Search And Rescue (SAR) Data Management in Northern Quebec (Nunavik) The Challenges and Objectives Kativik Regional Government Public Security Department Civil Security Section Craig Lingard & Benoit Plante December 2017 Nunavik 2 Our Land • Nunavik is located above the 55th parallel in Northern Quebec. In total, the land is composed of 500,164 km2 and three maritime zones: Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay; • The Inuit culture characterizes the region as Inuttitut is the mother tongue; • Wildlife harvesting activities are practiced across the region. 3 Our Communities • Up until the 20th century, Nunavik Inuit were nomadic; • The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA -1975) has fostered healthcare, education and regional development; • Inuit now live in 14 isolated communities along the coasts (Kuujjuaq is the largest nearing 3000 residents and Aupaluk the smallest with slightly more than 200); • Current total population is about 13,200 (91% Inuit) • Inuit pay sales and income taxes like other Canadians; • Shipping for food and supplies significantly raises our cost of living. 4 Transportation • There are no road or railway links between the 14 communities or with southern Québec; • Air transportation is therefore essential year-round; • The summer sealift ensures the delivery of food and supplies; • Inuit depend on snowmobiles, ATVs and motor boats for subsistence hunting and fishing activities; • Inuit must travel long distances to reach harvesting areas and other communities. 5 Kativik Regional Government (KRG) • A non-ethnic, public organization created in 1978 pursuant to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement • Delivers public services and technical assistance to the 14 communities in Nunavik • Major areas of activity include: • Legal, Socio-Judicial and Municipal Management; • Recreation; • Parks development and management, wildlife conservation and environment; • Public security and emergency preparedness; • Regional and local economic development; • Sustainable Employment and Child Care services; • Transportation: marine and airport infrastructure; • Municipal Public Works 6 Challenges to SAR in Nunavik • Remote location; • Vast territory: 500,164 km2 with 2,500 km of coastline ; • Long transit times for assistance from federal Air & Maritime SAR practitioners: Joint rescue Coordination Center’s (JRCC’s) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG); • Responsible agencies and practitioners presently incapable of independently meeting demands; • Awareness and understanding of SAR roles, responsibilities and capabilities; • Accurate Reporting and Recording of all SAR incidents by all SAR practitioners; • Use of cultural and traditional knowledge; 7 Challenges • “Modus operandi” for Nunavik SAR partners; • Ecosystems are fragile and climate change is adversely affecting Inuit subsistence activities and safety; • Regional awareness of marine and environmental risks, best practices and availability of safety equipment. • Limited hydro-graphic survey in and around Nunavik resulting in vast regions of uncharted waters; • Funding for training, maintenance and operation of regional SAR equipment and personnel; 8 Trends and Factors • Climate change is negatively affecting Inuit subsistence activities and safety (travel routes and ice conditions) • Tourism (that showcases difficult-to-access locations) is increasing • Park development will generate even more tourism • Other economic development is expected in the mining, municipal infrastructure construction and other sectors 9 Closing The Gaps: SAR Data Management in Northern Quebec (Nunavik) • Engage all regional SAR partners and practitioners • Undertake the research and recording of past incidents involving Marine, Land and other SAR activities throughout Nunavik in the past (5+) years • Develop a comprehensive regional data base and user friendly reporting system to be used by all SAR Partners • Analysis of all information to identify strengths, gaps and deficiencies of the present SAR management used in Nunavik by all partners • Develop and implement the necessary objectives and actions needed to improve the present SAR Management system and reporting system • Data to be entered onto federal Knowledge Management System (KMS) 10 Intended Goals • Ensure an efficient, effective and reliable SAR system is operating throughout Nunavik; • Integrate effectively, Inuit traditional knowledge; • Define and Improve participation and efficiency of all Regional SAR partners and practitioners; • Improve cooperation with Québec and Canadian stakeholders and the use of new technologies; • Prioritize and Upgrade local resources (Training of human resources, Acquisition of equipment and improvements to infrastructure); • Implement regional prevention and awareness activities; 11 Anticipated Outcome • Develop and implement a SAR Data reporting system that is user friendly and compatible with National Knowledge Management System (KMS) • Data will result in informed decision making and improved policy development • Optimized regional SAR Resources • Seamless and effective integration of Inuit traditional knowledge • Strive to optimize interoperability of regional SAR Resources with provincial and Federal SAR practitioners • Share knowledge and best practices with similar regions (Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon). 12 Marine Search And Rescue (SAR) in Nunavik 13 Nakurmiik! Thank you! Merci! 14 .