagiamut iagunnaininganik ullumi ammalu Kannik upa- ikullaumitigasuallugit attuiniugajattut lumaluaKattalitluni jârimi. Ilagiallugu, aputik asianguvalliajunni aKinnisauKattalittuk ammalu mikilualitluni upvalu”pittusaulitluni”. Asianguvallianinga • Kinamut Kaujititsiutet âjaugiaKamangâta aputet takugatsauKattasimalikKuk ammalu Kaujimatsiagiamut nunalet isumâlutigijangin- pisupvigigianga piunitsauKattalilluni nunagi- nik Labradorip satjugiangani ilingajuit ava- jaujuni. TakunnaKattagivuk, ilangit nunait timmut ammalu silak asianguvalianinganut. silatânettut uppatauKattangunnaitut Kangau- ligaimmat jârimi aputiKatsiangimmut ski-doo- Isumâlutauluattut, Attuinigigajattangit vigigianga. AputiKanginitsak asianguvallianingani ammalu Songiutsapviugajattut aputik piunigilititsisongugivuk illuvigaliugiamik. Malittuit katitsutaumajut takujauKattasimajut ammalu isumâlutaujut atausiagatik uKausiuKat- TakunnatauKattajut : tasimajut Labradorimi katimajuKaniammat. Ilonnatik Labradorimi nunaKutingit takuKatta- Attuinigigajattangit ammalu piusigigajattangit likKut akuniunitsak sikugasuanninganik imak sakKijâligettut upvalu piusiukKujausimajut kati- ammalu tapvainaunitsak sikuiKattalilluni. maKataujunnut ikullaumitigasuallugit attuiniu- Imappiup sikunga sânnisauKattalikKuk ammalu gajattut asianguvalliajuKanningani. Piunippâmik nangiannatulualilluni ilonnâni. Tamana taut- kamagigasuallugit ikKagijauluattut nunalinnut, sisimalikKuk nunanni upattauKattajuni ammalu kisimik isumâlutauluattut ammalu takujauKat- nangiannanitsaulilluni. PilukattuKalualikKuk tasimajut uKâlautainnalutik katimajiKatigennut sikuk pititsitillugu. Sikuit asianguvalliagivut, allatausimavut. Allatausimajuit takujauKattasi- ilangit nunaKajuit uKausiKaKattajut takuKat- amjut, attuinigigajattangit ammalu songiusisat- tanimminik “Killijâttumik” nunamit. Tamana taugialet iluanevut katimautausimajuit Killijânnik apumautauKattavuk ilanginnut oma- Kaujititsiutingani. jugalannut, niginasugatsaminik napvâgunnangi- umaKattagamik. Tuttuit ammalu ukalet piluat- Silait KaujijauKattasimaninnigit tumik uKausiuKattasimavut niKitsasiugasuagia- Labradorimi nunagijaujuit kamatsainakKut mik ajunasiuKattaninginnik Killijâgaluamut. ammalu uKausiKatsainallutik tamana silak Omajuit pilukaluaKattagivut sikummi nunamit niguminnisauKattalininganik ukiumi, unalua- pidlutik. Tamana taigatausimaKattavuk Nain- Kattaliluni aujautillugu ammalu niguminnisau- imi, omajuit katagaKattasimatillugit KaKanit Kattaliluni ukiatsâmunut. Tânna siKinik unan- ammalu pingiuliumitillugit upvalu tuKusimallutik
P4 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE siagijânnagaluammut nunammi Imatsuit tasi- tâkua tamâgitta nanuit ammalu adlait “nujât- galanni itjogunnaiKut jârini Kângisimajuni. Allat, taunginitsaulinninginnik” ammalu isumâlutiKal- ilangit tasset kogalaillu tiniKattasimalikKut. lutik tamaiginnik ammalu inunnik asianguvalia- Kommaget itijolugunnaiKut ammalu ujagait ninginni piusigisongit. Tuttuit salunnisaulikKut sakKijâlualilutik. Tamana imak ikkatuguvallia- ullumi asianguvallianinginnut niKitsagiKattajangit ninga attuiniKammagikKuk iKalunnik taku- niKât. UKalet attutauKattagivut niKitsaKatsi- Kattasimagamik kogalait pânginni utakKitunik angimmut. Patingit tuttuit, uttotigillugu, utsu- silalumik majuliaKikKâgatik kokkut. KanginitsaulikKut, paninnisaulilutik ammalu auKalualidlutik. Tuttuit pijauKattasimajut adji- Nunalet uKaKattasimagivut nunguppalianinga gengitunik KumaKaKattagivut. PijauKattajuit tagiungugituk imak imijausonnik imannik Kumalet nigijauKattangilat. piujugunnaininganik nunametlutik. Isumâlu- taummagikKuk imijausok Labradorimiunut. Nutât omajugalait takujausonguligivut nunalet Pukkiluatlalinninga imak isumâlutaummagikKuk, Kanitânni. Mooset takujausongulikKut taggami tâvatuak sujuttausimaningit mangitunnisima- ammalu Kapvet utisimalillutik ilanginnut nuna- junut utsualuKautinnut.utsualuKautet imittaviu- nut Labradorimi. Ikinnisait omajuit (sullo: ukalet) songujunni uKausiusimagivut. Imak mangitun- takujauKattasimagivut. Pinasuatet Kaninginitsa- nianiKattanigâttauvuk, tauttuKatsiagani ammalu mut aigiaKaKattavut niKitsasiullutik omajunik. siggulet mangitunniaKattalillutik iluagut ammalu Ilangani napvaKattangittut napvavigiKattasi- mannet tauttuigutisongugivut tittititaugamik. majammini. Tipangit omajuit tautsisimagivut Inoguset attutausimaningit uKausiuKattagivut uKausingititut katimaKataujuit. Tamakkua nunagijaujunni, unutsivalliatillugit nângunnet asianguvalliajut ilanginnut katimaKataujunnut ammalu itittanet. Unuttuit katimaKataujut isu- uKausiuKattasimavut uKatlutik ikinnisaulittut mâlutiKammagilaukKut InutuKaunitsanik, songiu- omajuit niKitsagijausot nunagijaujunni. simalunginamik tamatsuminga, ilagiattauKatta- jumik imammut ammalu tittiseKattagatik imi- likKânagu. Mânnaulittuk, isumâlutaummagim- Asiangusimajut takujauKattavut puijet unun- mata imittauKattajut, inuit pisiKattalikKut ningit KaujijaummagiKattasimavut uKâlautau- imannik niuvipvinit nunamut aigiasigaigamik. tillugit imamiutait omajuit Labradorimiut katimaKattaniamata. Ikillivalliatillugit Kuliligait, Nigijaugunnatut: niginasusongit puijet, puijet salunnisaulikKut ammalu niKinga utsuKangilualilluni. Ilagiallugu, Tamakkua nunalet KaujiKattasimagivut ikinnisait nunalet uKaKattavut unuluat udjuit, unuluallu paungait ammalu appet takujauKattalinningin- Kaigulet ammalu unuluat “Pânguliat” (puijet nik, piluattumik nunagijaujunut Kaninnisait. Inuit mamiutjausimajut sikummi). Ilusigilittangit KaujiKattasimalikKut Kaninginitsamut aigiaKa- puijet isumâlutaummagikKut Labradorimi linniminik paungasiugiallutik ammalu piguson- nunaliujunnut isumagillugullu Kanuigalua- nik niKitsaminik. Appet aKilisagailuaKattalikKut limangât imak. ammalu sujusagailualitlutik siKinik unagaluamut. Paungait mikinitsaulillutik. Sennâluit mikinit- saulillutik ammalu mamatsautiliuttaugunnaKat- Ikillisimaligivut timmiagalait Labradorimi tajut uKausingititut katimaKatausimajut. (sullo: KulliKuliat, kutsutait ammalu kupa- nuatuinnait) ammalu ilangit timmiat asiusimali- tlutik (sullo: kotsiutet, Labardorimi mitituinnait, Pigugunnatuit: sitjagiat, ammalu tollet). Nunalet paingumi- KaujijauKattasimavuk unuttuni nunagijaujuni Kattavut takugumallilutillu tâkuninga timianik. Labradorimi ilangit nunamiutait omajuit nuKat- Ikillivallianingit timmiagalait niKitsaKatisitsia- tasimalinninginnik niginasupvigisominit. Nanuit, Kattanginivut inunnik. TakujuKaKattasimagivuk ottutigillugit, nunamut ailuaKattalikKut siaguni- nutânnik timmiagalannik. Swans ammalu tammalu itsinaluattujâluallutik. Taimaigaluatti- Hummingbirds TakujauKattasimalikKut lugu ilangit katimaKataujut KaujititsilaukKut Labradorimi.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P5 Nillet tikiKattasimalikKut tapvainaunitsak naitsigunnagunnaininginnik silak Kanuilinga- Labradorimut, akKigiattaugiaKasonguttilugit niamangât piusigiKatalauttamitut. Unuttuit pinasuapvisait. katimaKataujut isumâlutiKalaugivut Kanuittai- linitsanginnik InutuKaunitsait. IsumâlutiKala- Ogagalait Labradorimi ikinnisaulikKut ammalu ummijut Imak sujuppalianinganik, ammalu ajunnatolillutik pigasuagiangit. Kuliligait ammalu Kanuk inutuKaunitsait KanimmaKattalininginnik ogatuinnait sakKijâlugunnaiKut itijongituni ilagiasimajumik imigaigamik tittisimangitumik. imanni Labradorimi ammalu kingumagijauKat- Isumâlutaulaummijut InutuKaunitsait inogusingit taluytik, niKitsasiangulautsimamata. Kavisilet ullumi siagunit. Unuttuit apitsotet sakKilaukKut ammalu anâdlet pijauKattalittut ullumi miki- ilautillugu: “KannimasialuKalualikKâ nunagijattini nitsaulittut ammalu ununningit ikillipallianigât- ullumi?” Sunait pititsiluakKât KannimasiuKat- taulutik. IKaluit KaKunnisaulikKut, tâvatuak tajunik?” Nunalet uKausiKatsialaukKut sunanaik aupalutsivallianigâttaujut. SiKingani satjugiap, tusagumanniminik sivunitsatinillu KaujisakKujil- iKaluit napvâviuKattasimavut Kummanik. lutik tâkkua nunalet Kaujimattitautsianiattilugit Nunalet ippiniagutaKavut ogagalait nigijau- sunanut KannimatitauKattamangâmmik. songunninginnik panitsisimatuappata tâvatuak mikigattutaugunnagatik. Ilangit nunalet nigi- KatimaKataugiattusimajut KaujititsilaukKut unut- gunnaKattangilat takkuninga ogagalannik tunik piusiulittunik inunnut upvalu piusiujut- KumaKannigâttaujunik. saujunik avatimiutait asianguvvalianinginni. Tâkkua ilautitsilutik: kittugiagalait • Nâpvagasuallutik asinginnik inggaviugun- Nutât kittugiagalait takujauKattasimavut Labra- nagajattunik tapvungatsainak dorimi. 2001-imi, sivullipâmik mikijummaget Kinitait kittugiat kisisot takujausimavut. Tâkkua • Kaningiluamut aiKattalilutik niKitsasiullutik kittugiat Ânninattumik, annugâgalannut pula- (tamana akitujummagiuvuk); songullutik pavinattolutillu. Asingit nutât kit- • Pigumajaunningit uttugattaunitsnagit tugiagalait takujauKattasimagivut takijunik imijauKattajut ilauni silatânillu nunaliujuit; niulet âsivait ammalu asingit “ nutât ammalu takuminangitut” taijaullutik katimaKataujunnut. • AsiumajuKalimmat KinijattiKavuk Nain- imi ammalu pigumajuKalluni ilonnaini Asingit Isumâlutaujut: nunaliujunni Nunalet Labradorimi isumâlutiKammagilaukKut • Iliniatitaujutsauvut inosuttuit silak Kanui- pillugit avatik sujuttauvallianinganik takugat- linganiamangât ammalu Kaujimattitaullutik saulluni ammalu tusagatsaulluni nunatsualimâm- suanit asianguvalliamangâta inuit nugun- mi. Unutsivallianingit takugatsauvut ammalu nagiumaniattinagit nunamit attuiniKagajallutik ilonnânik avatiujummik. • Asianguvallianingit aullauviuKattajut piusiu- Piluattumik, Labradorimiut isumâlutiKammagi- Kattajullu, (Kijuttagiat upingasâmmi sikut- lauKut Kanuk avatiujuk sukkuiniKagajamangât tailiKattamat ukiatsâmi manna Kijuttagiattu- omajunnik ammalu inunnik tamânejunnik. KaKattalikKuk December-imi ajunnalualit- tilugu Kijuttagiamik pigiasinningani ukiuk.); Labradorimiut sulijutsasiavut Kaujimausinginnik InutuKaunitsait. KatimaKataugiattusimajut uKâ- • PiulukKailuallutik niKituKannik Kutasivinni lautiKalaukKut Kaujimauset tigumiattaugiaKa- ilangani ajunnaKattamata pigasuagiangit ninginnik InutuKaunitsannut tunillugillu asingin- ilangini jârinni. nut, piluattumik inosuttunut, nunagijaujunni. • Kaujisagaigasuallutik Kanuilingatsiamangât Asianguvallianingani silak piusigisongillu, isu- sikuk asinginni nunagijaujunni Kaningitum- mâlutiKattuKavuk tâkkua InutuKaunitsait nalu- mut aullalikKâgatik.
P6 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE LABRADOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE of short-term and long-term policies may need WORKSHOP — EXECUTIVE SUMMARY to be developed, and identify the areas where it is most important to track changes. Theories about world climate repeatedly say that the Polar Regions will probably be affected A variety of participant activities were used most by climate change. It is therefore important in the workshops. These activities had been to gather information about what is happening developed and tested during similar environ- in these areas. This is especially important in the mental change workshops in Inuvialuit. A key Arctic. Arctic environments are sensitive and goal of these workshops was to build local Inuit depend on the land and sea. Inuit culture capacity to implement and carry out future and daily life are therefore greatly affected by environmental change workshops and research any changes. Because environment is such an in communities in the region. In fact, in line important part of daily life, Inuit also notice with this goal, capacity building was successfully when changes take place. It is therefore impor- accomplished within the Inuvialuit portion of tant to listen to and involve Inuit in research this project, as regional representatives there as they have valuable knowledge which can assumed greater responsibility throughout the help to improve the understanding of environ- successive workshops and in the end, were mental change issues in the North and to more responsible for leading and facilitating the two effectively address these issues. latter community workshops themselves.
Changes projected for the Arctic are already The Labrador Environmental Change and Health being observed and reported under such workshop brought together 19 community projects as the Mackenzie Basin Impact Study, representatives and 3 interpreter/translator/ the International Institute for Sustainable Devel- facilitators from all of the Labrador coastal opment (IISD) led Inuit Observations on Climate communities (excluding Hopedale because of Change project run in Sachs Harbour, NWT, weather related travel problems on the day of and recent workshops held in the Inuvialuit the workshop). Additionally, the workshop Settlement Region (ISR) led by Inuit Tapiriit involved one observer from DFO, and 6 research Kanatami (ITK). Much more is known for regions staff who organized the meeting from LIA, in the Western Arctic than in the east, however Laval University and ITK. The workshop was changes have been reported in these eastern held to discuss and document peoples’ obser- regions as well and work must continue here to vations, knowledge of and concerns about better understand and appreciate the variability climate and other environmental changes in of changes and impacts across the North. the region, the impacts these changes are having on individuals and communities and As part of a project entitled Identifying, Selecting what people are already doing or can do to and Monitoring Indicators for Climate Change adapt to these changes. being conducted in Nunavik and Labrador from 2001-2003, community workshops on environmental change were conducted in both regions. The project has produced one large report that pulls together results from a work- shop with 19 community representatives from Labrador as well as individual reports on each community workshop in Nunavik and one general report that summarizes the results of all three Nunavik community workshops. Together, these reports summarize local knowl- edge, and discuss the main issues and concerns that people have. They also indicate what kind Nain, Labrador
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P7 Workshop Methods Generally, it was observed in all communities The process of the workshop was an organized that weather has become more unpredictable. dialogue following the topics outlined below. Weather has been changing a lot within the The participants were asked what they were last 60 years or so. Predicting future weather interested in and what they hoped to get out patterns and events has become more difficult. of the meeting. Then they were asked to record These unpredictable weather fluctuations all the changes in environment, weather and have led to more people being stranded on climate that they had noticed or heard about. the land. They were also asked to explain when these changes started to become really noticeable Variations in snowfall and snow conditions were and common. The tables in this report show noted across Labrador. Generally, people are their observations and comments. Observations observing that there is less snow today and are organized according to ten-year periods, snow comes later in the year. In addition, showing when changes started to happen. A snow quality has become drier and grainier. number of signals (indicators) of environmental The change to snow depth is seen as positive change have been identified. in some way as it makes it easier to walk around the communities. It is also seen as After participants recorded and dated their negative however, as some locations outside observations, they were asked to discuss what of towns cannot be accessed at certain times kinds of effects (if any) they are experiencing of the year now. Less snow coupled with the as a result of these environmental changes. In change to snow quality also makes it more some cases, participants also mentioned how difficult to build snow houses. they are trying to cope with the effects. Physical Observations: Main Concerns, Their Effects and Possible All Labrador communities are seeing later Adaptations freeze-ups of the sea ice and earlier break- The following is a compilation of observations ups. Sea ice is noticeably thinner also and there and concerns brought up repeatedly throughout is less good ice coverage across the region. the Labrador workshop. Their effects and pos- This has changed access to a variety of tradi- sible coping strategies are discussed. In an effort tional areas and species and makes travel much to summarize the points that are important to more dangerous. More accidents are occurring most community members, only the concerns as a result of these ice conditions. Ice quality and observations that were discussed multiple has also changed, with some residents men- times and brought up by more than one of the tioning the occasional appearance of a glitter workshop groups are listed in this summary. A quality on the surface. This glitter is a problem comprehensive list of observations, effects and for some animals, as they can’t get through it adaptations are listed in sections 2.0, 3.0 and to access food. Caribou and ukaliks (Arctic 4.0 of the main body of this document. hare), in particular were mentioned as having difficulties feeding because of glittered ice. Weather Observations: Animals are also having more accidents because Labrador communities consistently observed and of this glittered top layer of ice. This was specif- commented upon the fact that temperatures ically reported most often near Nain, where are warmer in the winter, heat is more intense animals are sliding down hillsides and becoming during the summer and temperatures are staying injured or dying in some cases because of warmer later into the fall. The sun was noted as the glitter. Glittered ice also makes skidooing being hotter now and people are burning more more difficult. easily. People are finding hot temperatures in the summer difficult. They are feeling sick from Water levels in many freshwater areas have the heat and have noted an increase in people lowered in recent years. In fact, some ponds suffering headaches because of the heat. and brooks have dried up altogether. Rivers
P8 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE are also lower and more rocks are visible as a ice conditions affecting their access to food result. These low water levels affect char, as on the ground. Ukaliks (Arctic hare) are also they have to wait for rain to increase water affected in this manner. Animals have been levels so they can travel up brooks. found with more abnormalities lately as well. Bone marrow of caribou, as an example, is not Community residents indicated that decreases as greasy, is drier and has more blood in it now. in freshwater levels are also causing natural Caribou have also been found with different sourced drinking water to be poorer in quality worms living within their bodies. Those animals and have led to less available drinking sources that are found containing worms are not eaten when out on the land. There is quite a bit and are a lost food source. of concern regarding safe drinking water in Labrador. Low water levels were indicated as New species of animals are being seen in these one cause for concern, but contamination by communities also. Moose are now seen in the rotting gas tank/oil drums in water supplies was north and the wolverine has returned to some also mentioned with concern. Water is said to areas of Labrador. Fewer numbers of some taste rusty, is rusty in colour and causes kettles animals (i.e. rabbits) have also been observed and eggs to turn a rusty colour when boiled. in some Labrador communities. Hunters have Health effects have been felt within commu- to travel further distances to find certain animals. nities, with cases of stomach problems and They cannot find some animals at certain times diarrhea reported. Many workshop participants of the year now and they have to discard all expressed concern about Elders in particular animals with abnormalities because they are as they are not used to chlorinated water and unhealthy. These changes have contributed to do not always boil water before drinking either. less food for the communities. The taste of wild Now, as a result of such concerns over drinking meat is not the same as it used to be either. water, people are buying water from stores to bring with them when they go out on the land. Changes seen within seal populations were the most noted observation from discussions Vegetation: on marine mammals in Labrador. With the decrease in capelin numbers, a food source These communities have noticed that fewer for seals, seals have been found to be skinnier numbers of berries and bake apples are generally and also less greasy. In addition, com- being found, particularly in areas around the munities have observed more square flipper communities. People are finding that they seals, more harp seals and more “crawlers” need to travel further distances to find berries within all seal species. The condition of the and plants for eating. Bake apples ripen earlier seals has caused some members of Labrador and spoil quicker because of the hot sun. Berries communities to wonder about the health of that are found are smaller in size now. Rhubarb the sea. grown is also smaller now and is no longer used as much for jam. There have been decreasing numbers of some bird species in Labrador communities Fauna: (i.e. plovers, snow larks and snow buntings) It was noted in many communities of Labrador and some bird species have disappeared that some terrestrial animals have changed altogether (i.e. harlequin ducks, Labrador their pattern distributions. Polar bears, as an ducks, snipes, pintails and loons etc.). Com- example, are coming closer to the land than munity residents miss seeing and hearing these they used to and have been described as more birds. The decrease in some bird species has aggressive. Both polar bears and black bears also meant a decrease in these particular food are ‘tamer’ and there is concern for both the sources. There have, however, been new species bears and people with this type of situation. of birds also sighted. Swans and humming- Caribou are skinnier today because of changed birds have both been sighted in Labrador.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P9 Geese have been coming to Labrador area regard as the Elders no longer feel they are communities earlier in the season, which has able to accurately predict the weather as they meant an adjustment to the hunting season did in the past. Many are also concerned about of these birds. the health of Elders. There was concern over water contamination, and how Elders are Fish species in Labrador are fewer and are now getting sick from chlorinated water or from harder to get. Capelin and cod have both drinking water that is not boiled. Concern disappeared from shallow waters in Labrador was also expressed about the general health communities and have been missed, as they of Elders being worse now than in the past. were a dependable food source. Salmon and There were lots of questions on this issue. “Do trout caught are now smaller and are also we have more cancer today?” “What is causing decreasing in numbers. Char flesh has been these health problems?” Communities strongly paler lately, but has also been observed to be expressed how they would like to hear back returning to the regular red colour more recently. from previous studies that have been done in In the south, char have been found with worms their region on these issues and they expressed in them. Community members felt that these a strong desire that future studies be conducted fish can be eaten once dried but not eaten raw in a manner where the communities can learn because of the abnormality. Some residents more about the causes behind these illnesses. have had allergic reactions to these fish. Workshop participants reported a number of Insects: things people are already doing or could be doing to adapt or cope with these changes. New insects have been seen in Labrador. These included such things as: In 2001, for the first time there were very small black flies around. These flies bite very • Finding different travel routes to get to the hard, crawl into clothing and are seen as a same location. general nuisance. Other new insects seen • Going further in some cases to get the same have included long-legged spiders and other food species (however this costs more). new and ugly insects. • The need for testing of natural drinking Other Concerns: water sources around and outside the Community residents of Labrador were par- communities. ticularly concerned about the environmental • There is a search and rescue team in Nain, pollution they are seeing regionally and world- need one in all communities. wide. Increases in pollution are very noticeable and detrimental effects have been seen in all • The need to educate youth on weather sectors of the environment. In particular, forecasting and knowledge to decrease Labrador residents were most concerned with people getting stranded. how environmental pollution is impacting the • The changes to traditional times of some health of the animals and people in their region. trips and activities (go wooding more in spring because of late fall freeze-up – now Labrador residents hold high respect for the in December and therefore difficulty in knowledge that their Elders possess. Those at getting wood for beginning of winter). the workshop spoke often of the need for the •Stocking more traditional foods in personal maintenance of knowledge to be passed down freezers because they are hard to get at from Elders to others, particularly youth, in the some times of the year. communities. With the changes to the climate and subsequent changes to weather patterns • Calling ahead now to find out ice conditions and resources, there is some concern in this in other communities.
P10 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Most of all, workshop participants stressed and governments to raise awareness of these the need for this information to be distributed changes and their impacts along the Labrador throughout the coastal communities and for coast. This task will be undertaken by the youth to learn more about these issues from workshop team led by LIA, Laval University Elders and others in the community with this and ITK. knowledge on what has changed, how to adapt with these changes and the importance This workshop report represents the beginning of learning how to survive on the land from of a process in discussing, documenting and Elders, parents and others with this experience. addressing issues relating to climate and envi- The participants also recommended that this ronmental change and the related impacts in report be sent to various communities, regional, Labrador coastal communities. provincial, national and international agencies
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS, OBSERVERS, FACILITATORS AND INTERPETER/TRANSLATORS Workshop Participants: Interpreter/Translators: Name Community K Naeme Tuglavina, Nain, Labrador Mary Dicker Nain Sarah Obed, Nain, Labrador Sarah Ittulak Nain Julius Merkuratsuk Nain Workshop Team Members (Facilitators): Ronald Webb Nain Chris Furgal, CHUQ Gus Dicker Nain Pitsey Moss-Davies, ITK Joe Webb Nain Daniel Martin, CHUQ Pauline Andersen North West River (NWR) Mary Denniston, LIA Randy Keizer NWR Sandra Owens, CHUQ Horace Goudie Goose Bay Frances Murphy, Nain Labrador Mary Adams Goose Bay Scot Nickels, ITK Boas Jararuse Makkovik Clara Ford Makkovik Observers: Joas Fox Makkovik Becky Sjare, DFO Scientist, St John’s, NF Silpa Edmunds Postville Douglas Jacque Postville Kitty Jacque Postville Winnie Michelin Rigolet Jack Shiwak Rigolet Allan McNeil Goose Bay
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P11 Summary of Most Frequent Observations and Effects
Environmental Change/Observation Observed/Potential Effect Component
Temperature • Warmer longer into fall • Changes time you can get out • Warmer winters • Have to be careful in summer to stay • Heat in summer is more intense cool (some people)
Weather Patterns • Weather is more unpredictable • More people getting stranded • Harder to predict when you can go off
Ice • Later freeze-up • Changes time of access to traditional •Earlier break-up areas and species • Sea ice is thinner •Makes travel more dangerous at times, • Less good ice coverage more accidents
Snow • Less snow today • Harder to get out at certain times and • Drier more grainy snow into certain areas • Snow comes later in the year •Easier to walk around town and easier on some people • Can’t make snow houses with this snow
Freshwater • Some ponds and brooks are drying • Less drinking water sources when out up on the land • Lower water levels in many • Poorer quality of natural sources of freshwater areas drinking water
Plants and Berries • Fewer and smaller berries • Fewer berries and plants for eating and • Changes in areas where berries are for traditional uses found • Have to go further to find some
Terrestrial Animals • Changes in distribution (e.g. caribou) • Have to travel further to find them, • Skinnier caribou today harder to get at certain times of the • More abnormalities in many species year, less food • Some new species (e.g. moose in • Some are not got to eat the north, return of wolverine) • New species might be good, but we • Fewer of some species (e.g. rabbits) can’t hunt them yet
Marine Mammals • Seals are skinnier •More seals eating more fish? • More square flippers, and harps • Seal condition make you wonder about • More “crawlers” health of sea
Birds • Decreases in numbers and •We miss seeing and hearing some bird disappearance of some species species (e.g. plovers, harlequin ducks, • Fewer birds for traditional foods snipes, etc.) • Geese coming earlier puts pressure • Geese are coming earlier to adjust hunting season • Some new species (e.g. swan, hummingbird sighting)
Fish • No more capelin and cod • Fewer fish to eat, harder to get • Salmon are smaller
Other • More pollution today • Polluting the environment, impacts • Sun is hotter now health of animals • Sun burns more easily
P12 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE INTRODUCTION As part of a current project entitled Identifying, Selecting and Monitoring Indicators for Climate It is in the northern regions of the world where Change being conducted in both Labrador climate related changes and impacts to the and Nunavik from 2001-2003, this workshop ecosystem, community and human health are brought together representatives from all potentially the greatest. Changes across the the Labrador coastal communities1 and was Canadian North are predicted to be variable with designed as a central activity for this project and warming trends occurring in the Western Arctic to continue the collection of this information and some cooling in regions of the Eastern on climate changes, impacts and adaptations Arctic. This variability stresses the need to take among communities along the Labrador coast. a regional approach in gaining a better under- The project was continuing work conducted standing of the changes and direct as well as last year under the project Climate Change indirect impacts generated by these changes and Health in Nunavik and Labrador: What in the North. Potential human health, socio- we know from Science and Inuit Knowledge economic and environmental impacts are related which only conducted this form of work (inter- to climate variation, unpredictability and change views documenting environmental changes) in current climate and precipitation regimes and in the communities of Nain in Labrador and the resulting changes in the various components Kuujjuaq in Nunavik. The current workshop of the ecosystem. Changes projected for the Arctic are already being observed and reported under such projects as the Mackenzie Basin THE REGION OF Impact Study, the International Institute for LABRADOR Sustainable Development (IISD) led “Inuit Observations on Climate Change” project run in Sachs Harbour, NWT, and recent workshops held in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) led by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). Much more is known for regions in the Western Arctic than in the east, however changes have been reported in these eastern regions as well and work must continue here to better understand and appre- ciate the variability of changes and impacts across the North. A project conducted among residents of Nain, Labrador in 2000-2001, reported changes and concerns related to such things as warming temperatures, increasing unpredictability of weather, changes in amounts and types of precipitation, changes in ice dis- tribution, thickness, timing of freeze-up and break-up etc. and the impacts these types of changes have on wildlife, community life and traditional land-based activities which are Figure 1. Map of the Labrador North Coast and important for social, mental, cultural and physical communities participating in the workshop in Nain, health and well-being among individuals April 30 - May 1, 2002. Participants from Hopedale living in Labrador. were not able to attend due to weather conditions.
1Representatives from all but one coastal community (Happy-Valley Goose Bay, Northwest River, Postville, Rigolet, Makkovik and Nain) attended the meeting. Participants from Hopedale were not able to travel from this community due to weather at the time of the workshop.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P13 intended to collect and make available this those prepared and used for the ISR community information for local, regional, national and workshops: international processes on climate change and 1. Have fun! The experience of learning and to bring a “human face” to the issue of climate sharing knowledge with each other will be change in the Arctic. As a result of the com- insightful and enriching. munity workshop and the knowledge and participation of community residents in this 2. Appropriate Activities. Try to choose region, a documentation of observations based activities that are most appropriate for the on the rich and valuable traditional Inuit knowl- people you are working with. Not all of edge in this area is presented in this report. the activities will necessarily be useful or Finally, the workshop still represents stages practical for every group. of the starting point for the development of 3. Be flexible. The group or community may regional and local processes to address the already have their own methods and concerns and questions raised by the participants techniques for sharing information. These on behalf of their communities. ideas can be shared at the beginning of the workshop and incorporated as the group sees fit. METHODS Workshop Agenda Pre-Workshop Methods 1.0 Opening Questions The workshop planning followed the following 2.0 Collection of Observations on Climate steps: Change and Development of Timeline of 1. plan the workshop; Changes 3.0 Effects 2. discuss objectives (overt and covert); 4.0 Reactions/Adaptations 3. review the proposed workshop 5.0 Who Should Know About This? methodology; 6.0 Regional, National and International Processes 4. adapt methods as appropriate. 7.0 From Observations to Indicators
The workshop followed similar methods as those used in workshops to elicit this type of GROUP ORGANIZATION information on the same subject in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region this past winter and last The group separation was done based on a year. Through discussion with the facilitation number of criteria. The workshop team tried to team, some small adaptations were made group individuals from the same community to this process. The processes included all together whenever possible to allow for the participants in the workshop – community discussion of locally specific changes. However, members, regional representatives and facili- because of the limited number of interpreter/ tators – as co-investigators. The workshop was translators able to be at the workshop we also intended to be a dynamic learning process grouped together all those wishing to work for all, where everyone had an opportunity with an interpreter/ translator to ensure that to investigate the issue of climate change and everyone could share and be engaged in the its meaning to the community. There was a process. Further, we only had two participants multi-directional exchange of information and from Rigolet present, and thus these individuals perspectives on climate change. were grouped in with participants from Postville or Makkovik to be able to speak at least to To facilitate the commitment to co-investigation, changes along the southern reaches of the the project team utilized the same guidelines as North coast. Also, individuals were encouraged
P14 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE whenever possible to indicate that the changes GROUP 4 they were speaking of were specific to their Douglas Jacques – Postville community and to identify which community Jack Shiwak – Rigolet that was. Also, we were very lucky to have Kitty Jacque – Postville community area and regional maps provided Winnie Michelin – Rigolet for each group by LIA (Frank Andersen) and Joas Fox – Makkovik participants were welcome to indicate and Allan McNeil – Goose Bay mark changes associated with a specific location, or site on the map. GROUP 5 After all of these criteria were applied (or Mary Adams – Goose Bay attempted to be), and individuals separated, Horace Goudie – Goose Bay the groups consisted of the following: Pauline Andersen – Northwest River Randy Keizer – Northwest River GROUP 1 Silpa Edmunds – Postville 1.0 OPENING QUESTIONS Sarah Ittulak – Nain Mary Dicker – Nain The participants were broken into two small Julius Merkuratsuk – Nain discussion groups after the opening introductory K Naeme Tuglavina – Nain comments by Chris Furgal, CHUQ. The small (Translator/Participant) break-out groups were asked to respond to the following questions to help set the agenda GROUP 2 for the meeting and to gather initial Boas Jararuse – Makkovik perspectives, desires etc. for the workshop. Clara Ford – Makkovik 1. Why did you come here today? Sarah Obed (Translator/Participant) 2. What interests you about climate change? GROUP 3 3. What do you hope will be the results of the Ron Webb – Nain workshop? Gus Dicker – Nain 4. Do you have any other interests related to Joe Webb – Nain climate change that you would like included in this workshop?
GROUPS 1 AND 2 (combined) 1. Why did you come here today? • Because I was invited. • Also invited (from Makkovik). • To speak. • Not formally invited but indirectly and was interested anyway. • Heard through radio. • Want to hear from Elders about climate and environment. • First, want more information about this Figure 2: Labrador workshop participants workshop, what are we looking for?
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P15 • Want to support this question (asked to 3. What do you hope will be the results of participate). the workshop? •Want an idea of what a workshop is all about. • Some recommendations at the end of this workshop. •Want to talk about climate changes. • Get info (reports) back to community quickly. 2. What interests you about this topic? 4. Do you have any other interests related • We cannot control weather, and we have to this topic that you would like included noticed changes over the years; more in this workshop? things are changing than before. •Dumpsites spread contamination – wind •Dad used to say weather was changing – blows into town. Elders know – noticed changes – everything – animals disappeared from land and sea – •Causes skin problems. climate changes today and way back – lots •Affects asthma – sinus problems. of changes in last 60 years – had conference call yesterday: summer in Quebec now. • Not enough help for Elders (if they have stroke or are really ill). • In 2000 (April 28): blowing snow, cold – in 2001 (April 28): cold, wet snow – in 2002: •Happy Valley: hard to pay $ 100 to go to wet snow, foggy all day – not very cold – hospital. 2002 (March 21): noticed first time full •$ 500/month for home, too expensive. moon was huge. • Scientists/researchers studied changes – GROUP 3 find out what’s happening – neglected people in this land and their knowledge. 1. Why did you come here today? • Invited. • We see changes going on: • See new insects. • Interest in climate changes. • Lived in Goose Bay 55 years – at first • Involved in climate changes – ongoing could get seals, rock cod, salmon, iKaluk interest. (Char) – but not as much anymore. • Used to get many berries – not now. • It affects us (more than anywhere else). • Strange birds – other (old) kinds seem to • Effects on our food because it is affected by disappear. weather changes. • Rock cods/smelt sickly – skinny – diseased. •Affects traveling conditions too. • Rivers drying up. 2. What interests you about this topic? • When growing up – father used to know weather. • Change gradual – hard to notice. • People used to know to look at sky (cloud • Ponds drying up. formations), wind, etc. – to predict weather – • Different snow (because weather conditions). can’t anymore, changes very quickly. • Ice doesn’t freeze hard (lucky to get ice on •His son mentioned not seeing any bake 20th May). apples when they should have been in abundance at that time of year, but there • Saglek should be included. were none. • Anaktalak Bay should be included – development affects our food sources. • Our parents said it would change – we noticed lots of change. • Worms/parasites in wildlife.
P16 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 3. What do you hope will be the results of GROUP 4 the workshop? 1. Why did you come here today? • Needs to carry on (importance on food and travel issues for people in Northern • Asked to come (LIA). Labrador). • Like Nain, interested in learning and helping. • Where will the $ come from. • Share knowledge and understanding about • How to stop it. land. • Comes from other places. • Elders get asked a lot. • Inform people. (How to?) • Interested in Public Education, wildlife, learning from Elders. • Different ideas for getting the message out. • Read invitation letter. • Learn of the ‘reality’. 2. What interests you about this topic? 4. Do you have any other interests related to this topic that you would like included • Interested in wildlife and learning from in this workshop? Elders, Public Education. •We need to work towards a research facility. • Learn from Elders about old days and land and weather. • Increase capacity/ability to deal with issues. • Changes in the weather – things are different • Ice late in fall – everyone hunts in the same now – not just the weatherglass, but TV area – what is the effect on wildlife plus phones. • What is in snow and rain – affects berries – • Dad told (showed) me he could predict what is the effect (‘fall out’). weather. Cannot now, weather changes • OKak: trees seem to be dying (why?) too fast. (Drying up). • Talk about changes. • Christmas trees: seem burned. • Interested in past, present and future: land, • Should be aware of anything in our natural weather conditions, climate change, land water? (Brooks, etc.). formations (changes), fisheries, wildlife changes, the effects on communities and •Indicators in fish and seals to let us know sustainable development. if something is wrong? We should be watching. • Human health – concern over conditions/ diseases (e.g. asthma), effects of weather •LIHC brook sampling: we should see results. and pollution on this. • How use of modern machinery (generators, planes, skidoos, etc.) affect human health. • Workshops like this are good idea so we can share and learn about these things. • Scientific information.
3. What do you hope will be the results of the workshop? • Teach the young generation more. Figure 3: Scenes from the Labrador workshop. • Share Elders’ knowledge with young.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P17 • Program where Elders teach young • Breaking into small groups is best. Stimulates generation about the topics explained more discussion. Bring what comes out from in 2. small groups to larger groups to hear what each group has to say. This works best. • Document Elders knowledge on paper (somehow) so their knowledge can be GROUP 5 passed on to next generation. Young people will be interested in this. 1. Why did you come here today? • Sharing of information. Pass-it-on. •Will come to help in any way. • What are the workshop organizers goals for • To find out if people from other areas are this workshop? – Workshop organizers are talking about climate change. looking for direction from us (participants). • What is happening to wildlife? What is • Young people need to see or hear what happening to the environment? What is workshop was all about. happening? • Written report should be sent to the actual • To get involved. teachers – not just for the principal of the school so they could use this information 2. What interests you about this topic? in curriculum – Don’t have this type of information in schools. • Lake Melville and Trans-Labrador Highway (Goose Bay) lined with cabins; garbage • Videos, Internet, TV, written reports, posters everywhere, lures bears to humans, not – need to be careful about delivery. To safe to camp. keep it interesting to occupy people (kids) so they will learn. • Salmon time: hauling nets – need to take a rifle to protect from black bears. 4. Do you have any other interests related • Wildlife is overprotected, overrun the place. to this topic that you would like included in this workshop? • Too much competition for food among animals; good to work on this; get healthy • Once discussion continues, these will be numbers of wildlife; government participation. added. • Having community people together, •Hard to find a clean place to camp. having the opportunity to discuss issues • Applies to a big part of Labrador. that interest them. • Seagulls’ abundance and distribution. • Reporting back after the workshop is important (written report). • Bears/animals in groups more aggressive – too plentiful means they are more aggressive.
3. What do you hope will be the results of the workshop? • Get a group together, to study it, and do something. • Keep the meeting going as long as doing something; such big changes. • Find a way to live comfortably with these Figure 4: Scenes from the Labrador workshop. changes cause we can’t change the weather.
P18 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 4. Do you have other interests related to • This winter was bitter cold, first one in a this topic that you would like included in long time. this workshop? • Sun is getting hotter than used to be (January • Caribou do not taste the same; don’t taste sun melts the ice around the truck window, right, as it should; when growing up could never see that before). eat the Mealy Mountain caribou. •Partridge disappearing, trout, rabbits, berries • Past 30 years warmed up in the fall, (smaller and marked) disappearing. September/October not cold, falls longer. • Low level flying troubles the caribou, does • Weather is different. something to them, don’t taste the same.
Table 1. Summary of responses by groups to opening questions.
Question Groups 1 & 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
1. Why did you • Invited. • Invited. • Invited. • Interested in come today? • Interest in the topic. • Interested. • Interested in learning. • Want to hear • Affected by the helping • Want to help. Elders speak. issue. community. • To get involved. • Involved in • Like to share changes. knowledge.
2. What interests • We see changes, • See lots of changes • Interested in wild- • Concerned about you about the lots going on. (ponds drying up, life and learning changes in the topic? • Our parents said it different snow etc.). from Elders. land. would change. • Weather is • Need better wildlife • Scientists often changing. management. neglect local people • Interested in the in knowledge past, present and gathering. future (land etc.). • Want scientific info.
3. What do you • Recommendations • Information for • Teach the younger • More studies of it. hope will be the for action. people. generation. • Find away to live results of the • Information back • Money for work. • Programs with comfortably with meeting? to the • How to stop it. Elders for youth. the changes. communities. • Documentation of Elders’ knowledge. • This information should go to schools.
4. Other interests • Dumps sites and • Need a research • Need to have this • Caribou are related to the contamination. facility in our report back in changing. topic? • Asthma. region. communities. • Changes in weather • Not enough help • Contaminants in and wildlife are a for Elders in water. concern. community. • We need to be • Costs for health watching things. care.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P19 2.0 COLLECTION OF OBSERVATIONS ON 1960s CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT • Little green worms on Juniper trees are OF TIMELINE OF CHANGES fewer (people are glad of this). The small groups were then asked to record • KuliKuliak (plover or ring neck beach bird), on cue cards, the changes they have noticed nasauligâk (Lapland longspur or snow lark) and heard about in and around their community amauligâk (snow bunting or snowbird) associated with the environment, weather, are fewer. climate etc. These observations were recorded, one per card, and following the exercise, were 1970s posted together (by group) on the wall in the • No more kumaks (lice). plenary meeting room for general discussion and viewing by all participants. The groups • Capelin are gone from shallows; in Postville then came together to share their results of only available in deep water; no one uses what changes they documented by presented for fertilizer anymore. a brief overview of their discussions in plenary • Tulligunaks (rose root) hardly any around and by viewing the separate collections of cards anymore. on the wall recorded by each group. They were •Death of wildlife; mostly seals and fish then asked to return to their small groups and washing up on shore. arrange the observations according to when they started seeing each change. Each card was • Pussy willows are almost all gone (can’t eat placed in a group according to the decade it the leaves). was reported to have occurred in. This activity • Storms are getting worse and they break was done in small groups with participants up the sea ice. going to the wall and moving cards to the appropriate decade. The summary tables pre- • Postville, ice was late freezing – Tikkaratsuk, sented below are those observations, organized Hopedale, Postville. by the decade in which they were reported to • All ice was broken up by storms, storms be noticed initially changing, as assembled by are getting worse each year. each small group of workshop participants. • Ponds are drying up everywhere (notably across from Postville after uranium mining GROUP 1 at the Kitts Michelin site – wondering if this is why the wildlife appear with sores and if 1940s accounts for incidence of cancer among • Smaller rhubarb. people). •Natural water sources are contaminated. • German missionaries used to grow large rhubarb using capelin fertilizer (capelin • Of note, drinking water is chlorinated and in fertilizer is no longer used as capelin is Postville chlorine was poured directly into no longer available). the pond resulting in people vomiting and having diarrhea and lots of dead fish found 1950s in the drain pipe – Americans left drums in the pond at Hopedale and people became •Drinking water contaminated by rotting gas very sick with vomiting and diarrhea – tanks and oil drums. in Nain scientist told people that animal • Lower water levels where boats used to droppings may be contaminating the water. have access, for example: the Winnifred • Fewer fish off shore and around Ilik islands, Lee used to anchor in Nutâk Harbour but had draggers and long liners in those areas not anymore. 20 years ago.
P20 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 1980s slimy substance; fish are disappearing, the cod are no longer near shore, all in deep • Large saltwater pond cod became scarce. water) question: is the water temperature • Saw large hailstones the size of a fist. getting hotter or cooler? • Lots of flu, children and Elders mainly in all • Used to be lots of rock cod, maybe there communities. are too many seals eating off the fish, and people have to travel further to get fish. • Children – lots of ear infections and tonsillitis, school closed down, and with Elders. •New kinds of birds: 2001 small yellow and •Have lots of strokes and heart attacks and red birds came in large groups that ate many people with cancer, the question is: anything including seal skin and seal fat. What is causing these health problems? •Eggs that ducks laid were rotten/spoiled and • Tides are changing, higher and lower. could not be eaten and this happened in the Smokey area south coast outside Rigolet. • Bigger and higher waves. • Larger insects e.g. mosquitoes and spiders. • When people travel from Nain to camps or go out on the land they feel good and then • No more severe snowstorms in fall. feel sick when they come back. • Ice is getting thinner, soon will not be able • Fewer lemmings. to go to Hopedale from Postville, can’t walk the ice edge for sealing, skidoos went 1990s through the ice even though it looked good in Postville, ice is not safe like it used to be • Abnormalities in wildlife, i.e. baby beluga e.g. From Hopedale, people went camping got caught and had lots of sores with puss and the dog team went through the ice and and could not be eaten; sores on liver and the people had to be rescued; and sea ice is skin of caribou and seals and they are fed no longer good for traveling in April – May. to the dogs; parasites on caribou meat – they look like little rice grains in sacks. GROUP 2 • Ice comes later now – used to come in November, now it comes in late December. 1950s • Land is dry e.g. hardly any berries, and the • When we lived in Hebron we never ones found are dryer and smaller, can only saw timber flies, but when we moved to find plentiful berries on islands. Makkovik – we saw them. • Different snow in October now, can’t build • The char further south have worms in them snow houses, because it’s too soft and (1959 – late 50s). powdery, tried to teach youth but couldn’t. • After thunder it used to mean good 1960s weather was coming but the prediction • Exhaust from planes falls on the moss that doesn’t ring true anymore. caribou eat. It also pollutes the air. • Lots of mice equals lots of foxes equals lots • Char is not as red as they used to be, of rabies, also lots of wolves. more pale. • Not as many nakatanak (purple flowered wild Labrador turnips). 1970s • The water is different (e.g. the nets they • The drinking water from the town supply pull up are dirty and covered in a thick doesn’t taste good – tastes rusty.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P21 • Too warm outside in the spring when the 2000s season changes, the water changes – • Last winter we were traveling to Nain from wasn’t always like this. Makkovik and around Davis Inlet the ice • The kettle gets mouldy from tap water, but was open (where it was never open before) not brook water. and we don’t know why. • The taste of wild meat is not the same e.g. • Can no longer predict weather – changes caribou and seal. too quickly. •This past Christmas wasn’t cold (2001). 1980s • Saw bake apples early – there should have • In 1985 we had a lot of snow in the winter. been an abundance, but there wasn’t. My daughter went sliding right by the house. It’s not like this anymore. • Geese don’t go to their nesting places, they don’t relax (people would wait for • Bone marrow of caribou is not as greasy. them in evenings). It’s drier. Also it is redder and has more blood in it. • Geese come to the community earlier (2002). Hunters want the season to open in • Caribou and seals are skinnier and don’t mid-August because they start going away have as much meat and fat. in September (season opens in September). • Can’t use nets in ponds for food, wasn’t • Before Christmas, ice would freeze but not like that before. now. • Can’t use nets on ice, people use hook and • Last fall was very cold – it seemed like line and sometimes fish on sly. winter, it wasn’t like this before. • Late 80s (1989) bedlamers, harp seals, don’t • One season we don’t know what happened, have as much fat as before. the trees were knocked down. There were • Foxes are turning rabid, they didn’t before. no rivers or brooks close to the trees. • First time last summer the bake-apples 1990s were already too ripe in August, like they • No more cod, only rock cod. The cod has were spoiled before they were ripe in been over fished (everyone knows this) September. by trawlers. • Last summer was the first time we didn’t •Can’t go fishing around Makkovik, only have bake apples. can catch 12 (char/brook trout) per day • Can only use 3.5 inch net, not four inches – with a rod. it wasn’t like this before (2001/2002). • Summers are getting hotter. •A couple of years ago, outside of Makkovik, • Polar bears are coming closer to the land, in the winter my kamutik was in the air around camping sites any time of the year. from a tornado – it was like a tornado, all my belongings went up into the air. • Used to be a lot of jumpers (harbour porpoises) outside of Makkovik, but today • Last year (2002) there were a lot of mice there are hardly any. in Makkovik, on islands – it wasn’t like this before. They even ate up trees. •A lot of icebergs now. • This year (March 21, 2002) the full moon • The landscape is changing. was huge.
P22 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE •Today there are hardly any snowbirds 1970s around – there are usually more around (April 30, 2002). • Ice is saltier. • Char is starting to get red again. 1980s • People get sick more often now (lots more flu • Takes longer time to freeze-up less now, it wasn’t like this in the 60s and 70s). “vapouring”. • Since 2000, weather has changed a lot. • Erosion on land in Webbs Bay is faster now. • Caribou are harder to get nowadays during • Less pushed ground (permafrost or ice the winter. They go different places. lenses). • Rest of Labrador had lots of mice last year, • Snow drier, not wet snow anymore. first time we have seen some mice on islands. These mice had no eyes. If you • Snow melts faster now because there is kill mice with no eyes it brings bad luck. nothing to it (one hot day and it disappears). • 2001 – noticed last year that there are very • This winter snow is more sugary. small black flies and they bite very hard and crawl into your clothes. They are smaller • Could go around easier on the snow in than sand flies and we do not have these spring, crust on top powder underneath now. ones usually. • Ice “glitter” on snow, animals slip and break • We find blood in the nostrils of caribou legs, injured. now too. • Ice not as thick as before. • In 2000, some people were up around • Can’t go inland because of icing on the Napâttuk, and it was so hot people had to land, no caribou inland because of ice, go onto the speedboat to cool off, also the this is more frequent now. rocks were so hot they were too hot to walk on and a candle even melted in the sun. • More unpredictable weather. •Ranger seals disappeared. GROUP 3 • Ice drains now and then is nothing left, Observations not associated with a specific before it would be hard after draining. time because the changes are so gradual • More snow and water on the ice, years ago • Stays warmer longer into the fall. at certain times it would drain and then ice • Temperature fluctuates often from cold to would float and get hard again, now it just warm and vice versa. soaks through and ice melts. • Changes in ice freeze-up. Freeze-up of soft • Ice used to be 4-7 ft thick in brooks, less ice, then rain or melting, gets freshwater thick now. on ice and the mixing of ice (salt and fresh • Water soaks through the ice now, doesn’t water). drain through cracks and seal holes. 1960s • Warmer winters (fewer very cold days). • By Town Council Office – Carving Shop, • Glitter on the ice affects food for animals, ice in the ground (ice lens) no longer there, can’t get through it, caribou tongues are was there in the 60s. cut up.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P23 • Snow comes and melts. Doesn’t always • Some years, 2-3 years in a row, pups getting stay on high ground. It melts and ices. born on the ice, no snow, getting eaten by Animals are affected, i.e. ukaliks (Arctic wolves – impacts on population. hare) come down from hills for food. • Shoals seem to open quicker now than before • Changes in temperature in April (spring). (have to be very careful). • People get stuck because of fast temperature • Heat more intense now. changes. • Summer much drier now – had a forest fire a few years ago. 1990s • Geese coming earlier it seems (usually • In the spring the rough ice is not as rough as 2nd week of May and now its April). it used to be, doesn’t take long to melt now. • Longer to freeze (before by Christmas • More square flipper seals now, seen all you could have ice, now it’s into January, through summer and fall now (distribution). January 7th this year). •Ponds and swamp areas dry up, can walk over them now. GROUP 4 • More rocks and lower water in larger rivers. Observations not associated with any time • Freshwater ice “candling”. in particular • Outside areas that get ice is worse ice now • When rivers are low in the fall, freezing (freeze up late December before and now it causes the river levels to drop. is late January or early February). • Hot summer causes water levels to go low. • Square flippers coming further up the bays • Water levels change but do not seem to and more of them. change over time. • Used to get ice underground (pure ice), not • Many animals change in numbers but this anymore – pushed up places. is a natural cycle e.g. foxes are not plentiful • Freshwater ice – hard on top and then soft this year, partridge not plentiful, and rabbits a little ways down (10 cm). are plentiful. • Smaller brooks in fall, have less water than 1940-1970 before, char impacted they must wait to go in or go to another river. • American airbase. • Char have to wait for rain to go up brooks 1950s sometimes because of water levels. •Jack Shiwak born. • More crawlers now (species – square flippers, harps, hoods, ringed) – bays open up and • Used to make a dollar a day. Today we seals come in, then freeze up fast and seals do not. get caught. • Dollar used to be worth something. • More harp seals, coming in earlier. 1960s • Ice goes out earlier (used to be middle of June, and now is end of May or early June). •Uranium exploration KipukKak (Inuktitut name for Postville). • Lots more avalanches now. • Codfish are gone caught too much by • Stronger winds all seasons, last longer. draggers and gill nets.
P24 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 1970s • Long ago had huge snowfalls, particularly in March, now we get little snow and more rain, • Churchill Falls completed. snow up to the top of doors and windows • Late 1970s, first high school in Northern before, no more dickyhood batches (snow Labrador. to the top of your coat hood). • 1972-first colour TV in Nain. • 1994 – dog killed a mallard duck (first time ever seen this before) and people in Goose • 1979 – Americans withdraw from airbase. Bay and Rigolet see them commonly since • LIA formed. the 1980s. • Get more daylight hours than before • Tree growth has increased, growing faster. (Oct-Nov). •Used to always have snow before Halloween • S1 used to be open water, now frozen and now not reliable. used as a skidoo trail – Rigolet to Goose and out to NWR. • Weather forecasting is difficult now, Elders not predicting weather because they do • S1B – is pathways that skidoos used to travel not feel that the prediction will be reliable. on because was frozen now it’s easier to cut across as S1. • Notice where there used to be snow banks, they are not there anymore could • S2 – narrows near Rigolet use to run at be related to the changes in wind direction 11 knots, now it is down to 6 knots, prob- or temperature changes. ably due to Churchill Falls development (whirlpool no longer there). • Some of the rivers smell strong from grass or ground? Tea tastes different because of • For last 20 years, Back Bay used to freeze this, does not taste as good as it used to. up, now it does not freeze all the way to the end (Used to travel on it by dog team 1990s now must travel on it by boat). •Development of Churchill Fall. This has •Closed Salmon fishery. changed everything (water levels in • Summer days are not as hot as they used Lake Melville, currents, tides, salinity, to be – only 1 or 2 days are really hot days, fish migration, erosion). it is like spring comes earlier but then you • Capelin do not come in anymore (Postville) – are wondering when summer will come. mid-1970s. Spring is longer now and fall weather is like that too… but summer is shorter 1980s • Water temperature is warmer now, fresh- • End of 1980s cod fishery fails. water and saltwater. • 1980s closed hospitals in North West River • Seasons are very unpredictable used to be now have to go to Goose Bay. predictable and at the same time each year and now it shifts in timing. • Used to see big salmon, great big ones 25-30 lbs in September, don’t see them • Long ago mosquitoes came first before anymore, only small salmon (peels). sand flies (black flies) now black flies show up first (occasionally). • Do we have more cancer today? Or, did we have cancer back then and did not • Geese arrive earlier in the spring and leave know what it was? Over last 15-20 years, earlier in the fall, this affects when hunting we started to learn what cancer was. happens.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P25 • Ice is forming later in the season, ice leaves and awareness about the issue of clean earlier in the season and there is less ice. water – this concern may be causing more worry, because we hear thing on news, • Used to be one could travel from Postville and from the LIHC. to Makkovik at Christmas time over the bay, now must go overland (water frozen before 2000s Christmas, now you cannot count on it). • Geese come earlier now, used to be in May • 2001 AIP signed. and now it is April. • First ratification vote. • Seagulls come earlier now, not until 18th of • Changes in the movements of caribou, April we had seagulls all year near open think forest fires have a lot to do with this water in Rigolet. (around KipukKak (Postville) River caribou • Ponds drying up slowly, water levels went over to the Labrador City area. lowering, in Makkovik area. • Some people take bottled water on trips, • Seen new species in last 4-5 years, swans they sell it in the store now. in Rigolet area. • Never used to worry about drinking water, • There are places where berries used to worry about beaver fever, bacteria, we hear grow but do not anymore in the Postville about water problems down south and area, don’t know why? (Could be weather worry about what is in our ponds. or the soil, who knows). • High wind events are more common now, GROUP 5 winds that break the trees, it’s common to 1920s-1930s see great big squalls today. • Winters beginning to get shorter. • First time seeing thunder and lightning in December; not seen in winter before and 1940s not seeing so much in summer now. • 60 years ago permanent snow starts in •Spring comes earlier, and winter comes later. October and now in mid-December. •Walrus seen at Paul’s island (far to the south), • Sewage going directly to rivers in Goose Bay never seen them that far south before. area. • Moose have moved in Voisey’s Bay area • Low-level flying troubles the caribou. and sightings north of Nain (Animal never eaten before, never thought of). • On Lake Melville, garbage everywhere. • New smalls birds, shorebirds and passerines • Local people working with asbestos that have not been seen before are now seen. without protective clothing.
• Change in prevailing wind. Used to be 1950s northerly and nor’ westerly. • Animals (especially bears) in groups, more • Do not have the big thunderstorms that we aggressive. used to have, used to be regular summer occurrence, but no more (less dramatic, • Ducks and geese in the fall don’t taste less often). good (tastes like bog), in the spring they are still good. • Regularly the community has the water tested and sometimes community is warned • Partridge are disappearing (due to over by authorities to boil water – more concern hunting).
P26 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE • Capelin used to spawn in Lake Melville, 1970-1980 affects seals, salmon and other animals. • Used to have winter conditions in spring – • No fish, bad for the other species (otters, weather is different. martens, wolves). • Trout are smaller, difficult to find one over 1980s 20 lbs. • Great horned owl, don’t see them anymore. • Berries are smaller. •Increased cancer incidence. • Sprayed insects with DDT (by Americans), affected berries, and sprayed right over 1990s houses. • Scum on outside windows from rain and • Trout disappearing, over fishing. snow. 1960s • More thunderstorms – and lightning. • Caribou do not taste the same. • No more winter storms (whiteouts). • Spawning grounds downstream of dams • Fish are soft – gelatinous back. are gone. •After spraying stops (pesticides) – toads • Seals and salmon disappearing. and frogs starting to return. • Species no longer here (Labrador Duck, • Birches in the fall are yellow earlier – Harlequin, Pintail, Loons, Snipes, Plovers). related to insects. • Ducks disappearing. • End of winter – early May break up on • Churchill River not clear anymore. Churchill River (3 weeks before 60 years ago).
1960s-1970s • Need to take a rifle to protect from bears. • Rivers shallower by 10ft. • CB radio reception not good anymore. •Freeze-up starts later in the fall. 1970s • Rabbits disappearing. • Sun is getting hotter than used to be (January). • Too much competition for food among • Less snow now. animals. • Bears used to humans, feed at dump, relationship to humans has changed. • Spiders with long legs, new species, never seen before. • Lot of bears these days. • More ugly insects.
2000s • This winter was bitter cold. Figure 5: Workshop participants discussing observations of environmental change • Hummingbirds seen (new species).
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P27 Table 2. Summary table of observations of changes reported in Labrador workshop, April 30-May 1, 2002.
Aspect observed Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
Temperature • Much warmer in •Stays warmer • Spring comes • Winters getting the spring now. longer into the earlier. shorter. • Summers are fall. •Winter comes • Spring comes hotter. • Temperature later. earlier. changes are • Summer not faster. as hot. • Warmer winters • Fewer (very few cold extremely hot days). days. • Heat is more intense
Storms and • Storms are • More • More high • No more winter extreme events getting worse. avalanches. winds. storms • No more big • Stronger winds • More thunder (whiteouts). snow falls. in all seasons. and lightning • More thunder in winter than storms and before, and lightning. decreasing in summer.
Weather patterns • More • Can’t predict • More • More unpredictable. it anymore, unpredictable. unpredictable. patterns change • Summers much • Change in too quickly drier. prevailing winds (N to NW).
Ice • Later freeze-up. • Later freeze-up. • Later freeze-up • Later freeze-up • Thinner now. • Lot of icebergs and earlier and earlier now. break-up. break-up. • Ice open at • No more “ice- • Less ice strange times of lenses” (ice in coverage. year in some ground). • Some open places. • Sea ice is saltier. areas now • Takes longer frozen up time to freeze- (opposite up. happens too). • Ice not as thick. • Back Bay used • More snow and to freeze-up, water on sea ice. now doesn’t • Spring rough all the way. ice is not as rough anymore. • Worse quality ice (Outside areas (marine) • Ice around shoals open faster now.
P28 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Table 2. Summary table of observations of changes reported in Labrador workshop, April 30-May 1, 2002. (cont’d)
Aspect observed Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
Snow and Rain • Different snow •Not as much •Snow is drier •Not as much • Snow comes (more grainy- snow. now. snow. later. drier). • Snow melts • Snow comes • Less snow now. faster. later in year. • More “glitter” on • More rain than snow in winter. snow.
Fresh water •Drinking water • Ponds and • Poorer quality in •Water levels in systems contaminated. swamp areas natural drinking river is lower. • Ponds are drying up. water sources. drying up. • More rocks and • Water temp is lowering water warmer. in rivers. • Ponds drying up. • Brooks with low • Lower water water levels. levels.
Marine systems • Lower water • Some currents levels in some decreased (per- harbours. haps because of • Tides are Churchill Falls). changing (more • Water temp is extreme highs warmer. and lows). • Larger waves.
Land • Drier now. • More erosion on land (Webb’s Bay). • Less pushed up ground in summer.
Plants and • Smaller rhubarb. • Fewer bake • Trees growing • Berries are berries • Pussy willows apples. faster. smaller. almost gone. • Changes in • Birches turn • Fewer berries distribution yellow earlier now. of berry areas. in fall (related to insects).
Terrestrial • Fewer lemmings. • Taste of wild • Moose moving • Bears more Animals • More abnor- meat (caribou further north aggressive. malities in all and seal) not (north of Nain). • Caribou don’t species. the same. • Changes taste the same. • Caribou bone in caribou • Fewer rabbits. marrow is not movements. as greasy. • Caribou are skinnier. • Caribou moving to different places in winter. • More rabid foxes.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P29 Table 2. Summary table of observations of changes reported in Labrador workshop, April 30-May 1, 2002. (cont’d)
Aspect observed Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
Marine mammals • Seals are • Ranger seals • Seals are skinnier. disappeared. disappearing. • Polar bears • More square coming closer flippers. to land. • More “crawlers” • Fewer jumpers now. outside of •More harp seals. Makkovik.
Birds • Fewer plovers, • Geese coming • Geese come • Geese come •Taste of ducks snow larks, and earlier but not earlier. earlier in spring and geese in snow buntings. going to their and leave fall not as good. • Some new nesting places. earlier in fall. • Partridge are small yellow • Seagulls come disappearing. and red species earlier. • No more coming. • See new species Harlequin ducks, (e.g. swans, Labrador ducks, passerines, Pintails, Loons, shorebirds). Snipes, Plovers, Great Horned Owl, and hummingbird.
Fish • No more capelin • Fish further • No more cod • Fewer fish and in shallow water. south have fish. fewer species. • No more cod – worms. • Capelin don’t • Trout are smaller only in deep • Char is more come anymore and fewer in water now. pale (not as (Postville). number. • Fewer offshore red), starting to • Salmon smaller. • Salmon are fish. change back disappearing. though. • No more cod, only rock cod.
Insects • Larger and new • More, new and insects. ugly insects.
Pollution • More pollution in the environ- ment today.
Other • Get more • Sun is hotter daylight hours. today. • Seems like there is more cancer.
P30 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 3.0 EFFECTS • Go to Kanaigittuk Bay for drinking water. • Makes people worry of other water Following the placing of the observations in the sources – were contaminated drums timeline the small groups were asked to review dumped in other places? the observations they recorded and discuss the associated impacts they are experiencing as a • People are urged to boil water. result of these changes. These were discussed • Community concerns with chlorinated from the participants’ personal perspective. water – Elders are not used to this. It has a bad taste – smell and stomach GROUP 1 problems and diarrhea – Elders don’t boil their water. 1. Lower water levels where boats used to have access/anchor. • Kettle gets rusty. • Changing travel routes. • Younger generation buy bottled water. • Farther to travel means it is more costly. • Community members are being blamed for dumping tanks even though others 2. Fewer green worms on junipers (lots when used pond, etc. for planes, etc. and left camping up north though). tanks behind. • People wonder what causes this. • Eggs boiled in water become rusty 3. Fewer birds especially Nasauligaks (Lapland colour. longspur or snow lark). • Less food – can’t find them, so can’t fry 7. Capelin are fewer – gone from shallows – them up like we used to. found only in deep water. • Don’t get a chance to enjoy these. • Available only in stores – and they are • Due to laws, kids can’t trap (Paluniak- too salty and too smoked. trying to catch), especially birds, • We are no longer harvesting them – our anymore – if caught get charged. way of life changed – our tradition gone. 4. No more kumaks (lice). • We crave them. • Good. •Other small fish being mistaken for • People used to think/say kumaks (lice) capelins – hardly anyone can recognize were good for health because they them now. would suck the bad blood. • Also tied to a hair, they could be used 8. Fewer tulligunaks (Rose root). to rid eyes of puss. • Used to be use for medicine.
5. Smaller rhubarb. • Concerned about development in community because they are less • People don’t use it at much. in development areas. • Not as good for jam. • Have to go further to find them. • People think that good rhubarb still grows in Hebron and travel far to 9. Seals and fish washing up on shore. gather it, only to find there is none. • Concern – if they are washing up on 6. Drinking water contaminated by rotting the shore, does it mean there are less gas tank/oil drums. for us? What is the cause? Is it natural? • Community members concerned about • If fish are washing up, what about their PCBs. predators – what are they eating?
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P31 10. Pussy willows are fewer. 14. Large hails stones. • Leaves are edible – so fewer available • Infrequent (happened only in Nain) for food – when young. no effect but unusual. • Concern that dust/pollution from vehicles in town is affecting this. 15. Lots of sickness in old communities. • Sour more quickly now. • Concern – what are the causes? Water pollution? Air pollution? Uranium? PCBs? 11. Storms are getting worse. (Hopedale maybe Voisey`s Bay). • Break-up the ice. • Need studies on these – information back to people (lot of studies have • Some people get stranded when traveling been done – but nothing is happening). and there is an unexpected storm – this is a problem – especially bad if someone • Many sicknesses happens to be ill and stranded. 16. Tides are changing – more severe high – • Need communication improved for low tides. better safety – none now (except Rigolet have CBs). • When lower tides – we can go farther to get clams, mussels and ittiks (sea • Communication equipment too costly. urchins), siutiguks (snails), kuanniks (a • Concern for community members – form of sea weed), other invertebrates. especially low-income families. • Concern – how high will the tide • Bad news for hunters when ice breaks up. become? Our communities are in jeopardy. 12. Ponds are drying up. •High tides cause lots of kelp to get • Some ponds had trout – no longer caught up in the fishermen’s nets. available to us. • Concern – what is the cause? 17. Higher/bigger waves. •Can we do anything about this – studies • No effect – acceptance – used to it. would be good – take information back to communities. 18. Feel sick in Nain – not on land. • Concern that air in community is 13. Fewer fish (cod). polluted – fresh air out on land. • We are hungry for them. • Lots of furnaces (fumes). •Trout have changed colours – pink • Contamination from dump. to white (when get red fresh salmon, • People are healthier out on the land. very good.) • Concern that pollution density in town • New limits on how much we can have. spreads illness. •More regulations – on location, seasonal quotas – method as well. 19. Fewer lemmings. • Locations – have to go elsewhere – • Little effect. costly in gas – need skidoos too – not • Good pets – easy to train. everyone has these means to travel • Heard at meetings in Baffin – migrate as (low incomes – mostly everyone here a group – why are they not migrating in Labrador). as much? How does this affect birds? • Smaller salt water pond cod gone. What is causing this? Environment No more for a long time now. changes?
P32 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 20. Abnormalities in wildlife (sores and • Hard to prepare for travel. parasites). • Easy to get stranded – need to be as • Concern – what is causing them? fully prepared as possible. • When infected we cannot eat – mostly • Want Environment Canada people get discarded, left for the gulls /foxes etc. more involved with local people in our • This is disappointing (e.g. beluga with language in the a.m. (OK Society gives sores caught – we were looking forward forecast in the afternoon). to mattak but got none). • Lots of people listen for forecast but not dependable especially before travel 21. Ice comes later. (6:00 a.m. CBC Goose Bay news). • Sometimes it’s January before freezing over. 25. Lots of mice. • People can’t get to camps at usual times. • Lots of foxes and wolves. • People waited for stream off newly • Lot of rabies, dangerous for people. formed ice – waited for it to freeze • Skins were used for infections. properly – not anymore does not freeze well. 26. Fewer nakatanaujaks (English translation unknown). 22. Dried up land. • Edible (Elders know this, maybe not • Fewer berries in land – the berries that youth), they are very tasty. are around are small, dried up, can find berries on islands. 27. Change in the water. • Used to be that if there is a lot of snow in •Slimy substance on nets – concern – winter it meant good lots of berries later. What is causing this? Water temperature? • What is causing this? Too dry? Too cold? Draggers?
23. Different snow in October. 28. Fewer rock cod. • Can’t build snow houses – too powdery – • Because seals eat them? but people don’t build these so much – • Can’t make pitsik (dried fish) anymore. tents, cabins used. • Cannot teach youth how to build snow 29. New kinds of birds houses – youth have no saviks (knifes) • Concern – What are they? Where are to make snow houses – not used any- they coming from? What does their more – when out on land others at home presence mean? worried that they will be stranded without knowledge and tools to build 30. Rotten duck eggs snow houses. • Concern – must be happening because 24. Thunder (weather unpredictable). it’s warmer – too much heat from sun – mother ducks leaving eggs in nest too • Cannot predict weather like we used to – long – why? impossible now. • Thunder used to mean good weather 31. Larger insects, spiders/mosquitoes. coming – but not anymore. • Why are they so large? What are they • Need to adapt to this. eating?
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P33 32. More serious storms in fall. 6. The drinking water from the town water • Can’t get flights into KipukKak (Postville) supply doesn’t taste good, tastes rusty. – medivac, charters with supplies for • This affects everyone in the commu- the communities. nity(s). It seems like we’re getting sicker • Especially in November – still lots of all of the time and the taste seems to open water at that time. be getting worse, rustier. • Anchored boats sink or are blown • Annie Evans, LIHC’s community health ashore and broken up. worker, tests the water every month and after it is cleaned it tastes a lot better. • Travelling hazards – very dangerous. • People wishing for breakwater. 7. The taste of wild meat is not the same. • We noticed this from other communities GROUP 2 like Nain, it’s not just Makkovik. The land 1. When we lived in Hebron, we never saw is affecting the taste of the meat (what’s timber flies, but when we moved to happening on the land e.g. pollution) also Makkovik, we saw them. we think they are eating differently. • People got bit by them and got sick. 8. Back in the 1980s there was a lot of snow Just last spring, a man was bit by one but not as much now. and had to be hospitalized. • The year is colder, so you could not go 2. The char further south have worms in them. out as much on skidoo. • When my wife ate a fish with worms, 9. Foxes are turning rabid. They didn’t before. she had an allergic reaction. They are all right if they are dried but not if they • Never used to be like that before, it is are eaten raw. We still eat fish there more often now. because it is our food. Other people in the community have noticed this and 10. Seems to be less partridges than before we want DFO to look in to this. because foxes are eating their eggs. (Recommendation) •This changes every year, sometimes there are a lot, and sometimes there 3. Bone marrow is not as greasy, drier. are hardly any. • Not as tasty and they have more blood. • They are not as meaty as before, there- fore, we need to cook more to get 4. Seal meat and caribou are skinnier. enough. • They are not as meaty. • Seal gravy is darker. 11. No more cod, only rock cod. The cod has been over fished by trawlers. • Bedlamer seal fat is not as greasy – fatty as before. • Everyone wishes for cod. Get tired of the same old thing, but never tired of cod. 5. Can’t use nets in ponds anymore, wasn’t like that before. 12. In Makkovik people are only allowed to 1 get twelve char, trout a day. •4/2 inch nets are not allowed anymore for food only 5 inch nets are used now. • We would like to be able to catch more. 1 • Would like to be able to use 4 /2 inch again to catch for food, since nets are 13. Summers are getting hotter. too big. • Get headaches and have to take Tylenol.
P34 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE • People get sick more. Feel sick when 18. Brooks are starting to dry up and also it’s too hot. Make you not want to do ponds. anything. • Because of this, when we are at our • We went on speedboat to cool off, it cabins we have to find other farther was so hot. water sources.
14. Polar bears are coming closer to land, 19. There are more icebergs now. They travel around camping sites anytime of year. anywhere. • On the radio, they say that this is also • Recommendation: need to get more happening further up north. Elders involved, they have a lot more information. • Because the Polar bears follow the ice. • The bears destroyed cabins, camps, etc. 20. Not many bake apples or they ripen a lot •They are getting scary. earlier. • There were a lot of bake apples last year 15. There used to be a lot of jumpers outside but they ripened earlier and spoiled. Makkovik but not as many or hardly any • So the people had to go elsewhere. today. • Every year they seem to be getting less. • Travel further to get jumpers, even though they were far before, now they • Because the sun is getting too hot, are much further now. which dries up the ground, they used to be much bigger. • Therefore, you spend more money to get Jumpers (dolphins), but they don’t • The earth is getting old like the people. mind, as long as they have Jumpers. • Last summer was the first time they • Gas is very expensive. noticed there were not any bake apples.
16. An opening in the ice around Davis Inlet, 21. Geese are hunted before they can land at which was never there before. their resting grounds. • Why is this, what is causing this? • As a result, the following year they go somewhere else, further away. • People of Davis Inlet heard a loud noise and thought this may have something • When they eat too many berries to do with the opening. (including bake apples) they cannot fly. • It was not caused by waves. 22. Caribou harder to get during winter now. • This also happened around Makkovik • Keep meat during winter for summer area, August Point, there was only a months in freezers now. small brook, so this was not the cause. Even the big trees were knocked down, this happened a couple of years ago, GROUP 3 and the trees are already dried up. 1. Stays warmer longer into the fall/Later freeze-up. 17. Can no longer predict the weather, changes too quickly. • Have to wait for ice to form. • In the month of May, its mostly only • Focuses hunting activity on land because ice, no snow on ice when travelling to you can’t get out on the ice as early. cabin, then in June, it is open water. • Can’t get out far enough to get seals.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P35 • Can’t get to traditional hunting spots 4. ‘Glitter’ on top of the snow. early. • Hard for animals to get at food (caribou • More skidoos falling through the ice. and ukaliks-Arctic hare). • Have to make rescues more often • Hard for skidooing. because of the late freeze-up. • At first when it forms, hard to get out • Older people aren’t teaching younger on skidoo, after time gets easier. ones the same information they were • Easier to find some animals because taught about the land, and people are they go where you know to find them taking for granted how they think the (e.g. come out of the hills to get their conditions are. food) – the effects of this is that it is • People don’t use the traditional method easier to access some of the animals. for testing the ice anymore (it used to • Animal accidents are caused by the be three sharp jabs with your dart and glitter, they slide down hillsides and then you knew you could travel on it). die in some cases (this has happened • There is often snow on the ice right before in some places-specifically this after it freezes and this keeps the ice has been reported near Nain to date). soft and it isn’t safe to travel on (and • Caribou get bruised a lot because of the it sinks with snow on it). glitter, we have caught them after and •Animals from islands (foxes and ukaliks you can tell. – Artic hare) come in from the islands • When caribou have to move because later in the season, changes their of the glitter it changes their diet, this distribution and our access to these influences their taste; some of them species. aren’t good tasting in these situations (they are out along the coast eating 2. Erosion faster now (e.g. up in Webb’s Bay). kelp etc.). • Changes the channel of the brook – we • Caribou are often skinnier in these used to get up the brook in the boat cases too. and char used to be able to go up the brook, now they have to wait for rain •Sometimes people take more animals to get up it. when they are closer to the community (because they have come out of the • Threatens houses and buildings on the hills because of the glitter), this has an site – we will have to do something effect on the population numbers. about it eventually to stop it. • We have done some to slow it (put 5. More unpredictable weather. down wood and boards to slow • More people get stuck out and caught erosion) but it doesn’t last for long. in weather and stranded. 3. Snow lighter/more sugary and dry now. • Harder for traveling in speedboats in the fall. • Not good for skidooing, get stuck more easily, go down in the powder. • Can’t predict when to go off as easily as before. •Harder access to traditional hunting and wooding areas. • Now that there is a ground search and rescue team here in Nain, people take • Harder walking in snowshoes now too. more chances I think (not thinking about • The snow is no good for making snow the weather) – this puts the rescue team houses anymore. at risk.
P36 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 6. Capelin gone. 10. More avalanches. • Fewer fish for seals, because they are the • We are more aware of them too, because food for seals, therefore the seals are of the avalanche guy in town. perhaps skinnier I think, and now seals • People think about them more now are changing their diet, eating more though too. char and other things. • People avoid these areas when traveling. •With more skinny jar seals, they are not as good for eating. • They have more knowledge about them but then they think and worry 7. There are more ‘crawlers’ now too of all about them more. species. • They are dangerous. We know to avoid • This makes it easier to get seal meat if them. the seals haven’t been up on the ice for • There is more hoar frost now too, too long because then the taste gets bad. and this has increased the chances • Crawlers are good for fox as they are of avalanches. prey. 11. Ice opens much faster around the shoal 8. More harp seals. areas. • The price for pelts is coming back so • Makes for more dangerous travel in maybe this is a good thing? these areas. • Fewer rock cods (maybe this is because • Have to be more aware when traveling of the increase in harp seals, I am not especially in these areas. sure). • Can’t take some regular paths for • The harps scare char away, this affects traveling now. our access to char. • Ice in these areas goes very fast and • Young harps are good for food though. therefore it is harder to get out in some regions and in some cases to get to 9. Small ponds and some brooks are some regular hunting spots. drying up. 12. Spring coming earlier, snow gone earlier • When there is ‘hung up’ ice along the in the year, and earlier break-up. sides of the brooks (ice where the water level has dropped significantly, and there • People stuck in community longer is nothing under the ice, it is dangerous) (‘spring fever’), people get frustrated it is hard to get in there because it is hol- and anxious to go off. low below and could break (dangerous • People are affected by having to stay for accessing these areas). in the community. • Ponds drying up – has an effect on birds • Have to wait to go off because the (gulls), they have to move to another snow is no good to travel on. place to lay eggs. •Affects char when the small rivers dry 13. Land is dryer now – fewer berries. up because the char can’t get up them • Fewer berries and bake apples some for their migration and to spawn. years. • So, we can’t get char up in the ponds • Less of them for food for us and animals. but we can get them at the mouths of • But the drier weather is good for red the river because they are waiting there berries so it is not just negative. while the water is low. • Birds don’t hang around as long if there • Bears can get them there more easily too. aren’t berries here.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P37 • Some years berries don’t grow at all, 20. The sun is hotter now. can’t get them as much these years. • Burns your skin more easily than before • Blackberries – some places you can find (get sun burns more now). lots, others there aren’t many, where before there were. 21. Many trees have brown needles. They are much drier now. 14. Foxes are fatter and mating earlier. • Some trees are dying in some areas. • Hard to clean them because it requires more work. 22. Caribou have bugs and worms in them • This is all part of the cycle though (mice more now than before. are about to increase now because there • We don’t eat the livers because of this. are none this year because of rabies in • There are white round worms in some the past few years). animals all throughout the meat. • Fox skin is thinner when they are fatter • The marrow is now dry and stringy, this and this makes cleaning the pelts harder. is bad as it is usually good for eating 15. Marten coming back now. and now we don’t eat those that are stringy and dry. • We trap them so this is good for economic reasons. • Some caribou are now found with worms (black) in the throat. • Not many people trap anymore though. •All these animals we find bugs in etc. •Hardly any young animals though, they we do not eat (so there are fewer for are just moving in from somewhere else, eating then because of this). so just the old ones are here right now. • 16-18 years ago caribou came out to 16. Wolverines are around here now. the coast, this was good as it brought • Bad thing for trappers, they get other wolves and foxes out which were good animals and can cause trouble at camps. for trapping.
17. Moose are far north now. 23. More contaminants in the environment • More and more are coming this far now. north every year. • You hear more about the contaminants • We are not allowed to kill them though in eggs (gulls) now. so it is not a source of food for us just • It has to do with the dump I think. now. • People don’t eat eggs from close to • There is no hunting season for them town. up here. • There is concern with the eggs people eat. 18. Beaver are coming back. • Concern about eggs at Saglek because •They are building dams in certain areas. of the contamination there. • We can trap them. •I guess this is a good things because 24. More golden eagles around now. we can trap them if we want. • Positive swing in the population.
19. Fewer young geese these days. 25. Impacts of the changes on polar bears. • In the spring hunt, mostly you get older • Ice melting faster changes where polar ones now. bears are seen and where they are • Young ones weren’t as good for eating. coming ashore.
P38 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE • More polar bears around now. GROUP 4 • They stay out long if the ice is rough 1. Get more daylight hours than before. (i.e. drift ice), when it melts they come in, and this happens more now as the • More daylight hours give you more rough ice and ice in general is melting time to work or stay out on the land. faster now. • Easier on electricity bill. • So the changes in the sea ice has impacts • Changes are slow, difficult to notice, on their condition and distribution. so people adapt to it. •Maybe they are using land fast ice more than rough ice and there could be more 2. S1 used to be open water (see map). movement back and forth between these • Changes travel route in winter. habitats by bears now. • Scares the Elders who are not used to 26. Impacts of the changes on black bears. travel through there, used to be open water. • They are getting more used to all the noise (they are getting ‘tamer’). • More direct, much quicker route. • They are having their young closer to 3. S2 – narrows near Rigolet used to run at the coast. 11 knots – now 6 knots (see map). • There are many more young ones now • Not that big effect on locals. Has an and this is because of a higher survival effect on fisheries, less salmon and rate; you see more mothers with more trout – less seals – tide slowed down cubs now. so salt water has encroached inland. • Because of the changes in temperature This may have affected the salmon’s they are coming out of their dens earlier, movements up river to spawn. with the warmth they come out earlier, • Affects the way we travel. Used to be with the glitter, the sun goes through whirlpools and bad currents. Used to the snow, brings bears out earlier. avoid those areas near the narrows – • They go into dens later with the warmer waited for slack tide – now can go at weather and less snow later in the year anytime. Not as dangerous now as it than before (got one in November last used to be. year). • More up past tree line (Saglek, Hebron) – 4. Development of Churchill Falls. this could be because there is no village • Lower water levels in some rivers that past Nain and therefore less hunting on we can no longer travel on. Affects them there (barren ground black bears). routes used. • These ones (north of the tree line) go out • Made difference to all rivers and how on the ice for seals, and hunt for caribou. they flow. Even lakes 100 miles away • There is some concern in the region (e.g. Moran Lake). because some bears are getting killed • Changed water levels, allows smelts to for no reason (bears coming into camps travel 100 miles up river in places that and being shot). they never were before. Allows us to • Last year there were approximately dip-net at night (for some) (salt water 7 or so that were killed (barren ground moving inland and slower currents black bears). allows this).
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P39 5. Capelin do not come in anymore (Postville) • Changes the timing of hunting for seals. – not on the shoreline (beaches) to spawn. • Little snow causes pipes to freeze and • Now go ashore anywhere at all, and break because not present for insulation. spawn other places. Never seen this Snow insulates the houses, particularly before. Cannot get them with a dip net the floor – increased heating bills. because too far under the water. • Makes it more difficult for caribou to • Used to be part of the traditional diet. travel and feed on moss – move to top • Used to dry them (and salt them) for of hills and avoid the lower trees. We the dogs. No more now so we buy know to hunt them on the hills. them from the store. • Some kids probably do not even know 8. 1994 – Dog killed Mallard Duck. what a capelin is. • Wonder why they are moving into area, other than that another bird to put in a 6. Used to see big salmon 20-35 lbs in pot. They should be found in places September. that are warmer. • “September Run” – big ones. Not allowed to put nets out anymore, must 9. Trees grow faster. take nets out by August but when nets • Wonder why this is happening? Gives are in, you still do not see as many big us questions – we notice these changes. ones, mostly peels (still there but not as many big ones). •Will affect us in the future – some potential in the future (forestry, etc.). • No commercial fisheries anymore – allowed 10 salmon but they are usually 10. Weather forecasting difficult now. very small, like a trout. Affects us in that we get less fish meat. Used to last us • Effect is to turn more to electronic fore- the winter, now can’t. Affects our diet. casting than the Elders – this is not • Affects the older generation much more good – no prediction is reliable. than the present generation because this • Makes planning difficult – really can’t plan was something they were used to. Diffi- a hunting trip based on the forecast – cult to leave behind. Next generation weather changes too quickly. will not even know about this. • It used to be good to depend on Elders for weather forecasting (Allan’s grand- 7. Long time ago, had huge snowfalls father used to predict weather well, particularly in March. before he died said ‘hard to say’ too •Only ‘heads and tails’ now (dogs’ bellies difficult and unreliable. under the snow). • Cats used to go wild before storms – • Effect is that now it is easier to get run around houses – no more. around. • February 2002: big batch of snow – 11. There used to be snow banks that are not Elders have never seen anything like there anymore. this before. Also, big sea must have • Used these snow ridges and banks for broke up ice in Makkovik harbour – navigation – when this changes, one Must have been hurricanes. has to keep this in mind when traveling. • Deep snow causes slush in spring – Now, with different directions of the makes travel difficult – too watery for wind, the direction (orientation) of seals to get up on ice. Must wait until snow banks changes and makes it water on surface drains. difficult to predict a route.
P40 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 12. Water smells strong – tastes bad. •Why is this happening? Makes us curious. • Scared to drink the water. • Aside: “scrunchin” on the snow (sound • Water in the houses smells – put too of walking on snow – cold snow). Used much chemicals in it – smells and tastes to hear this in winter all the times, but bad – worried about health effects from rarely today. Used to have a dry – cold this water. weather – but not much anymore – could hear your footsteps behind you – • Some rivers and ponds also smell and snow is different now. taste bad. Particularly when it does not rain for quite some time. Do not want •‘Smoke-a-drift’ heavy snowdrifts – can’t to drink this water. see land. • Makes us wonder why pond water 16. Mosquitoes came first – now sand flies. smells and tastes bad. • Lots of torment (bugs you a lot) from the flies. 13. Summer days are not as hot as used to be (fewer intensely hot days). • Change activities sometimes because of this. Do not go outside. • Some days, the rocks were so hot you could not dry your fish on them – too • Torments the animals – dogs too – can’t hot. Don’t see this much anymore. Rare rest, must keep moving. to find a day where you cannot dry fish. • Drives animals out of the woods and to • Hot days (char and trout) you get more the shorelines – affects where we find fish in the nets because they move more animals. and are higher in the water on hot days. 17. Geese arrive earlier in the spring – leave 14. Water temperature is warmer now – fresh earlier in the fall. and salt water. • Earlier access to geese. • Wonder how this affects us. • People who work at fish plant worried that they may miss the fall goose hunt • Temperature of water affects the fish, because geese leave early. There is a which affects our ability to get them. spring hunt, birds are fatter. • Affects the freeze-up of the ice – we • Geese arriving earlier in spring is better don’t get thick ice like we used to. because ice may still be good to travel Changes the timing of freeze-up and on. Too late, can’t travel as well for break-up. This affects our traveling goose hunt (positive effect). routes and timing. • Warmer water – thinner ice – makes 18. Ice forming later in the fall – leaves earlier dangerous travel – more accidents – in spring. trying ice and people are breaking • Disrupts our means of travel. Prefer to through the ‘top crust’. use skidoos over boats (can go every- • Makes people more nervous to travel. where – safer when breakdown) but this prolongs period of boat travel. Fall not 15. Seasons are very unpredictable. good time to travel by boat (windy – • Was something we could depend on. cold). Kids now do not depend on the Elders • Concentrates hunters in smaller areas anymore – do not pay attention to what for hunting (e.g. partridge). Same for they say because they could be wrong – Christmas trees – can’t get up the Leads to less value being placed upon bay anymore – people starting to buy Elders. artificial Christmas trees.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P41 • Seals (harp, ring) staying in the bay – 24. First time seeing thunder and lightning in used to leave in June – now stay in bay December. right until they leave in the Fall – must •Makes people say prayers. be more seals. • Makes older people wonder why? • Makes it easier to get out to the Islands Strange. for eggs. This could affect the birds perhaps? • Frightening. 25. Walrus seen at Paul’s Island. 19. Travel from Postville to Makkovik at Christmas over the bay – now have to • Good thing, people eat these animals. go overland. 26. Poorer water quality. • Safety: Can be dangerous – can be dangerous to travel over ice. • Sometimes must boil water – gives stress. • Waiting for Bay to freeze over. • Increased expenses to establish water • Not always enough snow on land to systems. go – stops travel. • Does not taste as good – will not drink. 20. Seagulls come earlier. •Will not drink because don’t like the • May lay eggs earlier. chemicals. • Question what chemicals they put in •This affects egg collection. the water and their effects on humans. 21. Ponds drying up slowly – water levels • Can no longer travel across ponds that dropping in Makkovik area. used to travel on commonly because they are now town water sources – • Changes where you go to get birds against the law. and fish. 27. Change in caribou movements. 22. New species seen. •Must travel greater distances – eat more • Mallard: good to eat. store bought food because of this. • Swans: good to look at. • More expensive: gas, food (store • Moose: not even good to look at. bought). •1 caribou: worth $ 600 – $ 800 of 23. High winds events more common now. store meat. • Hard on roofs of houses. 28. Some take bottled water on trips. • Dangerous for boaters – ‘waves are too big (bigalops) to get out.’ • More expensive. • Affects travel – storm bound (The team • Different taste – like ice water better. was unsure of what the participant • Drink bottled water more because it meant by this), can’t get back: “when does not smell like town tap water. you coming back? Depends on the • Drink more juice and pop (lots of pop) weather.” now. • Must prepare for longer periods of time – in case. 29. Worry about drinking water. • Bring more food. •As above – lack of confidence.
P42 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP 5 8. Ducks and geese in the fall don’t taste good. 1. Winters are shorter (started in 1920 to now). • Local sources of pollution affecting the • Changes too fast to adjust to. fish and duck. • Too much to keep up with. •Diet has changed (life has changed) – inland people don’t rely anymore (like • Harder for trappers. coastal communities) on traditional •Overlapping seasons affects seasonal food sources. diet – harder to maintain. 9. Partridge disappearing (plus capelin and 2. Hard cold winters, early onset. trout). • October trapping travel on ice. •Missing benefits of traditional food • Skating on ponds in October. (craving it sometimes). • Capelin: food base for other species 3. Sewage to river untreated. (seals, salmon). • Could no longer drink the water (Snow water now has a film when melted, 10. Berries are smaller. used to be beautiful, might be affecting caribou taste). • Less picking. • Seals and salmon affected, sores are • It is a main source in the diet because it now seen on them. is used for many things (jam, pies, etc.). • Increased illness among people and • Prevented scurvy/rickets. wildlife. 11. Sprayed insects with DDT (done in 1950s 4. Low-level flying affects caribou. and 1960s by Americans). • Affecting migration routes. • Could no longer eat the berries. • Caribou: Mealy Mountain herd doesn’t • It still has not come back normal. show up anymore. •Eggshells are soft – now back to normal. • Could affect berries (pollution). • Kills the birds. 5. Lake Melville: Garbage everywhere. • Have to change the sources of drinking • Attracting black bears. water for people travelling. • More flies around garbage. • People travelled farther for fishing, hunting and picking berries after DDT • Need protection (rifles) against the bears. applications. 6. Local people working with asbestos without protection. 12. Trout disappearing (over fishing). • Health impacts later on: cancers, brain • Coming back now. problems, and lung problems. • Now there are regulations for fishing.
7. Animals in groups (especially bears) more 13. Permanent snow mid-October now mid- aggressive. December. • Need to have a gun to stay in a camp. • Delay to go ice fishing (going to store • Scared to go camping. instead).
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P43 14. Caribou do not taste the same (George • Cannot fish anymore. River Herd). • Dangerous for boating, swimming, etc. •Still tasting off today. • Could walk from one side to the other • Don’t enjoy caribou meat as much. side. • Changed from daily to once a week meal. • Loss of recreational benefits • Less fat on the rump. (swimming, picnics, etc.).
15. Spawning grounds downstream of dams 19. Rivers shallower by 10 feet. gone. • Fish are a lot smaller. 20. Sun is getting hotter than used to be. • Have to go farther for fishing. • Flooding (snow melts too fast). • Creatures getting confused by 16. Seals and salmon disappearing (gone). unpredictable seasonal changes. • Have to travel further to find them. • Good for gardens, vegetables, but • More expensive to fish and hunt. need watering. • More dangerous. • Certain plants can survive now, new species like apple trees. • Need camping for fishing and hunting. • Less exercise, used to go snowshoeing. 17. Some duck species are no longer here. • More easy to travel. Others have changed in numbers. • Savings on snow blowers and gas. • Some duck species are still here but • Probably better for trees. they are reduced in numbers. • Some duck species had a good taste: 21. Used to have winter conditions in spring. Pintails. • Longer growing season. • Loss of benefits and diet from these changes. •New species of animals, birds. • Positive change. 18. Churchill River not clear anymore. • No more a source of drinking water 22. Weather is different. (stopped drinking in the 1960s). • See 1920s-1930s effects.
Figure 6: Workshop participants listening to a presentation.
P44 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 23. Rabbit disappearing; linked to Great 4.0 REACTIONS/ADAPTATIONS Horned Owl (don’t see any more). • Rabbit is food source for some people. After discussing effects of these changes that have been observed the workshop groups dis- • Owl is useful for cleaning pest species. cussed what could be done by individuals and communities to deal/adapt to these changes 24. Increased cancer incidence. and if there were things already going on in • Because of more people in the area the community, or their household to adapt (The team was unsure of what the to these changes. participant meant by this).
25. More thunderstorms. GROUP 1 • Starts forest fires (more frequent). Adaptation – next steps: • Travel routes have changed. 26. No more winter storms. • You can travel more easily. •High/low tides – studies and research required – give resulting information back • Visibility is better. to the community members. 27. End of winter: early May (three weeks • Because we cannot get cod for pitsik (dried before 60 years ago). fish) and Sivak (cooked cod liver), we use • Good impact. rock cod instead to replace the cod. • Longer growing season. • We need to know more about the reasons our animals are getting sick – what can 28. Freeze up starts later in the fall. be done? • More impact on coastal communities •Because our traditional medicines (berries, (travelling on ice). plants, etc.) are scarce now, we depend on white peoples’ medicines, knowledge 29. CB radio reception not good anymore. is not passed to younger people. • Problems if there are emergencies. • Because we are losing our tradition of making kamiks (seal skin boots), we buy 30. Too much competition for food among store-bought boots, etc. animals – bears used to humans. • We need more people making traditional • Risk to communities. clothing to teach youth. 31. New insects, spiders. • Our youth need to be taught how to live • Not bothering. on the land – to be prepared – and just to learn e.g. we will know what to do if • People wondering why new insects. equipment/technology breaks down or malfunctions. 32. This winter was bitter cold (one year event). • We need science to tell us why these things • Didn’t snow much. are happening. • Bad ice areas are marked – but not until after a fatality – mark bad ice areas before fatalities.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P45 • Need a shorter time span (currently 24 to Dry Wood 48 hours) for missing parties – this should • People have to travel a lot further for dry be done (search party dispatch) ASAP. wood. •Impacts study (low level flying) should be done on Inuit lands too. These have been GROUP 3 done on Innu lands with good results for Traditional Foods the Innu – what about our land? • Have freezers so we have traditional food • Studies have been done on water quality – access all year round. people told not to drink water 25 years ago. • Used to salt it as well to preserve it •Mining impact studies done but (smoked too) not doing this as much information is not available – when can we as before though now. know? Why does it remain confidential? • Can get char now year round because travel GROUP 2 on skidoos makes it easier and can travel faster and further in winter than before. Caribou • There is less caribou around Makkovik so • Use different machines to go off, some we have to go up to Nain to get some, people walk when waiting for snow to come. or Davis Inlet way inside the country. We •Access by boat – using them later in the have to spend a lot more money on gas. season now. Drinking Water More Unpredictable and Changing Weather • Sometimes to drink the water, we have to boil it first (there is a boil water order from • Search and Rescue team exists already. We LIHC). Would be better if we have our own are rescuing these people that are getting pipes, or plastic pipes were used. stranded. • Used to be families that did this on their Fishing own, now there is a team. • The quota of 12 fish is not enough, especially • Need to inform people about the changes for large families. So sometimes people fish that are going on and the impacts they have on the sly to meet their needs. The char is and could have – education is needed. not going to go away. Some people are disabled and can’t fish, and people who • Search and Rescue team has done some work can only fish on the weekend. People specific public awareness, but there is a give some of their quota to the Elders. need for more. • Some white people fishing on the sly, • Parents don’t always show kids the traditional using helicopters. This means less fish ways/knowledge as much as before – this for the community. needs to be done especially now with all these changes. Ice/Wooding • Because the ice doesn’t freeze until after Changes in Ice Conditions December, people have to go wooding • Ice track tests must be done, we did them more in the spring so that they have enough. for Voisey’s Bay tests and informed people of the ice conditions for safety for travel, Bake Apples this is going to be even more important, • There aren’t many around so we have to we need a system like this with all the look around to other places. If I have to, changes in ice conditions and potential I will buy some from the store. shipping in the future.
P46 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP 4 • Community coordination scheme for distributing meat/food between Water communities ? yearly changes in who has • Go outside community already to get and doesn’t have food exists. drinking water. • Monitoring to find out about pollutants in • Should get water being used outside Air/Food/Water. of town tested, so we know if it is good (commonly used sources). Ice • Already test community water – hear results • Make trails. of tests – they are posted. • Monitor ice conditions from year to year. • Many people buy Brita water filters. • People call ahead now to find out ice • Buy bottled water from store. conditions in other communities. • Decrease cost of bottled water – make it less than gas. GROUP 5 • There is a by-law that says people are not Climate Change allowed to travel over water sources with • Just go along with it (cope with it). skidoos and dog teams, etc. • Good communication system in Goose-Bay/ •Like to hear medical/health experts’ advice Happy Valley. on the water issue. • Be more flexible/take more time for planning Weather (travelling-fishing-hunting). • Educate people about weather forecasting. • Need 2 weeks for 1-week trip. • Call 1-800- … to get weather reports and • Cost more. this should be free. • Need more weather stations to give more • Still camping, hunting, but get caught local weather conditions, so people can in difficult situations now more often. make appropriate decisions – forecasting • Not getting very far with adaptations from Goose Bay is not good enough. because of unpredictability. • Study local weather patterns. • 5-6 generations ago they had it all figured •Listen to forecast of Goose, Makkovik, and out, now it is much harder, it is easy to get Cartwright – not good enough – weather is tricked out there, just go along with it. very different locally. Country Food • People could keep weather diary. • Just go along with it. • More use of traditional weather predicting ways. Use this on TV and radio to add •Already more grocery food. depth plus information. Garbage Animals •Government should take licenses away from • Get what you can when you can because people throwing garbage everywhere. may not be back for sometime (caribou). • The Department of Wildlife – heavier fines • Community freezers. for polluters.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P47 • Need a good clean up. Sun Getting Hotter • Bear hotels for black bears (like in Churchill • Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses for good for polar bears) – bear population control. protection against the sun. • Fences to keep the bears away. •Without sunscreen: small itchy blisters.
Goose-Bay Clean Up Sewage • More involvement from federal government • Need a treatment plant in Goose-Bay for clean up (like Dew line). (sewage going directly to water). • Independent agency to sample and Group reported needing more time to provide analyze the soils especially around the quality answers for adaptation, as they did not base), environmental monitoring. complete this exercise.
Table 3. Summary of commonly reported changes, effects and adaptations at Labrador climate change workshop.
Aspect of Change/ Reported/Potential Adaptation/Coping Strategy Environment Observation Effect or Climate
Weather patterns • More unpredictable • More people getting • Search parties need to be dispatched weather systems and stranded. earlier. changes. • Harder to tell when it is • Need search and rescue teams in other safe to go off. communities where there isn’t one yet. • Need to educate public about weather and survival skills. • Youth need to learn from parents and Elders. • Need more weather stations along coast for local forecasts. • Need to use traditional knowledge on this more. • Learning to adapt already, changing decisions of going off etc. sometimes. • Learning to be more flexible, take more supplies just in case.
Ice • Freeze-up later, break- • Can’t get to hunting and • Need to survey and mark bad ice (not up earlier, thinner and wooding spots at same just after a fatality). less stable than usual. times as usual. • Have to go wooding more in spring now • More people going because ice isn’t there until after Dec. through the ice/accidents • Need to test ice and monitor it and report (some fatalities). to people somehow (esp. Voisey’s B). • Should monitor conditions annually. • Make safe tracks and mark safe routes.
P48 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Table 3. Summary of commonly reported changes, effects and adaptations at Labrador climate change workshop. (cont’d)
Aspect of Change/ Reported/Potential Adaptation/Coping Strategy Environment Observation Effect or Climate
Fish • Fewer species, skinnier •Can’t use same species • Have to change species for pitsik (dried fish, some species now for food in some cases. fish) now use rock cod. gone, some moved to • Some white people using helicopter to fish. deeper water. • Use personal freezer more to store foods, because sometimes they are hard to get.
Terrestrial • Moving in different • Harder to get certain • Travel further to get them (costs more Country Food areas. pecies in some areas. though). Species • More abnormalities. • Some not good to eat. • Use variety of different means of traveling (Caribou etc. • Skinnier and in poorer • Taste is changing. to get them at different times of year. health. • Store more in freezers knowing they are hard to get at some times of the year. • Get what you can when you can. • Rely more on community freezer in some years. • Need distribution system between communities. • Research on going about health and abnormalities and pollutants. • Already eating more grocery food, so we are adapting in some ways.
Plants and Berries • Fewer berries. • Fewer to eat and use • Using more white people’s medicines • Changing locations in traditional foods. now. of good spots. • Fewer for traditional • Knowledge about these plants needs to • Smaller and poorer medicines. be passed to youth. quality berries. • Have to go further to get berries and bake apples. • Sometimes we buy them from the store when they are hard to get.
Freshwater • Drying up, poorer • Less to drink when out • Take bottled water when going off. Sources quality. on land. • Need more testing of sources outside • Less good natural sources community. around community. • Decrease price of bottled water in stores. •Need publication education on water quality in the area by expert.
Sun • Getting hotter. • Getting more sunburns. • Wear hats, sunglasses and creams now. • Get rashes from sun.
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P49 5.0 WHO SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS? • Moravian missionaries • OKalaKatiget Society – kinatuinamut After discussing what individuals and the Ilingajut community can do to adapt to these changes, or what they are already doing to adapt, the • Fisheries and Oceans working groups identified who should be told • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami about this workshop and what was discussed in order to respond to the issues raised here • Torngasuk and to be aware of what concerns etc. exist • Community Elders within the community on this issue. • Human Resources GROUP 1 • Hospitals Who should get this (syllabics and roman orthography should be available)? •Federal and Provincial Governments • Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) • Inuit Circumpolar Conference • Labrador Inuit Health Commission (LIHC) •Inuvialuit Regions • Health Labrador • Everyone who needs to be informed. • Environment Canada • Universities – St John’s, Ottawa • ITK • Correctional Centers – Labrador • Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) • Labrador Legal Services •Wildlife Management Board • School boards • Torngat Fisheries • Search and Rescue • CHUL GROUP 3 • Memorial University Who should get this information? • Schools – Labrador Boards of Education • Workshop participants • Labrador coastal communities • International governments (George Bush) • Community councils • Federal/Provincial research agencies and departments • Makkovik Corporation • Federal government departments (DFO, • Pauktuutit Environment Canada, Natural Resources • OKalaKatiget Canada (NRCan), Health Can, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development • All participants (DIAND), Parks Canada) GROUP 2 • Provincial government departments Who should get this? (Aboriginal and Labrador Affairs, Forestry and Agrifoods – Inland Waters), MHA • Labrador Inuit Association Torngat Mountains region, LIHC, LIA, • Town councils Labrador Inuit Development Corporation (LIDC), INCO, Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company • LIHC (VBNC). • Schools • School
P50 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE • Elders (Church) • DFO • Town Council • Provincial Wildlife Division • Newfoundland Studies at Memorial • Communities get copies of reports. University • Give written report to communities. • Institute for Environmental Monitoring and •Have results on radio as well. Research • Bring scientists along on next trip to give Group 4 some background on the scientific Who should get this information? information and so they can listen to what locals have to say. • Town councils – North Coast • Local schools – North Coast GROUP 5 Who should get this information? • Health Labrador Corporations • Town Council of Goose-Bay – Happy Valley • LIHC • Town Council of Northwest River • DIAND • Newfoundland Department of Wildlife • Environment Canada • Newfoundland Department of Environment • Ernie McLean – Minister of Labour and Indian Affairs – Prov. Gov. • Department of National Defence • Walley Andersen – MHA – Torngat • Newfoundland Department of Forestry Mountains • Newfoundland Department of Health • Lawrence O’Brien • Health Canada • LIA • SERCO (Goose-Bay Public Works) •Radio Stations (local communities): reports, • LIA follow-up • LIHC • CBC radio (Labrador Morning Show) • Mr. George Bush (via Foreign Affairs) • Department of National Defence (DND) • ITK • Institute for Environmental Monitoring Research • Makivik (Nunavik) • Memorial University – Faculty of Science •KRG (Nunavik) • Quebec/Labrador Foundation • Innu Nation (Newfoundland ) • ICC – International – Arctic Council • Other Inuit Organizations in Canada •ITK (Inuvialuit, Nunavik, Nunavut) • Aboriginal Circumpolar Organizations (Alaska, Russia, etc.) • LIDC •Memorial University (NFLD) • Community College – Goose Bay – Northern Natural Resource Program • Do follow-up workshop with participants. • Inuksuk Development Corporation (Provincial Economic Development Program)
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P51 6.0 REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND NATIONAL ACTION – Scot Nickels, ITK INTERNATIONAL PROCESSES DIAND – Inuit Specific multi-year Strategy ENVIRONMENT CANADA – Northern The final presentation of the workshop was Ecosystem Initiative (NEI) directed at providing information to the partici- NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA – Public pants as to how their information was connected Education/Outreach HPAT/HUBS to initiatives at the national and international IISD/ITK – Pan-Northern Monitoring Strategy levels on climate change. Daniel Martin of the CHUQ presented an overview of the •Maintaining relationship with Regional Inuit CHUQ, LIA, NRBHSS project on monitoring Organizations – so they can reach their and indicators for climate change in Nunavik communities and Labrador. Scot Nickels of ITK presented • Providing information information on what was taking place at the national level on this issue and how this infor- • Receiving guidance mation from Labrador and the other Inuit • Providing/improving capacity communities is already helping in moving the issue forward on this level. Chris Furgal of the INTERNATIONAL ACTION – Chris Furgal, CHUQ presented how this, and similar informa- CHUQ tion from other Aboriginal communities was being used in the Arctic Climate Impact Assess- • ACIA – Arctic Climate Impact Assessment ment program and report that is underway • Started by Arctic Council around the circumpolar North under the direction of IASC and Arctic Council. What is presented • Producing an international report below is a short outline of these presentations. • To be completed in 2003 • 14 Sections included in the report, some REGIONAL LIA, NRBHSS/MAKIVIK, CHUQ are covering: PROJECT – Daniel Martin, CHUQ • Indigenous perspectives The current project is designed to collect obser- • Fishing, hunting, gathering vations and identify indicators of climate changes • Human health and the associated impacts for communities • Infrastructure, etc. to watch so they know what is changing and • This community information is being collected what the impacts might be. A test database is around the circumpolar North to include in being developed with these indicators for the several chapters of the report to document organizations involved in this project (LIA, LIHC, and report to Arctic and other international Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social politicians and negotiators, what local com- Services (NRBHSS), CHUQ) and eventually for munities are observing in their region and all communities in the two regions. This project what concerns and questions they have started last year and will be finished next year, regarding climate change. the focus is the well being of the communities in Nunavik and Labrador and it depends greatly • So, information from this workshop in Nain on the involvement of local experts, as well as may go directly into an international report people in the communities. This workshop is on the subject that will eventually be read part of this larger research project. by governments and scientists around the world when deciding on action to take on this issue.
P52 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE 7.0 FROM OBSERVATIONS TO INDICATORS They will provide a starting point for potential future discussions in this region on monitoring Following the workshop, observations are in for climate change and associated impacts. the process of being translated into measure- ments that could be used to monitor such Translation of observations to indicators is being changes in and around Labrador communities. conducted by the research team as part of the These indicators are being developed based project “Identifying, selecting and monitoring on the various observations documented at indicators of climate change in Nunavik and the workshop and are intended to provide an Labrador” and was not explicitly addressed as initial list of community identified indicators one of the activities at community workshops. for climate change in the Labrador coastal area. Examples of this translation are provided below.
Table 4. Examples of translation of observations mentioned at the workshop and how they could be tracked or measured to monitor changes in their status.
Observation Potential Indicator
All pond levels are lower • Max. lake depth/yr (for a specific location in a specific lake of importance to the community or representative lakes in the region)
Freshwater sources not as good anymore – • Water quality indicators (various) from important natural drinking tastes swampy because it is not moving water sources for community (total coliform counts, etc.) as it should • Water related diarrhea outbreaks
Less freshwater sources – some drinking • Monitoring of existence of natural freshwater sources habitually water sources not there now used by community (presence/absence)
Less fish and poorer quality – skinnier • Fish stock population survey on important river for community fewer but larger because they spend harvesting more time in the lakes (whitefish)
Caribou skinnier and poorer health • Survey and monitoring of movement and health of caribou population
Summers are getting hotter • Recording of max and mean weekly and monthly temperatures during summer months in communities
Changes in ice break-up and freeze-up • Observation of break-up and freeze-up date recorded each year (data dates from SAR or community observations after “break-up” location and definition is determined
Ice conditions • Number of ice-related accidents/deaths
Less snow in winter now • Annual mean precipitation falling as snow in communities
UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE | P53 8.0 CONCLUSIONS workshop participants recommended that community, regional, provincial, national and The Labrador climate and health workshop international agencies and governments be brought together people from each of the made aware of their observations of what is Labrador coastal communities (with the excep- changing and the impacts that these changes tion of Hopedale because of weather restrictions have on the Labrador North coast communities for travel) to discuss what changes people are and people, and that something needs to be noticing, when they started to notice these done to address these current and potential changes, and what impacts these changes are impacts. The workshop participants provided a having on them, their families and communities. list of individuals and organizations to send this Further, the workshop discussed the things report, which can be found on pages 50-51. people are already doing (changes in daily behaviours, actions taken etc.) to adapt to The workshop was successful in discussing and these changes. For example, some individuals recording Labrador coastal residents’ knowl- reported walking to go off hunting at certain edge, observations and concerns regarding times of the years when they would normally environmental and climate related changes in take a skidoo or four-wheel vehicle but could the region and the impacts these changes are not as they were waiting for snow to come; having on individuals and communities. The taking bottled water on hunting trips to com- next phase of work under the project (of which pensate for the lack of freshwater sources in this workshop was part of) following the dis- some areas while on the land. As well, partici- tribution of this report will be to develop a list pants recommended changes or things that of indicators or “things to watch” regarding could be done to help adapt to such changes, climate changes and impacts in these commu- for example: the need for testing of natural nities in cooperation with the Labrador Inuit water sources around communities because Association and the development of a pilot of the reliance on natural sources and the fact database of this information incorporating the that they are drying up and are of poor quality concerns and knowledge identified at this today, the need for more weather stations or workshop. At the national level, Inuit Tapiriit observation programs to give local forecasts Kanatami is pursuing the development of an for traveling and going out on the land. Inuit-specific strategy in response to climate changes in Inuit regions throughout the North The workshop participants all stressed the and will use this information to support this need and hope for the workshop material initiative. Internationally, the information gath- to start discussion and teaching about these ered through this workshop will be used in issues in their communities, with an emphasis the development of the Arctic Climate Impact on the need for youth to listen to Elders and Assessment report on climate related changes for Elders’ knowledge of such things to be and impacts in the circumpolar Arctic regions. included and respected. Additionally, the
P54 | UNIKKAAQATIGIIT: PUTTING THE HUMAN FACE ON CLIMATE CHANGE