Indigenous self-determination in cryospheric science: The Inuit-led Sikumik Qaujimajjuti (“tools to know how the ice is”) program in Inuit Nunangat, Canada

Abstract

Inuit have lived along the shoreline of the frozen Arctic Ocean for centuries. Our wellbeing, culture, and identity are closely tied to safe and dependable ice access. As the ice becomes more unpredictable with a changing climate, Elders and experienced ice users recognize that their accumulated wisdom and experience of safe ice travel—their Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ; a term used to describe Inuit knowledge and values) of sea-ice—must be shared and applied in new ways for the benefit of younger generations. Here we illustrate one such application that enables young Inuit scientists to learn and apply the tools and skills they need to create operational community-scale sea-ice maps (Sikumik Qaujimajjuti, or “tool to know how the ice is”). Our cross-cultural partnership approach—called the Sikumiut-SmartICE model—focuses on developing the skills of young Inuit to create the maps, while non-Indigenous partners provide mentorship, tools, and training. Our novel maps incorporate culturally relevant ice terminology, on-ice monitoring data and observations, and IQ-grounded interpretations of ice features and travel conditions from near-real time optical and radar satellite imagery. The layers of data are integrated into a local GIS, enabling the creation of maps that reflect local and seasonal travel patterns and meet our information needs in information content, extent and frequency. The maps are posted and shared through social media platforms preferred by the community. The maps are a trusted source of travel information because they are made by one of our own, using local language, experience, and IQ. The Sikumik Qaujimajjuti program illustrates the incredible potential of Indigenous self-determination in cryospheric science when the scientific merit of IQ is fully recognized, when Indigenous researchers are able to access technologies and training to apply their IQ, and when non-Indigenous partners mentor and support young Indigenous scientists.

Source, Migration Pathways, and Atmospheric Release of Geologic Methane Associated With the Complex Permafrost Regimes of the Outer Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada

“…As the local Inuvialuit have an intimate familiarity with this area, there is significant potential to partner with them to locate areas of thin ice and learn from them about the changes that they have seen in this environment. The SmartICE program that has been conducted in the eastern Arctic is an excellent example of such a partnership (Beaulieu et al., 2023).…”

Lake Ice From Historical Records to Contemporary Science

“…There is a long history of activities on ice that serve many functions from subsistence to religious significance. Indigenous communities across the Arctic have used ice for subsistence hunting and mobility during long winters for centuries (Beaulieu et al., 2023). Freshwater ice has been used for centuries to keep food cold in ice boxes, long before the proliferation of electrical refrigeration.…”

Supporting Inuit food sovereignty through collaborative research of an at-risk caribou herd

“…Indeed, arctic country foods are nutritionally rich, and although store-bought foods are now common place, country foods remain preferred for their nutritional value, spiritual value, and taste (Inuit Circumpolar Council Alaska, 2020;Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, 2021). Climate change has generally decreased the accessibility and availability of country foods (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, 2021), with Inuit reporting unpredictable and more dangerous harvesting conditions because of thinning sea-ice, thawing permafrost, rising sea levels, stronger and more variable wind conditions, and shifting wildlife ranges (Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, 2012;Fawcett et al, 2018;Beaulieu et al, 2023). The health of cold-adapted wildlife is challenged under these new climate conditions, like the Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) who experience reduced cardiorespiratory performance and recoverability in higher water temperatures (Gilbert et al, 2016(Gilbert et al, , 2020.…”