Mobilizing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Narwhal Management through Community Empowerment: A Case Study in Naujaat, Nunavut

This research examines the relationship between government wildlife management and the use of Inuit knowledge or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) through a case study focusing on narwhal (Monodon monoceros) harvesting in the community of Naujaat, Nunavut. Since Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) introduced a community quota system in 1971, the ultimate responsibility for decision making has shifted from hunting communities to government. This shift corresponds with changes in the use of IQ within the community. Interviews with hunters, elders, and representatives of the hunters and trappers organization in Naujaat provide insight into the nature of these changes. Key factors influencing the role of IQ in narwhal management decision making included the imposed quota system, the perception of the ongoing role of IQ, communication challenges, modern-day drivers of change, and the lack of decision-making authority at the community level.Cette recherche examine le lien entre la gestion de la faune faite par le gouvernement et l’utilisation des connaissances des Inuits, aussi appelées Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) grâce à une étude de cas portant sur la chasse au narval (Monodon monoceros) réalisée dans le hameau de Naujaat, au Nunavut. Depuis que le ministère des Pêches et Océans du Canada (MPO) a mis en place un système de quota communautaire en 1971, la responsabilité ultime en matière de prise de décisions est passée des mains des collectivités faisant la chasse aux mains du gouvernement. Ce virage a donné lieu à des changements en matière d’utilisation de l’IQ dans la région. Des entrevues avec des chasseurs, des aînés et des représentants de groupements de chasseurs et de trappeurs de Naujaat ont permis de comprendre la nature de ces changements. Parmi les facteurs-clés exerçant une influence sur le rôle de l’IQ en matière de décisions prises pour la gestion des narvals, notons le système de quotas qui a été imposé, la perception du rôle continu de l’IQ, les problèmes de communication, les moteurs du changement contemporains et l’absence de pouvoir décisionnel au niveau communautaire

Re-Considering Market Development Approaches to Support Nunavut Inuit Priorities in the Seal Market

Seal hunting is a long-standing cultural practice for Inuit, who have also long participated in the commercial seal market. Inuit were negatively impacted by anti-sealing campaigns that resulted in international trade bans and subsequent market collapses for seal products. To improve market access for Inuit seal products, the Canadian government established the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals (CMAPS) to support export of Inuit seal products in European Union markets. In 2015, the Government of Nunavut became an Attestation Body under the EU Indigenous Communities Exemption, which enables the Government to certify Nunavut seal products for export into EU markets. To date, market development efforts have largely focused on supporting the export market for Nunavut sealskins, while less attention has focused on how such efforts impact the local value chain and meet the needs of Nunavut Inuit involved in the seal market. Focus group discussions with Inuit value chain actors in Iqaluit and Qikiqtarjuaq provide insight into the Nunavut seal value chain and explore perspectives of how government policies and programmes are meeting the needs of Nunavut Inuit. Findings revealed multiple gaps in the local value chain that have gone largely unaddressed due to a priority on export markets over the local value chain. These gaps limit export development opportunities and the ability for the seal market to adequately meet the needs of Nunavut Inuit and Nunavummiut alike. Collectively, this study demonstrates the importance of centralizing Inuit in economic development policies to support local economies and ensure Inuit priorities are met

2016 Research & Innovation Day Program

A one day showcase of applied research, social innovation, scholarship projects and activities.https://first.fanshawec.ca/cri_cripublications/1003/thumbnail.jp