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Inuit perspectives of polar bear research: lessons for community-based collaborations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2017

Pamela B.Y. Wong ,
M.G. Dyck ,
R.W. Murphy ,
Arviat Hunters and Trappers ,
Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers  and
Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers
Pamela B.Y. Wong
Affiliation:
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto and Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto M5S 2C6, Canada ([email protected])
M.G. Dyck
Affiliation:
Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, PO Box 209, Igloolik X0A 0L0, Canada
R.W. Murphy
Affiliation:
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto and Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto M5S 2C6, Canada
Arviat Hunters and Trappers
Affiliation:
PO Box 529, Arviat X0C 0E0, Canada
Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers
Affiliation:
PO Box 39, Arctic Bay X0A 0A0Canada
Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers
Affiliation:
PO Box 99, Kimmirut X0A 0N0, Canada
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Abstract

Research partnerships with northern communities hold promise for capacity and resilience against environmental changes. Given their historical ecological and cultural relationship with and, thus, ongoing concern for polar bears, Inuit communities are keen to participate in monitoring programmes. In spite of this, northern communities continue to meet polar bear research and collaborations with some resistance. Here, we summarise and report interviews with Nunavummiut from four communities on Inuit experiences with polar bears and research perspectives. Research interactions reveal ongoing cultural, socio-ecological and ethical barriers to polar bear research projects. Research licenses and standardised ethics procedures do not always guarantee collaborations. Adaptable research methods, mutual understanding and open dialogue are essential to form strong research partnerships with northern communities.

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 53 , Issue 3 , May 2017 , pp. 257 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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