community research collaboration in the arctic · arcticnet’s goal “a major goal of arcticnet...

4.2: Human Vulnerability

Community Research Collaboration in the Arctic

E. Loring; S. Baryluk; J. Ford1; G. Laidler; G. Okheena; B. Smit; J. Wandel; G. Young

Fred Kataoyak, Ulukhaktok (Holman), NWT

Tristan Pearce, University of Guelph, Ontario

ArcticNet’s Goal

“A major goal of ArcticNet is to engage Inuit organizations, northern communities, universities, research institutes, industry as well as government and international agencies as partners in the scientific process and the steering of the Network.”

- ArcticNet, 2005

Theme 4.2

4.2 Reducing Human Vulnerability to Environmental Changes in the Canadian Arctic

• Ethical Obligation

• Essential for collecting relevant and accurate data

Community Interview, Arctic Bay Nunavut, James Ford, 2004

Engaging local peoples as partners in the research process:

Initiate Contact

Development of Proposal

Early, Ongoing Communication

Partners in Research

Building Collaboration

Dissemination of Results

Initiate Contact

Early, Ongoing Communication

Partners in Research

Building Collaboration

Dissemination of Results

Development of Proposal

• Work with communities and representatives to identify community issues

• Establish communication plans

• Identify training opportunities

Initiate Contact

Development of Proposal

Early, Ongoing Communication

Partners in Research

Building Collaboration

Dissemination of Results

Early, Ongoing Communication

• Keep the community involved and informed throughout the whole research process

• Begin training local peoples

Initiate Contact

Development of Proposal

Early, Ongoing Communication

Partners in Research

Building Collaboration

Dissemination of Results

Partners in Research

Partners in Research

• Involve local peoples in carrying out the research process.

• Work with an interpreter to communicate in the local language and produce multi-lingual materials.

Who Am I?

Ulukhaktok (Holman)

• 70o 46’ N 117o 48’ W• Victoria Island, Inuvialuit Settlement Region• Population: 420+• Economy: Mixed, wage / subsistence

View from Second Hill, Ulukhaktok, April 2005

Winnie Akhiatak, Ulukhaktok, April 2005

Adam Kudlak, Ulukhaktok, August 2005

Pat Ekpakhohak’s house, Ulukhaktok, April 2005

Joey Pogotak, Ulukhaktok, August 2005

Nelson, Craig, David-Roy, Debra and Papak, Ulukhaktok, July 2005

Cassie Ekpakohak, Ulukhaktok, July 2005

How should researchers work in communities?

• Use language that people can understand

• Give people time to give feedback (not just at that meeting)

• Take time to get to know people

• Ask the community what is important for them to be included in the research

• Give the community results that are beneficial and can be used by the community and by researchers

Changing Conditions

Adam Kudlak, Ulukhaktok, June 2004 ATV Trail, Ulukhaktok, August 2005

Partners in Research