NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area, North Slave Region

Tags: social sciences, social adaptation, northern life, lifestyle change, immigration

Objective(s): To learn more about the experiences of new Canadians (e.g., landed immigrants, temporary workers), who have moved to Inuvik and Yellowknife for employment.

Project Description: The research is aimed at learning more about the experiences of new Canadians (e.g., landed immigrants, temporary workers), who have moved to Inuvik and Yellowknife for employment. Specifically the researcher will ask questions about: a) perceptions of "a good life" in Inuvik and Yellowknife; b) perceptions of the benefits and challenges of the local economy; and c) the level of support and sharing that takes place between friends and family located in the north, other parts of Canada and internationally. The research will involve interviews, focus groups and workshops with 20-30 participants (e.g. temporary workers, landed immigrants). The researcher will coordinate with organizations in Inuvik and Yellowknife who serve the needs of this community (e.g. Young Women’s Christian Association). Through a consent form, the participant will have the choice to have their information confidential or be named in public documents. A workshop to share the results with the participants and other relevant individuals and organizations will be held each year. The research project aims to learn more about the social changes underway in Inuvik and Yellowknife as a result of resource development. Much research to date has focused on the experiences of Aboriginal peoples. The main focus of this project is on understanding the experiences of non-Aboriginal populations in these urban/semi-urban areas including new Canadians (landed immigrants, temporary workers etc.). The opportunities for local involvement include participation in interviews, focus groups, workshops. The result of this program will be part of a larger body of information about the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of mining, oil and gas exploration / development in the NWT, Nunavut and Yukon with recommendations being made to government and industry on how such development might be made more sustainable. The results will be communicated through newsletters, workshops, media interviews and in final written reports that will be posted on a website for easy access. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from March 15, 2013 to December 31, 2013.