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 decisionmaking.

Canada's North is experiencing a growing interest in community-based environmental monitoring (CBEM) as resource exploitation and climate change increasingly impact these remote territories, and as recognition of the value and relevance of indigenous knowledge increases. IMALIRIJIIT, a CBEM program involving Science Land Camps, capacity-building workshops and scientific data collection with the participation of youth, Elders, local experts and researchers was co-initiated by the Inuit community of Kangiqsualujjuaq in Nunavik (Quebec) and university-affiliated researchers. This hands-on and land-based program aims to establish a sustainable environmental monitoring program of the George River, before the start of operations of a rare earth elements (REEs) mining project in its upper watershed. The community wanted its own independent and long-term environmental monitoring program to collect baseline data and promote local capacitybuilding. IMALIRIJIIT program includes water quality measurements, biomonitoring for contaminant and REEs analysis in traditional foods, remote sensing analysis of water quality parameters and vegetation change at the watershed scale as well as interactive mapping of traditional ecological knowledge related to the George River. The outcomes and challenges of the IMALIRIJIIT Program are discussed in order to identify the conditions for the successful implementation of CBEM and environmental stewardship in the George River watershed, Nunavik.