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“The best scientists are the people that’s out there”: Inuit-led integrated environment and health monitoring to respond to climate change in the Circumpolar North

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Sawatzky

    (University of Guelph
    University of Alberta)

  • Ashlee Cunsolo

    (Labrador Institute of Memorial University)

  • Andria Jones-Bitton

    (University of Guelph)

  • Dan Gillis

    (University of Guelph)

  • Michele Wood

    (Nunatsiavut Government)

  • Charlie Flowers

    (University of Guelph)

  • Inez Shiwak

    (Rigolet Inuit Community Government
    Rigolet Inuit Community Government)

  • Sherilee L. Harper

    (University of Guelph
    University of Alberta)

Abstract

Amidst unprecedented variability and change in climate across the Circumpolar North, increasing attention has been directed towards integrated environment and health monitoring systems to inform responses to climate change impacts on Inuit health. Yet, existing monitoring systems are often not designed to consider Inuit-identified conceptualizations of wellbeing that can help identify, monitor, and respond to the more intangible losses and damages from climate change. This study—conducted in partnership with the Inuit community of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Canada—aimed to characterize what Inuit value and want monitored to develop a conceptual framework for an Inuit-led integrated monitoring system. Using community-led research approaches, data were drawn from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 31 individuals including community members (n = 13), government representatives (n = 14), and healthcare professionals (n = 4) in Nunatsiavut between 2015 and 2016. Thematic analysis of these data was guided by a constant-comparative process. Interviewees described how monitoring climatic and environmental conditions was grounded in land-attachment, reciprocity, knowledge sharing, and self-determination. Findings enhance understandings of how Inuit-led monitoring in the North can guide climate change adaptation that considers intangible losses and damages to wellbeing and ways of living. Further, these findings illustrate how localized perspectives on climate change can contribute to place-based public health research and policy that reflect what matters most to communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Sawatzky & Ashlee Cunsolo & Andria Jones-Bitton & Dan Gillis & Michele Wood & Charlie Flowers & Inez Shiwak & Sherilee L. Harper, 2020. "“The best scientists are the people that’s out there”: Inuit-led integrated environment and health monitoring to respond to climate change in the Circumpolar North," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 160(1), pages 45-66, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:160:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10584-019-02647-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-019-02647-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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