w8Ngcw5 vtmiq5 yMs2 xyx8a3izi4 W0Jtc6Lt4 nwm8 bw]XN vtm}=zi _ et3us5 vtm}=z8i m5y @(_u5 #!_j5, 2001 wcl4]g5tx6, kNK5 Elder’s Conference on Climate Change Simon Taipana Conference Room, Kitikmeot Center March 29th to 31nd 2001 Cambridge Bay, Nunavut 1 2 Table of Contents Forward Elders Summary Conference Agenda Conference Hansard 3 Forward James Eetoolook, 1st Vice-President, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Climate Change or Global Warming is an issue that has been on the minds of many people, both inside and outside of Nunavut. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, its use, and place in Nunavut society, and government is also an important issue. This conference brings these two topics together. I would like to thank the Elders for participating in this conference, and for sharing their experiences and knowledge about Climate Change and its effects in Nunavut. Kuyannamik James Eetoolook 4 Elders Moses Koihok of Cambridge Bay Frank Analok of Cambridge Bay Cyril Mala of Cambridge Bay Tommy Pigalak of Kugluktuk David Igutsaq of Taloyoak 5 Jose Angutinguniq of Pelly Bay Abraham Pijamini of Grise Fiord Simeonie Aqpik of Kimmirut Jerome Tattuinee of Rankin Inlet Ben Arnaqjuaq of Hall Beach 6 Arsene Ivalu of Igloolik John Kaunak of Repulse Bay Nauja Tasugat of Clyde River Tony Utok of Arviat Norman Attungalak of Baker Lake 7 Zach Novolinga of Sanikiluarq Joe Arragutainaq of Sanikiluarq Gamiali Kilukishuk of Pond Inlet 8 Summary On March 29th to 31st 2001, Eighteen Elders from all regions of Nunavut met in the Simon Taipana Conference Room, Kitikmeot Center, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut to discuss Climate Change in Nunavut. The objective of the conference was to gather "Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit" (Traditional Knowledge) and experiences of Inuit elders, concerning climate change and its effects in Nunavut. The Elders covered the following topics; · In General What Has The Climate Been Like In Nunavut, In The Past? · Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? · What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? · What Can the People Of Nunavut Do About Climate Change? Representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik, Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Inuit Tapirasat of Canada, Nunavut Planning Commission, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Department of Indian and Northern Development and Government of Nunavut also participated in the conference. 9 During the three days of informal discussion and sharing of experiences and perceptions, many observations and statements were made. Below is a short list of the main messages and recommendations; · Winters are getting shorter, summers are getting longer. · We are losing the ice in our glaciers and fiords. Permafrost is melting. We see vegetation growing where ice used to be. · The sun’s rays are increasing, Inuit need stronger suntan lotion. · We now see birds and wildlife that we have never seen here before. Ravens are everywhere, Snow Geese are too numerous. · Heavier winds can be dangerous, be cautious. Because of Global Warming we could become subject to catastrophes like hurricanes. · Caribou meat tastes different now and there are concerns about contaminants and diseases. We send samples out to labs but never get results back. Caribou hides are thinner. · More Inuit are dying from cancers, including skin cancers. We have to find out if this is from mining or contaminants or from climate change. · Fall ice forms later and may not be safe to travel on until Christmas · If trends continue, Hudson Bay (and other areas) may never freeze over. The impact on wildlife will be tremendous. · Inuit have to be prepared for the impacts of Global Warming. · Water levels are getting lower · Isostatic rebounding · The floe edge is receding faster · More ships are traveling through the Northwest Passage, due to the lower ice coverage in recent years. Recommendations were stated in the following areas by the Elders; 1. Suntan lotions should be made better 2. Insurance for hunting equipment 3. Trading country foods 4. Stronger metal pilings – better foundation research 5. Cabling houses 6. Cancer risk awareness 10 7. Water supply – many concerns and issues raised 8. Nunavut research facility, quick turn around of information 9. Disaster compensation 10. Disaster centres with generators 11. Community wharves, docking areas (Breakwaters?) 12. Communities should prioritize emergency safety precautions with GN 13. Windows should be triple glazed – colour shift for sunray protection 14. Electrical wire stabilization 15. Pass on elders knowledge to researchers and young Inuit 16. Preserve / cache wildlife with meat plants, larger community freezers 17. Find alternative ways to generate power 18. A conference on physical lifestyles, taboos should be held 19. Artificial ice for arenas 11 Conference Agenda Wednesday March 28, 2001 Travel to Cambridge Bay and Meeting set-up. Thursday March 29, 2001 Elder’s Conference – Simon Taipana Conference Room – Kitikmeot Center This Conference is informal and the agenda is only a guide, the topics and times indicated are suggestions, to assist the Elders and Facilitators with the flow of the conference. The Facilitator is encouraged to ask other related questions to prompt discussion and dialogue. 9:00 – 9:15 Welcome And Introductions James Eetoolook Opening Prayer Moses Koihok 9:15 – 9:30 Objective Of The Meeting And General Approach Presentation and Discussion; Facilitator o Objective; To collect "Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit" (Traditional Knowledge) and experiences of Inuit elders, concerning climate change in Nunavut. o Climate Change; Short or long term changes to weather and seasonal patterns. o General Approach; The Conference is informal and will draw and record the "Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit" (Traditional Knowledge) and experiences of Inuit Elders concerning Climate Change in Nunavut. The facilitators will; focus the discussions, and record the experiences, information, and discussions of the Elders. A combination of focus conversation techniques and the workshop method will be used. The 5 sessions are as follows; 1. In General What Has The Climate Been Like In Nunavut, In The Past? 2. Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? 3. What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? 4. What Can the People Of Nunavut Do About Climate Change? 5. Closing Comments, Statements And Thoughts From The Elders 9:30 – 10:30 In General What Has The Climate Been Like In Nunavut, In The Past? Discussion Session: Facilitator o In the distant past, was it (Nunavut) warmer? Colder? o During your lifetime, has it (Nunavut) become warmer? Colder? o In the future will it be warmer? Colder? o What causes climate change? 12 10:30 – 11:00 BREAK 11:00 – 12:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the seasons (length, severity) 12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH 1:00 – 2:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the weather (temperature patterns, wind, rain, snow, ice) 2:00 – 3:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the land (permafrost, land formations, erosion, rock, soil, sand) 3:00 – 3:30 BREAK 3:30 – 4:30 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the water/ice/snow (quality, quantity, flow, ocean, rivers, lakes, ponds, floe-edge, glaciers, water levels, ice formation, thickness and break-up) 4:30 – 5:30 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the vegetation (tundra plants and soil, health, distribution, new species) 5:30 SUPPER Friday March 30, 2001 Elder’s Conference – Simon Taipana Conference Room – Kitikmeot Center 8:45 – 9:00 Welcome And Introductions James Eetoolook Opening Prayer Frank Analok 13 9:00 – 10:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the wildlife and insects (health, numbers, distribution, migration, new species) 10:00 –11:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the people (health, adaptations and changes Inuit have had to make) 11:00 – 11:15 BREAK 11:15 – 12:00 Has Climate Change Resulted In Noticeable Effects In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the communities (infrastructure, services) 12:00 – 1:00 LUNCH 1:00 – 2:00 What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the seasons (length, severity) 2:00 – 3:00 What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the weather (temperature patterns, wind, rain, snow, ice) 3:00 – 3:30 BREAK 3:30 – 4:30 What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the land (permafrost, land formations, erosion, rock, soil, sand) 4:30 – 5:30 What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator o To the water/ice/snow (quality, quantity, flow, ocean, rivers, lakes, ponds, floe-edge, glaciers, water levels, ice formation, thickness and break-up) 5:30 – SUPPER 14 Saturday March 31, 2001 Elder’s Conference – Simon Taipana Conference Room – Kitikmeot Center 8:45 – 9:00 Welcome And Introductions James Eetoolook Opening Prayer Moses Koihok 9:00 – 10:00 What Are The Possible Future Effects Of Climate Change In Nunavut? Discussion Session: Facilitator