Compendium of Research in the Northwest Territories 2011 2011 • Compendium of Research Territories in the Northwest www.nwtresearch.com www.nwtresearch.com This publication is a collaboration between the Aurora Research Institute, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Government of the Northw est Territories and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Thank you to all w ho submitted a summary of research or photographs, and helped make this publication possible. Editor: Erika Hille, Jolie Gareis, Jonathon Michel, Niccole Hammer, Pippa Seccombe-Hett, Sarah Rosolen, Wayne Condon Copyright © 2012 ISSN: 1205-3910 Printed in Fort Smith through the Aurora Research Institute I Foreword The 2011 Compendium of Research in the Northwest Territories provides an overview of all research activities conducted in the territory, along with contact information for the researchers leading each project. It is a useful resource for gathering information on studies conducted across the territory, and provides plain-language summaries of research program activities taking place during 2011. The annual compendium is the result of collaboration between the Aurora Research Institute, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Although there was a slight decline in the amount of research conducted across the NWT following the end of the International Polar Year, 2011 found many regions across northern Canada benefiting from a renewed federal investment in research infrastructure. In September 2011, the NWT celebrated the opening of the Western Arctic Research Centre in Inuvik. This new facility was supported through the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund, administered by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and was one of twenty funded projects in northern Canada. The Western Arctic Research Centre replaces the old Inuvik Research Centre after 47 years of continuous operation in Inuvik. The new state-of-the-art facility will expand research programming and research opportunities for the NWT. This renewed investment in research infrastructure will continue to support and build upon the rich and diverse range of research activity in the NWT. Pippa Seccombe-Hett Director, Aurora Research Institute Aurora College II INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... ......................iv LAND CLAIM REGIONS IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES ............................................................................vi NORTHWEST TERRITORIES RESEARCH INSTITUTES...............................................................................................vii 2011 LICENCED RESEARCH PROJECTS ...................................................................................................................xii Aurora Research Institute Scientific Research Licences Biology .......................................................................................................................................... ….......... 1 Contaminants........................................................................................................................................... 16 Engineering .............................................................................................................................................. 21 Health........................................................................................................................................... ........... 24 Physical Sciences ..................................................................................................................................... 29 Social Sciences.......................................................................................................................................... 66 Traditional Knowledge ........................................................................................................................... 86 Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Archaeology .......................................................................................................................................... 91 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Canada Wildlife....................................................................................................................................................99 GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................................................112 INDEX………............................................................................................................................................................118 INDEX of AUTHORS .......................................... ....................................................................................................120 III Introduction This compendium offers a summary of research licences and permits that were issued in the Northwest Territories during 2011. The information contained in this book is the product of a collaboration between the Aurora Research Institute (ARI), the Prince of W ales Northern Heritage Centre (PW NHC), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR). The Compendium series began in 1986. Licensing in the NWT Under territorial legislation, all research in the NW T requires a licence or permit from one of three agencies, depending on the type of research being conducted: Prince of W ales Northern Heritage Centre – archaeology research; Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories – wildlif e research; Department of Fisheries and Oceans – fish and marine mammal research Aurora Research Institute - all other research in the NW T. Through the licensing process, researchers are informed of the appropriate organizations, communities and other licensing/permitting agencies that should be contacted prior to conducting studies. Licensing ensures research activities are communicated to interested parties and provides opportunities for the exchange of information. The compendium provides a summary of all licences and permits issued in the NW T by all four licensing/permitting bodies. As each research project is represented by only a short abstract, the reader is encouraged to contact the researcher for additional information and results. IV How to Use This Book This book has three main sections. Each of these sections reflects a specific licensing agency and the type of licence or permit issued. Within each section, research descriptions have been grouped by subject and listed alphabetically by the principal researcher’s last name. Refer to the Table of Contents for the specific page on which each section or subject begins. An index is included at the end of the compendium listing all researchers in each section. 1. File Number The file numbers shown in each of the Aurora Research Institute’s subject areas refer to the file number issued to a particular researcher. It allows cross referencing with research material that may be available on file or in the ARI library. The reference numbers of the other three agencies refer directly to the permit numbers given to each researcher. When requesting information from any of these agencies on specific research outlined in the compendium, please refer to the reference number in your correspondence. 2. Regional Abbreviations Throughout the book, reference is made to the specific land claim region(s) in which the research took place. The regions are shown on the following page. Some of the land claim regions are still under negotiation and the boundaries shown are only approximations. The abbreviations shown f or each region are as follows: DC Deh Cho SS South Slave NS North Slave SA Sahtu Settlement Area IN Inuvialuit Settlement Region GW Gwich’in Settlement Area 3. Glossary A glossary of terms has been added to the Compendium. The intent of the glossary is to allow the reader to better appreciate the research descriptions. 4. Nomenclature for birds’ names Bird names are capitalized, according to the guidelines of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. 5. Archeologists Permit Classes Class 1 permit – this permit entitles the permittee to survey and document the characteristics of an archaeological site in a manner that does not alter or otherwise disturb the archaeological site. Class 2 permit - this permit entitles the permittee to: (a) survey and document the characteristics of an archaeological site; (b) excavate an archaeological site; (c) remove archaeological artifacts from an archaeological site; or (d) otherwise alter or disturb an archaeological site Available in Print or Free Download This compendium is available as a printed publication or can be downloaded from the Aurora Research Institute’s website (www.nwtresearch.com). Copies can also be requested by contacting the Aurora Research Institute. Send Us Your Comments Whether you are a researcher or an interested member of the public, the Aurora Research Institute welcomes your comments and suggestions concerning this publication. Contact us by mail, fax, email or telephone (see address on page VI). v Land Claim Regions in the Northwest Territories Land Claim Regions in the Northwest Territories VI Aurora Research Institute The Aurora Research Institute’s mandate is to improve the quality of life for NWT residents by applying scientific, technological and indigenous knowledge