Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Food security is a complex issue in the Arctic, made more difficult by the effects of climate change. It is important that the connections between cultural continuity, food security, and community health are understood first. This allows us to understand how climate change is affecting these connections. This research uses a community based research approach meaning that the research objectives and specific methods are created together with the community. This research was developed with community members through a community discussion process. Its specific objective comes from the community's concerns about how climate and other changes are affecting the health and migratory patterns of the animals they rely on. The overall objectives of this research are first to give voice to the concerns of Chesterfield Inlet community members. Secondly, to help them in arguing for change that will benefit people as well as the animals they care so deeply about. The data collection is done through focus groups at a community level and interviews with individuals. Using these two methods means that I will hear both general and specific views. Community members are also part of the data analysis to make sure the results are complete and true to what they shared. Initial results show that climate change has caused the sea ice to freeze up later and break up earlier. Also, having mines nearby has altered the migratory patterns of caribou and seals in particular, which are important to the local diet. Understanding these connections and the impact of changes in the local context allow future adaptation policies to be evidence informed. We want to acknowledge Chesterfield Inlet's involvement and SSHRC OceanCanada funding and support of this research.