Inuit Safety Culture and its Potential Influence on Management Practices in Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut Karin Johansson A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Natural Resources Management Natural Resources Institute Clayton H. 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Canada THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES COPYRIGHT PERMISSION Inuit Safety Culture and its Potential Influence on Management Practices in Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut BY Karin Johansson A Thesis/Practicum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree Of Master of Natural Resources Management Karin Johansson © 2008 Permission has been granted to the University of Manitoba Libraries to lend a copy of this thesis/practicum, to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to lend a copy of this thesis/practicum, and to LAC's agent (UMI/ProQuest) to microfilm, sell copies and to publish an abstract of this thesis/practicum. This reproduction or copy of this thesis has been made available by authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research, and may only be reproduced and copied as permitted by copyright laws or with express written authorization from the copyright owner. Abstract This thesis explores how Inuit knowledge of safety, otherwise referred to as Inuit safety culture, can guide safe land use practices in and around Auyuittuq National Park. This research was based in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, an Inuit community north of Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island. This work follows a participatory, micro- ethnographic approach achieved by working within the context of the longer term Parks Canada Inuit Knowledge Project. Specifically, participant observation, 25 semi- structured interviews, multiple focus group meetings, and a document review of Parks Canada documents were conducted over the span of three visits to Qikiqtarjuaq from spring 2007 to summer 2008. The thesis documents how the people of Qikiqtarjuaq understand and respond to safety issues. Their safety culture is described with the use of five themes that begin to illustrate a holistic way of life. Specifically, the knowledge required to be safe is tied to the past, developed through experience, maintained through relationships, specialized to the arctic environment, and connected to Inuit identity. The Inuit safety culture is also a dynamic system that is constantly in flux. In particular, Qikiqtarjuarmiut safety culture is being influenced by drastic environmental change and changes to the processes in which community youth learn how to be safe. Finally, how Inuit safety culture may be incorporated into the management of Auyuittuq National Park is discussed with specific recommendations provided. The people of Qikiqtarjuaq want to ensure that visitors are provided with the necessary information, equipment, and support to ensure that everybody has a safe and positive trip to their homeland. However, to truly incorporate Inuit safety culture in the management of Auyuittuq National Park, a greater means of communicating and collaborating with Inuit experts must be developed. in Local experts must be provided with the power and capacity to ensure that the management of Auyuittuq National Park reflects their knowledge, acknowledges their authority, and promotes the safety of all those who travel in the area. IV Acknowledgements The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the support, kindness, and wisdom of many people. First, I would like to thank the community of Qikiqtarjuaq for hosting me during this research. In particular, I would like to thank all the members of the Auyuittuq Working Group and all the people who shared their knowledge with me: Billy Arnaquq, Gary Arnaquq, Jacopie Audlakiak, Loasie Audlakiak, Markosie Audlakiak, Stevie Audlakiak, Lootie Kakudluk, Noah Keyootak, Pauloosie Keyootak, Juilie Kokseak, Allan Kooneeliusie, Leah Kuniliusie, Jay Moesesie, Ceetie Natsiapik, Jacopie Newkingnak, Leah Newkingnak, Toomasie Newkingnak, Meeka Newkingnak, Gamailee Nookiguak, Jukie Nookiguak, Leslie Nukiwuak, Levi Nutaralaaq, Nattivak HTA representatives, and 4 anonymous participants. I was able to conduct these interviews only with the help of: Gary Arnaquq, Lavinia Curley, and Morris Kuniliusie. This research has greatly benefited from being part of Inuit Knowledge Project. Within this project and Parks Canada, I would like to thank: Nancy Anilniliak, Morgan Arnakallak, Kataisee Attagutsiak, Delia Berrouard, Bryan Chruszcz, Elisapee Karatek, Jennifer Keeney, Anne Kendrick, Sonesinh Keobouasone, Daniel Kilabuk, Davidee Kooneeliusie, Eena Kooneeliusie, Gita Laidler, Dolly Mablek, Maryse Mahy, Gary Mouland, Matthew Nakashuk, Matthew Nowyook, Monika Templin, the Auyuittuq Joint Park Management Committee, and the Auyuittuq Park Planning Team. Back in Winnipeg, I would like to thank all the professors in the department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba for starting me on my journey. Thank you also to the professors, staff, and students at the Natural Resources Institute for providing v an inspiring learning environment over the last few years. Specifically, thank you to the people who took the time to be part of my committee: Claudio Aporta, for your valued insight into Inuit culture, Deb Simmons, for your passion and encouragement, Iain Davidson-Hunt, for your humour and help in keeping me focused, and to my advisor, Micheline Manseau, for connecting me with and guiding me through a rewarding learning process. Finally, thank you to my friends and family who always help put things back in perspective. I particularly want to say thank you to my parents for continually supporting and encouraging me. And thanks to Graham, for motivation, laughs, and love. Funding from the Parks Canada Inuit Knowledge Project, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Northern Scientific Training Program, and the Oakes-Riewe Aboriginal-Environmental Studies Research Award all assisted in the completion of this research. vi Contents Abstract Hi Acknowledgements v List of Tables and Figures ix Chapter I: A Research Project to Explore Inuit Safety Culture in and around Auyuittuq National Park 1 1.1 Research Purpose and Objectives 3 1.2 Research Methodology and Methods 3 1.3 Study Area 3 1.4 Contributions to Knowledge 5 1.5 Organization of thesis 5 Chapter II: Cultural Understandings of Safety 7 2.1 Inuit Knowledge about Safety 11 2.2 Challenges to Inuit Safety and Adaptations 18 2.2.1 Colonization 19 2.2.2 Environmental Change 23 2.2.3 Using Inuit Knowledge in Resource Management 25 2.3 A Brief History and Description of Qikiqtarjuaq 28 2.4 A Brief Description of Auyuittuq National Park 35 2.5 Chapter Summary 37 Chapter III: Research Methodology and Methods 38 3.1 Research Methodology and Context 38 3.2 Positionality and Limitations of Research 40 3.3 Research Methods 44 3.3.1 Participant Observation 44 3.3.2 Semi-Structured Interviews 44 3.3.3 Working Group Meetings, Focus Groups, and Workshops 46 3.3.4 Document Review 47 3.3.5 Objective 1: "Document Inuit Safety Culture" 48 3.3.6 Objective 2: "Examine the social and environmental changes that may be challenging or facilitating Inuit safety adaptations" 48 3.3.7 Objective 3: "Look at ways that Inuit knowledge and safety culture can enhance the current park safety management framework" 49 3.4 Research Timeline