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Moderator: Jim Vanderwal

Inuit Adaptation: A Legacy of Engaging with Climate Change

Presenter: Kukik Baker

This session will outline the approach being taken in Arviat, NU by a small community research/action group to address issues of climate impacts on food security, well-being, cultural sustainability, engagement and youth resilience. The focus is on 3 foundational principles around climate issues: the foundation of cultural beliefs; youth engagement; community accountability; a comprehensive overview of the approach; and climate change inequities experienced by Inuit communities and how one community is using cultural strengths and protective practices to address these impacts within a supportive environment of collaboration and community action.

The presentation describes the essential role of cultural beliefs and practices in dynamic and innovation adaptation while detailing the Ujjiqsuiniq Program recognized as an important engagement program that leads to strength-based practice, resilience and stewardship of climate adaptations.

This will be a 20-minute oral presentation with 10 minutes for questions.

NUNAMIN ILLIHAKVIA: An Inuit-Led Climate Change Adaptation Initiative

Presenters: Gilbert Olifie and April Olifie

Climate change is already being experienced by Inuit living in the Canadian Arctic, with implications for travel safety and hunting success. An important factor in the ability to cope with and adapt to climatic changes affecting hunting is the sharing of traditional knowledge, including skills and values, which afford Inuit dynamic and flexible use of the environment even under changing conditions. The Inuit-led and administered Nunamin Illihavia project in Ulukhaktok, NT focuses on this important adaptation entry point by supporting the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge important for subsistence. The project has three core foci: 1) subsistence hunting, 2) fur preparation and sewing, and 3) Inuinnaqtun language. The oral presentation, video and discussion will focus on how Nunamin Illihakvia differs from other climate change adaptation initiatives in that it is Inuit-led and indirectly addresses climate change impacts through capacity building.