NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: knowledge transfer, traditional knowledge, ecology, land use, Gwich'in

Objective(s): To obtain Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), including traditional use and place names information, related the headwaters of the Arctic Red River in preparation for a preliminary archaeological survey of the area.

Project Description: The objective of this study is to obtain Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), including traditional use and place names information, related the headwaters of the Arctic Red River in preparation for a preliminary archaeological survey of the area. So far, the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute (GSCI) has conducted a literature review and traditional use interviews on the area. Through these studies, gaps were identified in heritage, traditional knowledge and archaeological information; the present study aims to address some of these gaps through conducting TEK interviews about the ecology and wildlife of the headwaters and by conducting a preliminary archaeological survey of the area. It is expected that this work, together with GSCI work performed in the past, will lead to the creation of a larger, multi-year research project on archaeological and ecological investigations as well as educational and outreach opportunities for Tsiighetchic and other Gwich’in communities. Interviews will take place in Tsiigehtchic, at the GSCI office. Interviewees will be compensated and consent will be obtained for their participation in the study. Interviews will be recorded using digital recording equipment, and subsequently transcribed according to GSCI standards. The archaeological survey (permitted by the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre) will take up to two weeks of fieldwork in mid-August, and will be based out of Arctic Red River Outfitters Ltd base camp. This camp is just outside of the mountains and its location allows for easy access of the entire study area by air. Daily transportation to survey areas will be by air. The survey will be conducted on foot and will be preliminary and exploratory in nature. Remote sensing (using satellite photos) will also be used. Specific survey locations will be determined based on TEK and other information gathered during the interview phase of the study. All survey and testing will be conducted to NWT and GSCI standards. Information will be presented to the Gwichya Gwich'in Renewable Resource Council and the Band Council in Tsiigehtchic by GSCI staff. The Board of Directors of the GSCI will also be informed of the project and will, in turn, inform each Gwich'in community of this information. The study will be conducted from June 12 to December 31, 2007.