NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: climate change, traditional knowledge, fish health, Inuit, arctic char

Objective(s): To document Inuit knowledge and observations of Arctic char movement ecology and health; to co-produce knowledge among Inuit and scientists to better understand changes in Arctic char and the char fishery; and to examine if and how the changes in movement ecology and health are affecting Inuit-Arctic char interactions, and how Inuit are adapting to these changes.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.4774. This research aims to document Inuit knowledge and observations of Arctic char in the context of changing climatic conditions in Ulukhaktok. The specific objectives include: to document Inuit knowledge and observations of Arctic char movement ecology and health; to co-produce knowledge among Inuit and scientists to better understand changes in Arctic char and the char fishery; and, to examine if and how the changes in movement ecology and health are affecting Inuit-Arctic char interactions, and how Inuit are adapting to these changes. The methodology outlined here has been designed for remote data collection, in response to COVID-19. The research team acknowledges the severity of COVID-19 and will only commence face-to-face data collection when it is allowed based on the Northwest Territories COVID-19 measures and with the Olokhaktomiut Hunters and Trappers (OHTC’s) support. The researchers will work with Inuit knowledge holders in Ulukhaktok to document their knowledge and observations of Arctic char movement ecology and health. Photographs of tagged char will be used to generate discussion with a 1:250,000 map of the area. The research team will ask the participants to place the photos of char on the map where they see similar-looking fish while on the land or group the photos based on the observed health of the fish from the photo. The research team will conduct 20 individual exercises with different knowledge holders and avid fishers in the community, who have been selected by the OHTC. The participants are allowed to complete the exercise in pairs or groups if they prefer. There will be representation across age and gender. After completing the mapping exercises, the research team will individually assess the information, then compare their findings to identify any similarities or differences. This collaboration will allow for multiple views to be represented within this research project. This exercise will virtually bring together Inuit, scientists, and resource co-managers to discuss knowledge and observations of changes in the local marine ecosystem, Arctic char, and the impacts that changes have on Ulukhaktokmiut. The exercises will be facilitated and organized by a local research partner alongside graduate student, Jessica Smart. The local research partner will be hired by the OHTC and funded by this project. The exercises are expected to be about 45-60 minutes long. All participants will be financially compensated for their time. Steps to complete the exercise virtually: Step 1: Local research partner – Set up the map, fish photos, and dry erase markers on a large table either in the Kayutak Centre boardroom or another available location. Step 2: Local research partner – Call the research team (i.e. Jessica Smart) on Skype so we can join and observe the exercise together. Step 3: Local research partner and participant(s) meet in the chosen location (i.e. Kayutak Centre). Step 4: Those on Skype will introduce themselves to the group, especially if they are meeting for the first time. Step 5: The exercise and objectives will be explained to the participant(s). Participation is voluntary, and the individual can stop whenever they’d like. Step 6: Provide the participant(s) with the consent form. Ask if they are comfortable with being audio or video recorded. If they aren’t, ask if they are comfortable with the researchers and local research partner taking written notes. Step 7: Provide an opportunity for everyone to ask questions if they need clarification. Step 8: Begin the exercise. From a subset of the 30 photographs of Arctic char, randomly select 15. All char from this selection were provided an identification number, have been tagged to monitor their movement and various samples were taken to determine their health. Step 9: Invite the participant(s) to place the fish photos on the 1:250,000 map of Ulukhaktok on the table. Step 10: Local research partner – Ask questions and guide the conversation using the “Interview Guide”. Those joining on Skype will be given an opportunity to ask additional questions if needed. All parties joining will be encouraged to take written notes if given consent from the group. Step 11: After completing the exercise, the research team will review the transcript with the participant(s) to ensure they did not leave out important information or misinterpret anything that was shared. Step 12: The researchers (i.e. Jessica Smart) and the local research partner will review and discuss the meeting together to confirm the written transcript is accurate and add anything that may have been missed. Step 13: The research team will individually interpret the information from these exercises, then compare their findings by identifying any similarities or differences in their interpretations. Step 14: To bridge Inuit and scientific knowledge together, the researchers and the local partner will report their findings from the 20 mapping exercises to fisheries biologists and the local technicians at a later date. All research partners will review the findings from both the mapping exercises and telemetry work to co-interpret the results together. Communication between researchers and Inuvialuit organizations will be ongoing throughout the research process. The research team will work together with the local research partner to develop appropriate and effective methods for communicating results at the community level. These may include plain-language summary reports in Inuinnaqtun and English with photos and key findings, updates over local/regional radio broadcasts, household visits to discuss results, and presentations for the community and local school, Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from January 22, 2021 to December 31, 2021.