Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Study of Inuit Knowledge of Climate Change in Nunavik, Quebec: A Mixed Methods Approach

  • Published:
Human Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We address first, the lack of documented indigenous knowledge of climate change in Nunavik, Quebec, regarding impacts on plants; and second, the frequent underutilization of indigenous knowledge in decision making and policy. Our study of three communities indicates that there are similarities and contrasts among and within different areas of Nunavik that point to both general and localized impacts of climate change on Arctic communities. General trends include changes in berry and mammal distribution. Local trends include lower snow abundance, changing wind patterns and varying levels of impacts on travel and traditional activities. To assess these patterns, we used a novel mixed methods approach combining a qualitative analysis followed by a quantitative study of resulting codes and relevant quotes from interviewees. We believe this methodology can provide important insights into translating traditional knowledge into quantitative evidence for environmental policy and decision-making.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrachuk, M. (2008). An Assessment of the Vulnerability of Tuktoyaktuk to Environmental and Socio-Economic Changes (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Guelph).

  • Babbie, E. (2001). The Practice of Social Research, 9th ed. Wadsworth, Belmont.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barber, D. G., Lukovich, J. V., Keogak, J., Baryluk, S., Fortier, L., and Henry, G. (2008). The Changing Climate of the Arctic. Arctic 61: 7–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berkes, F. (2012). Sacred Ecology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Resource Management, 3rd ed. Routledge, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berkes, F., and Jolly, D. (2001). Adapting to Climate Change: Social-Ecological Resilience in a Canadian Western Arctic Community. Conservation Ecology 5(2): 18. [online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol5/iss2/art18.

  • Blok, D., Heijmans, M. M. P. D., Schaepman-Strub, G., Kononov, A. V., Maximov, T. C., and Berendse, F. (2010). Shrub expansion may reduce summer permafrost thaw in Siberian tundra. Global Change Biology 16: 1296–1305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blondeau, M., and Cayouette, J. (2002). La flore vasculaire de la baie Wakeham et du havre Douglas, détroit d’Hudson, Nunavik, Québec. Provancheria 28. 184.

  • Bokhorst, S., Bjerke, J. W., Bowles, F. W., Melillo, J., Callaghan, T. V., and Phoenix, G. K. (2008). Impacts of Extreme Winter Warming in the Sub-Arctic: Growing Season Responses of Dwarf Shrub Heathland. Global Change Biology 14: 2603–2612.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunet, N. D., Hickey, G. M., and Humphries, M. M. (2014). Understanding Community-Researcher Partnerships in the Natural Sciences: A Case Study from the Arctic. Journal of Rural Studies 36: 247–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buijs, C. (2010). Inuit Perceptions of Climate Change in East Greenland. Inuit Studies 34(1): 39–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buteau, S., Fortier, R., and Allard, M. (2010). Permafrost Weakening as a Potential Impact of Climatic Warming. Journal of Cold Regions Engineering 24(1): 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CANOCO Version 4.53. June (2004). C.J.F. Ter Braak 1988–2003 Biometris - quantitative methods in the life and earth sciences. Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands.

  • Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications Ltd, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Comiso, J. C., Parkinson, C. L., Gersten, R., and Stock, L. (2008). Accelerated Decline in the Arctic Sea Ice Cover. Geophysical Research Letters 35(1): L01703. 6p.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cruikshank, J. (2001). Glaciers and Climate Change: Perspectives from Oral Tradition. Arctic 54(4): 377–393.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Derocher, A. E., Lunn, N. J., and Stirling, I. (2004). Polar Bears in a Warming Climate. Integrative and Comparative Biology 44(2): 163–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Downing, A., and Cuerrier, A. (2011). A Synthesis of the Impacts of Climate Change on the First Nations and Inuit of Canada. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 10(1): 57–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche. (1986). Les parcs québécois. 7 : Les régions naturelles. Direction générale du plein air et des parcs. 257 p. et carte.

  • Duerden, F. (2004). Translating Climate Change Impacts at the Community Level. Arctic 2: 204–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dufour-Tremblay, G., Lévesque, E., and Boudreau, S. (2012). Dynamics at the Treeline: Differential Responses of Picea mariana and Larix laricina to Climate Change in Eastern Subarctic. Environmental Research Letters 7: 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, S. (2005). Meaningful Consideration? A Review of Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Decision Making. Arctic 58(1): 66–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Environment Canada. (2012). Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000. Climate Weather Office, Ottawa. http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html. Accessed July 3, 2013.

  • FAPAQ. (2000). État des connaissances. Parc des Pingualuit. Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec, Direction de la planification et du développement des parcs québécois. Gouvernement du Québec.

  • Ferguson, M. A. D., and Messier, F. (1997). Collection and Analysis of Traditional Ecological Knowledge About a Population of Arctic Tundra Caribou. Arctic 50: 17–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferguson, M. A. D., Williamson, R. G., and Messier, F. (1998). Inuit Knowledge of Long-Term Changes in a Population of Arctic Tundra Caribou. Arctic 51: 201–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fienup-Riordan, A. (2010). Yup’ik Perspectives on Climate Change: “The World is Following its People”. Inuit Studies 34(1): 55–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Folke, C. (2006). Resilience: The Emergence of a Perspective for Social–Ecological Systems Analyses. Global Environmental Change 16(3): 253–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Folliott, J. (2008). Weather Observations, Perceptions and Related Impacts: A Case Study of Aklavik, NWT and Old Crow, YT, 1996–2006. Proceedings, Planning for Climate Change, 1.

  • Ford, J., and The community of Igloolik (2006). Sensitivity of Iglulingmiut hunters to hazards associated with climate change. In Riewe, R., and Oakes, J. (eds.), Climate Change: Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge. Aboriginal Issues Press, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, pp. 147–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox, S. (2002). “These are things that are really happening”: Inuit perspectives on the evidence and impacts of climate change in Nunavut. In Krupnik, I., and Jolly, D. (eds.), The Earth is Faster Now: Indigenous Observations of Arctic Environmental Change. Fairbanks, Alaska, Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, pp. 12–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furgal, C., Martin, D., and Gosselin, P. (2002). Climate change and health in Nunavik and Labrador: Lessons from Inuit knowledge. In Krupnik, I., and Jolly, D. (eds.), The Earth is Faster Now: Indigenous Observations of Arctic Environmental Change. Fairbanks, Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, pp. 267–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furgal, C. M., Garvin, T. D., and Jardine, C. G. (2010). Trends in the Study of Aboriginal Health Risks in Canada. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 69(4).

  • Furgal, C., and Prowse, T. (2009). Climate impacts on northern Canada: Introduction. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 38(5), 246–247.

  • Gagnon, C. A., and Berteaux, D. (2006). Integrating traditional and scientific knowledge: Management of Canada’s National Parks. In Riewe, R., and Oakes, J. (eds.), Climate Change: Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge. Aboriginal Issues Press, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, pp. 209–221.

  • Gagnon, C. A., and Berteaux, D. (2009). Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Ecological Science: A Question of Scale. Ecology and Society 14(2): 19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garibaldi, A. and Turner N. (2004). Cultural Keystone Species: Implications for Ecological Conservation and Restoration. Ecology and Society 9(3)

  • Gearheard, S., Pocernich, M., Stewart, R., Sanguya, J., and Huntington, H. P. (2010). Linking Inuit Knowledge and Meteorological Station Observations to Understand Changing Wind Patterns at Clyde River, Nunavut. Climatic Change 100: 267–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilchrist, G., Mallory, M., and Merkel, F. (2005). Can Local Ecological Knowledge Contribute to Wildlife Management? Case Studies of Migratory Birds. Ecology and Society 10(1): 20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, B. G., and Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine Pub. Co., Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gouvernement du Québec. (2010). Zoom sur la région-Nunavik. Site Internet Ministère Culture, Communications et Condition féminine. http://www.mcccf.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?id=2074, accessed July 3, 2013.

  • Graversen, R. G., Mauritsen, T., Tjernström, M., Källén, E., and Svensson, G. (2008). Vertical Structure of Recent Arctic Warming. Nature 451: 53–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunn, A., Poole, K. G., Wierzchowski, J., Nishi, J. S., Adamczewski, J., Russell, D., and D’Hont, A. (2013). Have Geographical Influences and Changing Abundance Led to Sub-Population Structure in the Ahiak Caribou Herd, Nunavut, Canada? Rangifer 33(2): 35–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guyot, M., Dickson, C., Paci, C., Furgal, C., and Chan, H. M. (2006). Local Observations of Climate Change and Impacts on Traditional Food Security in Two Northern Aboriginal Communities. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 65(5): 403–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hennon, P. E., D’Amore, D. V., Schaberg, P. G., Wittwer, D. T., and Shanley, C. S. (2012). Shifting Climate, Altered Niche, and a Dynamic Conservation Strategy for Yellow-Cedar in the North Pacific Coastal Rainforest. BioScience 62(2): 147–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henshaw, A. (2006). Winds of change: Weather knowledge amongst the Sikusilarmiut. In Riewe, R., and Oakes, J. (eds.), Climate Change: Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge. Aboriginal Issues Press, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, pp. 177–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntington, H. P., Callaghan, T., Fox, S., and Krupnik, I. (2004). Matching Traditional and Scientific Observations to Detect Environmental Change: A Discussion on Arctic Terrestrial Ecosystems. Ambio 13: 18–23. Special Report.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntington, H. P., Trainor, S. F., Natcher, D. C., Huntington, O. H., DeWilde, L., and Stuart Chapin III, F. (2006). The Significance of Context in Community-Based Research: Understanding Discussions About Wildfire in Huslia, Alaska. Ecology and Society 11(1): 40.

    Google Scholar 

  • IPCC, (2007) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. S. Solomon, D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K. B. Averyt, M. Tignor, and H. L. Miller, editors. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. [online] URL:http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_report_wg1_report_the_physical_science_basis.htm.

  • Jägerbrand, A. K., Alatalo, J. M., Chrismes, D., and Molau, U. (2009). Plant Community Responses to 5 Years of Simulated Climate Change in Meadow and Heath Ecosystems at a Subarctic-Alpine Site. Oecologia 161: 601–610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeune, B., and Sattler, R. (1992). Multivariate Analysis in Process Morphology of Plants. Journal of Theoretical Biology 156: 147–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, C. J., and Russell, D. E. (2014). Long-Term Distribution Responses of a Migratory Caribou Herd to Human Disturbance. Biological Conservation 177: 52–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellogg, J., Joseph, G., Marobela, K. A., Flint, C., Komarnytsky, S., Fear, G., Struwe, L., Raskin, I., and Lila, M. A. (2010). Screens-to-Nature: Opening Doors to Traditional Knowledge and Hands-On Science Education. NACTA Journal 54(3): 43–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, L. (2004). Competing Knowledge Systems in the Management of Fish and Forests in the Pacific Northwest. International Environmental Agreements 4(2): 161–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kofinas, G., Osherenko, G., Klein, D., and Forbes, B. (2000). Research Planning in the Face of Change: The Human Role in Reindeer/Caribou Systems. Polar Research 19: 3–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, C. J., Boonstra, R., Cowcill, K., and Kenney, A. J. (2009). Climatic Determinants of Berry Crops in the Boreal Forest of the Southwestern Yukon. Botany 87: 401–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KRG (2005). Kuururjuaq Park Project (Monts-Torngat-et-Rivière Koroc). Status Report. Kativik Regional Government, Renewable Resources, Environmental and Land Use Planning Department, Parks Section, Kuujjuaq.

    Google Scholar 

  • KRG (2007). Lacs-Guillaume-Delisle-et-à-l’Eau-Claire Park Project. Status report. Kativik Regional Government, Renewable Resources, Environmental and Land Use Planning Department, Parks Section, Kuujjuaq.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krupnik, I., and Jolly, D. (2002). The Earth is Faster Now: Indigenous Observations of Arctic Environmental Change. Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, Fairbanks, Alaska, and The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA.

  • Krupnik, I., Aporta, C., Gearheard, S., Laidler, G. J., and Holm, L. K. (2010). SIKU: Knowing Our Ice: Documenting Inuit Sea Ice Knowledge and Use. Springer, New York.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kunuk, Z., and Mauro I. (2010). Qapirangajuq: Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change. Igloolik Isuma Productions, Montréal, Québec, Canada. [online] URL: http://www.isuma.tv/en/inuit-knowledge-and-climate-change.

  • Kutz, S. J., Jenkins, E. J., Veitch, A. M., Ducrocq, J., Polley, L., Elkin, B., and Lair, S. (2009). The Arctic as a Model for Anticipating, Preventing, and Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Host-Parasite Interactions. Veterinary Parasitology 163(3): 217–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laidler, G. J. (2006). Inuit and Scientific Perspectives on the Relationship Between Sea Ice and Climate Change: The Ideal Complement? Climatic Change 78: 407–444.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laidler, G. J., and Elee, P. (2008). Human Geographies of Sea Ice: Freeze/Thaw Processes Around Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada. Polar Record 44: 51–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laidler, G. J., and Ikummaq, T. (2008). Human Geographies of Sea Ice: Freeze/Thaw Processes Around Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada. Polar Record 44: 127–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laidler, G. J., Dialla, A., and Joamie, E. (2008). Human Geographies of Sea Ice: Freeze/Thaw Processes Around Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada. Polar Record 44: 335–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Legendre, P., and Legendre, L. (1998). Numerical Ecology, 2nd English ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leiner, R. H., Holloway, P. S., and Neal, D. B. (2006). Antioxidant Capacity and Quercetin Levels in Alaska Wild Berries. Journal of Fruit Science 6(1): 83–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lévesque, E., Hermanutz, L., Gérin-Lajoie, J., et al. (2012). Trends in vegetation dynamics and impacts on berry productivity. In Allard, M., and Lemay, M. (eds.), Nunavik and Nunatsiavut: From Science to Policy. An Integrated Regional Impact Study (IRIS) of Climate Change and Modernization. ArcticNet Inc, Quebec City, pp. 223–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, T. (2001). Solidarités et intégration communautaire: Le projet Grande-Baleine et le relogement des Inuit de Kuujjuarapik à Umiujaq. Ph.D. dissertation, Université Laval.

  • McCune, B., and Grace, J. B. (2002). Analysis of Ecological Communities. MjM Software Design, Gleneden Beach.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, M. A., Arragutainaq, L. and Novalinga, Z. (1997). Voices from the Bay. Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Inuit and Cree in the Hudson Bay Bioregion. Canadian Arctic Resource Committee.

  • McManus, K., Morton, D., Masek, J., Wang, D., Sexton, J., Nagol, J., Ropars, P., and Boudreau, S. (2012). Satellite-Based Evidence for Shrub and Graminoid Tundra Expansion in Northern Quebec from 1986–2010. Global Change Biology 18(7): 2313–2323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Myers-Smith, I. H., Forbes, B. C., Wilmking, M., Hallinger, M., Lantz, T., Blok, D., and Hik, D. S. (2011). Shrub Expansion in Tundra Ecosystems: Dynamics, Impacts and Research Priorities. Environmental Research Letters 6(4): 045509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nadasdy, P. (2006). The case of the missing sheep: Time, space, and the politics of “trust” in co-management practice. In Menzies, C. (ed.), Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Natural Resource Management. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, pp. 142–172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nickels, S., Furgal, C., Buell, M. and Moquin, H. (2006). Unikkaaqatigiit – Putting the Human Face on Climate Change: Perspectives from Inuit of Canada. Ottawa, Joint publication of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments at Université Laval and the Ajunnginiq Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization.

  • Nunavik Tourism Association. (2010). Internet site accessed November 18, 2014: http://www.nunavik-tourism.com/default.aspx.

  • Parlee, B., and Berkes, F. (2006). Indigenous Knowledge of Ecological Variability and Commons Management: A Case Study on Berry Harvesting from Northern Canada. Human Ecology 34(4): 515–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pomeroy, J. W., and Gray, D. M. (1995). Snow cover accumulation, relocation and management, National Hydrology Research Institute. Science Report, vol. 7. Environment Canada, Saskatoon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Provencher-Nolet, L., Bernier, M. and Lévesque, E. (2015). Quantification des changements récents à l’écotone forêt-toundra à partir de l’analyse numérique de photographies aériennes. ÉcoScience.

  • Reyes-Garcia, V., Vadez, V., Tanner, S., Huanca, T., Leonard, W. R. and McDade, T. (2006). Measuring What People Know About the Environment. A Review of Quantitative Studies. Tsimane’ Amazonian Panel Study Working Paper (21).

  • Riedlinger, D. (2001). Community-Based Assessments of Change: Contributions of Inuvialuit Knowledge to Understanding Climate Change in the Canadian Arctic. MS Thesis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.

  • Riedlinger, D., and Berkes, F. (2001). Contributions of Traditional Knowledge to Understanding Climate Change in the Canadian Arctic. Polar Record 37: 315–328.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ropars, P., and Boudreau, S. (2012). Shrub Expansion at the Forest-Tundra Ecotone: Spatial Heterogeneity Linked to Local Topography. Environmental Research Letters 7: 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salick, J., and Ross, N. (2009). Traditional Peoples and Climate Change. Global Environmental Change 19: 137–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sayles, J. S., and Mulrennan, M. E. (2010). Securing a Future: Cree Hunters’ Resistance and Flexibility to Environmental Changes, Wemindji, James Bay. Ecology and Society 15(4): 22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiermeier, Q. (2007). Climate Change 2007: What We Don’t Know About Climate Change. Nature 445(7128): 580–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stake, R. E. (2005). Qualitative case studies. In Denzin, N. K., and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research, 3rd ed. Sage Publications Ltd., London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Statistics Canada. (2011). 2011 Census of the Population. Accessed November 18, 2014: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/index-eng.cfm.

  • Stow, D. A., Hope, A., McGuire, D., Verbyla, D., Gamon, J., Huemmrich, F., Houston, S., Racine, C., Sturm, M., Tape, K., Hinzman, L., Yoshikawa, K., Tweedie, C., Noyle, B., Silapaswan, C., Douglas, D., Griffith, B., Jia, G., Epstein, H., Walker, D., Daeschner, S., Petersen, A., Zhou, L., and Myneni, R. (2004). Remote Sensing of Vegetation and Land-Cover Change in Arctic Tundra Ecosystems. Remote Sensing of Environment 89: 281–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturm, M., McFadden, J. P., Liston III, G. E., Chapin, F. S., Racine, C. H., and Holmgren, J. (2001). Snow-Shrub Interaction in Arctic Tundra: A Hypothesis with Climate Implications. Journal of Climate 14: 336–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tape, K. E. N., Sturm, M., and Racine, C. (2006). The Evidence for Shrub Expansion in Northern Alaska and the Pan‐Arctic. Global Change Biology 12(4): 686–702.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe, N., Hakongak, N., Eyegetok, S., and Elders, K. (2001). Thunder on the Tundra: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit of the Bathurst Caribou. Generation Printing, Vancouver.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe, N., Eyegetok, S., Hakongak, N., and Elders of Kitikmeot (2002). Nowadays it is not the same: Inuit Quajimajatuqangit, climate and caribou in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, Canada. In Krupnik, I., and Jolly, D. (eds.), The Earth is Faster Now: Indigenous Observations of Arctic Environmental Change. Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, Fairbanks, pp. 198–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, M., Furgal, C., Larrivée, C., Annanack, T., Tookalook, P., Qiisik, M., Angiyou, E., Swappie, N., Savard, J. P., and Barrett, M. (2008). Climate Change in Northern Quebec: Adaptation Strategies from Community-Based Research. Arctic 61: 27–34. Suppl.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, B., Lévesque, E., and Boudreau, S. (2012). Recent Expansion of Erect Shrubs in the Low Arctic: Evidence from Eastern Nunavik. Environmental Research Letters 7: 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, N., and Spalding, P. R. (2013). “We Might Go Back to This”; Drawing on the Past to Meet the Future in Northwestern North American Indigenous Communities. Ecology and Society 18(4): 29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, B., Holling, C. S., Carpenter, S. R., and Kinzig, A. (2004). Resilience, Adaptability and Transformability in Social–Ecological Systems. Ecology and Society 9(2): 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren, C. R., Lumsden, C., O’Dowd, S., and Birnie, R. V. (2005). ‘Green on Green’: Public Perceptions of Wind Power in Scotland and Ireland. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 48(6): 851–873.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WCED (1987) Our Common Future. Oxford University Press, New York.

  • Weatherhead, E., Gearheard, S., and Barry, R. G. (2010). Changes in Weather Persistence: Insight from Inuit Knowledge. Global Environmental Change 20(3): 523–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weintraub, M. N., and Schimel, J. P. (2005). Nitrogen Cycling and the Spread of Shrubs Control Changes in the Carbon Balance of Arctic Tundra Ecosystems. BioScience 55(5): 409–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willox, A. C., Harper, S. L., Ford, J. D., Edge, V. L., Landman, K., Houle, K., Blake, S., and Wolfrey, C. (2013). Climate Change and Mental Health: An Exploratory Case Study from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Canada. Climatic Change 121: 255–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 4th ed. Sage, Los Angeles.

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was made possible due to the support of IPY-CiCAT, ArcticNet and NSERC. The UQTR delivered the ethics permit: Climate change impacts on Canadian Tundra (CiCAT) (CER-07-124-07.18). We wish to thank the people who generously shared their knowledge. They have been great teachers. In Umiujaq, special thanks to Lizzie Crow, Sarah Crow, Kathleen Inukpuk, Martha Kasudluak, Willie Kumarluk, Siasi Naluktuk, Viola Napartuk, Zackiasie Niviaxie, Moses Novalinga, Joshua Sala, Julia Tookalak, Dinah Tookalook, Lizzie Tookoolook, Alice Tooktoo senior, Alice N. Tooktoo middle, Billy Tooktoo, Charlie Tooktoo, Lucassie Tooktoo, Clara Tumic, Ernest Tumic. In Kangiqsujuaq, great thanks to Mary Anogak, Nappaaluq Arnaituq, Jessica Arngak, Minnie Etidloie, Eva Ilimasaut, Lizzie Irniq, Mary Kiatainaq, Alasie Koneak, Juusipi Nappaaluk, Lukaasi Nappaaluk, Naalak Nappaaluk, Pitsiulaq Pinguatuq, Aqujaq Qisiiq, Inuluk Qisiiq, Mark Terliluk, Annie Terliluk, Maata Tuniq. In Kangiqsualujjuaq, many thanks to Eva Annanack, Betsie Annanack, Johnny George Annanack, Sarah Pasha Annanack, Willie Emudluk, Lucas A. Etok, Mary Etok, Tivi Etok, Susie Morgan. Special thanks also to the interpreters without whom this work would not have been possible: Mary Adams, Mary Annanack, Rita Annanack, Pasha Arngak, Annie Baron, Harriet Etok, Charlotte Morgan and Lucassie Tooktoo; to Bernard Jeune, Louis Houde (UQTR) and Stéphane Daigle (IRBV) for their help with statistics. We are also indebted to Alice N. Tooktoo and Charlie Tooktoo, Pierre Phillie and Jessica Arngak, Pasha Arngak, Molly Emudluk for providing lodging with a great sense of hospitality. Finally, thanks to Carl Geoffroy for his input into the graphs.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent

Prior informed consent was reached before any interview started as per the ethics permit: Climate change impacts on Canadian Tundra (CiCAT) (CER-07-124-07.18).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jardin botanique de Montréal, Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2, Canada

    Alain Cuerrier & Ashleigh Downing

  2. Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, McGill University, Stewart Biology Building, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1B1, Canada

    Nicolas D. Brunet

  3. Département de chimie-biologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7, Canada

    José Gérin-Lajoie & Esther Lévesque

  4. Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Pavillon Abitibi-Price, 2405, rue de la Terrasse, Local 1202, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada

    José Gérin-Lajoie & Esther Lévesque

Authors
  1. Alain Cuerrier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nicolas D. Brunet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. José Gérin-Lajoie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ashleigh Downing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Esther Lévesque
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alain Cuerrier.

Appendices

Appendix 1. Detailed Descriptions of the Three Case Study Communities

Umiujaq

Umiujaq (Fig. 1) is located at 56°56′ N 76°55′ W (elevation 76 m) on Hudson Bay’s east shore. It is part of the Low Arctic at the edge of the treeline, in the low shrub subzone, with discontinuous permafrost. The average annual temperature at the nearest weather station of Kuujjuarapik is −4.4 °C, with total precipitation of 648.5 mm and annual degree-days >0 °C (TDD) of 1309.8 (Environment Canada 2012). Umiujaq is part of Hudson Cuestas natural region (Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche 1986) characterized by white spruce (Picea glauca) stands growing around Lac Guillaume-Delisle (Richmond Gulf), small scattered stands of tamarack (Larix laricina) and stunted black spruce (Picea mariana) on the back slopes of the cuestas, while shrubs and herbaceous vegetation cover the faces of cuestas as well as rocky peaks (KRG 2007). Among the three communities, Umiujaq has the most diverse flora of the three communities, which includes 503 vascular plant species (KRG 2007).

We believe that responses from Umiujak residents may be influenced by important historical factors. Umiujaq is the youngest community in our sample established in 1986. In comparison, Kangiqsujuaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq were established in the 1960s. In 1975, as part of negotiations of the James Bay and Northern Quebec agreement, a number of Inuit from Kuujjuarapik were relocated near Richmond Gulf, to a new settlement named Umiujaq, to preserve their traditional lifestyle in an area where fish and game would not be threatened by hydro-electric developments at the time (Martin 2001). People from other communities joined them. In 2011, the population reached 444 people.

Kangiqsualujjuaq

Kangiqsualujjuaq is also in the Low Arctic near the treeline (Fig. 1). It stands at the mouth of the George River, 25 km from Ungava Bay, at 58°69′ N 65°94′ W (elevation 10 m). It is in the low shrub subzone where permafrost is discontinuous in the valley and continuous on plateaus and mountains (KRG 2005). The average annual temperature at the nearest weather station of Kuujjuaq is −5.7 °C with total precipitation of 526.8 mm and annual degree-days >0 °C (TDD) of 1180 (Environment Canada 2012). Vegetation is herbaceous tundra on hills and black spruce stands in valleys. Besides spruce and tamarack, small stands of balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) and erect willows are also present. Vascular flora of the area is made of 269 species (KRG 2005). The construction of the village began in 1962 and was legally established as a municipality in 1980 (Nunavik Tourism Association 2010). Its population is now estimated at 874 people (Statistics Canada 2011).

Kangiqsujuaq

The third community, Kangiqsujuaq (Fig. 1), is situated on the south-eastern shore of Wakeham Bay, 10 km from the Hudson Strait, at 61°60′ N 71°96′ W (elevation 13 m). The average annual temperature at the nearest weather station of Inukjuak is −7 °C with total precipitation of 459.9 mm and annual degree-days >0 °C (TDD) of 936.7 (Environment Canada 2012). The vegetation is mainly herbaceous tundra with pockets of erect willow in protected areas, characteristic of the Low Arctic erect dwarf shrub subzone, with continuous permafrost (FAPAQ 2000). Among the three communities, Kangiqsujuaq has the least diverse flora, with around 220 vascular plant species (Blondeau and Cayouette 2002). The settlement was established in 1960 (Nunavik Tourism Association 2010) and its population is now estimated at 696 people (Statistics Canada 2011).

Appendix 2

Table 4 List of the 54 ordinal and binary variables used for the frequency of consensus analyses
Full size table

Appendix 3

Table 5 Proportion of interviewees (%) having observed no change, some change (c), or more/later/bigger (↑), less (↓), earlier (e) phenomena on different themes among 3 Inuit communities in Nunavik and between men and women. Grey color means dissimilarity among communities or between men and women
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cuerrier, A., Brunet, N.D., Gérin-Lajoie, J. et al. The Study of Inuit Knowledge of Climate Change in Nunavik, Quebec: A Mixed Methods Approach. Hum Ecol 43, 379–394 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-015-9750-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-015-9750-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation