Abstracts
Inuit Concerns of Changing Aquatic Ecosystems in Arctic Communities
Cathleen Knotsch1, Heather Moquin, John Keogak
1Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
knotsch@itk.ca
There is a growing concern among Inuit in Canada that water issues need to be addressed in Inuit communities and regions. Concern has focused not only on the rapid changes experienced in Arctic climates but also on acquiring knowledge of available technologies and options with respect to ensuring water supply and quality. Previous activities by the Environment Department of ITK have identified the need to support adaptive responses to the increasing speed in changes of Arctic aquatic ecosystems, marine as well as freshwater. During previous consultations on environmental issues such as climate change, Inuit have identified water as an area of great concern. Melting permafrost, shorter winter seasons, drying springs, rising sea-levels, unpredictable sea-ice conditions, to mention just a few, have been identified as issues with consequences for humans and ecosystems. This project addresses the important issue of water in Arctic based on Inuit perceptions as documented in research publications, reports and conferences. Inuit perceptions are also captured in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) conducted by Statistics Canada and reveal that many are concerned about the quality of drinking water. Examples from the Western Arctic include changes in freshwater availability, slumping of permafrost, draining of lakes and increased water run-off close to communities.
2005-04-05 |
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