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Traditional ecological knowledge in adaptation to climate change in the Canadian Arctic (IK-ADAPT Session)
Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge in adaptation to climate change in the Canadian Arctic (IK-ADAPT Session)

Tristan Pearce, J Ford, A Cunsolo Willox and B Smit
9th ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting Program and Abstracts Book, p.93
ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), 9th (Halifax, Canada, 09-Dec-2013–13-Dec-2013)
2013
url
http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/asm2013/View
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Abstract

Environmental Science and Management Human Geography Inuit climate change
The paper examines the role of Inuit traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) (an element of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)) in adaptation to climate change in the Canadian Arctic. It focuses on the tangible aspects of TEK, particularly hunting knowledge and land skills, and examines their role in adaptation to changing climatic conditions, which eff ect subsistence hunting, fi shing, and trapping in case study research conducted with Inuit across the Canadian Arctic. In several instances, TEK underpins adaptations, including: fl exibility with regard to seasonal cycles of harvest and resource-use; hazard avoidance due to detailed knowledge of the local environment and understanding of ecosystem processes; and emergency preparedness, including knowing what supplies to take when traveling and how to respond in emergency situations. Despite the documented importance of TEK in adaptation and in maintaining a level of competency in subsistence in arctic communities, the relationships between TEK and adaptation to climate change are not well defi ned in the climate change adaptation literature. Consequently, eff orts to support the transmission of TEK are largely absent from climate change adaptation programs. Th is paper aims to fi ll these gaps by drawing on case study research conducted in collaboration with Inuit across the Canadian Arctic and conceptualizing the relationships between TEK and adaptation to climate change. Th is work contends that TEK is an element of adaptive capacity, which is expressed as adaptation if drawn upon to adapt to changing conditions. Th is depends on the development, accumulation, and transmission of TEK within and among generations. Th e paper argues that eff orts to support active participation in subsistence and TEK transmission should be included in climate change adaptation programs in Northern Canada. Th e research is part of ArcticNet Project 1.1 Community Adaptation and IK-ADAPT (Inuit Traditional Knowledge for Adapting to the Health Eff ects of Climate Change) supported by CIHR.

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