Inuvialuktun Energy Terminology Development

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: social sciences, aboriginal language

Principal Investigator: Adams, Sheena E (2)
Licence Number: 15975
Organization: Royal Roads University
Licensed Year(s): 2017 2016
Issued: Nov 09, 2016
Project Team: Sheena Adams, Leslie King, Committee Member, Linda Todd

Objective(s): To develop Inuvialuktun energy terminology that will be used in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region for education and communication about energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy.

Project Description: In collaboration with the Inuvialuit, Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) and Royal Roads University the Principal Investigator proposes to develop Inuvialuktun energy terminology. The new terms will be used in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region for education and communication about energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. The completed project could be replicated to the other 10 official languages of the region. The goal is to develop 36 terms. With the help of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) Cultural Center Elders one Elder will be selected from each community (this process has yet to be determined). The Elders will travel to Inuvik on a Monday and participate in a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday workshop at the IRC Cultural Center. They will travel home on Friday or when the next plane leaves for their community. The research team will meet from 9-4 each day - with 2 coffee breaks and a 1 hour lunch, that will be provided. The terms to be developed will be presented in word or picture format and Elders will provide input as to how those could translate in Inuvialuktun. A translator and staff from IRC Cultural Center will be assisting. Ideally the team will create 12 words a day. The research team will be meeting with the Inuvialuit Cultural Center and Elders and bringing a group from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region to meet in Inuvik. The results will be written up in a thesis that will be shared with each participating Elders, Aurora Research Institute, IRC and AEA. The terminology developed will be used by AEA in educational campaigns. An information session will be held in each community by Sheena Adams and AEA within 1 year after completion. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from November 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016.