Incorporating Inuit Knowledge & Observations of Ecosystem trends into Northern Contaminants Research

Incorporating Inuit Knowledge and Observations of Ecosystem trends into Northern Contaminants Research.

Presented at ArcticNet 2020.

Contributors
Lucassie Arragutainaq, Mick Appaqaq, Johnny Kudluarok and Joel Heath

Organizations
Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association, Arctic Eider Society

Description:
The Northern Contaminants program has been working to develop new ways to incorporate Inuit knowledge into contaminants research. A partnership was formed with AES and the Sanikiluaq HTA to demonstrate how the SIKU app could provide a way for Inuit to document environmental trends and indicators associated with seal and polar bear harvesting that could better inform contaminants research and the interpretation of lab results. Elder Peter Kattuk had already been noticing changes in the diets of seals, which was particularly relevant, as changes in the trophic level at which seals are foraging could have implications for contaminants uptake in both seals and polar bears, as well indicating larger ecosystem changes.

A three-year pilot study is now underway with hunters in Sanikliuaq collecting observations around seal and polar bear harvesting year-round, and with data outputs being provided to inform analysis for core contaminants programs for ringed seal and polar bear. Information collected by Sanikiluaq hunters will be presented showing ecosystem trends and characteristics among seal diets, habitats, seasonal components and other key parameters. These data will be used by core contaminants programs to inform the interpretation of trends in lab results, explanations for potential outliers, and other ways Inuit knowledge can inform contaminants research. Our goal is for contaminants sampling programs across the north to use SIKU to improve engagement with Inuit communities, replacing simplistic sampling sheets to better involve Inuit knowledge in contaminants research, and more generally helping improve links between Inuit knowledge, science and implementation of the National Inuit Strategy on Research for the benefit of Inuit.