'<i>In Every River, in Every Lake</i>': Impacts of Beaver Population Change on Indigenous Livelihoods and Wellbeing in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Western Canadian Arctic.
Beaver population changes are impacting Inuvialuit livelihoods and wellbeing, highlighting the complex interplay between ecological and social factors.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the dsip corpusSummary and findings
This study investigates the impacts of beaver population changes on the livelihoods and wellbeing of Inuvialuit communities in the western Canadian Arctic. Interviews were conducted with 25 Inuvialuit knowledge holders from Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Aklavik. The findings highlight disruptions in subsistence harvesting and increased risks for active harvesters.
Abstract
Ecosystem transformation driven by climatic, environmental and societal factors poses interlinked ecological and social challenges for many Indigenous communities. For Inuvialuit communities in and around the lower Mackenzie Delta, in the western Canadian Arctic, recent changes in the population of beavers (<i>Castor canadensis</i>) have disrupted subsistence harvesting activities and travelling routes, exacerbating stresses linked to the cost of living and increasing the exposure of active harvesters to risk. Drawing on interviews with 25 Inuvialuit knowledge holders from the three communities of Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Aklavik, we investigated concerns around beaver population change in the western Arctic and the impact of this change on Inuvialuit livelihoods and wellbeing. Beyond the direct impact of beavers, the issues associated with ecosystem transformation pose challenges for Inuvialuit collective identity, the continuity of knowledge and connections to the land. While beaver population change was widely attributed to the local effects of a warming climate, participants also pointed to the effects of social transformations over recent decades. Ecological changes interact with social factors to produce complex and wide-ranging consequences for Indigenous communities.
Background
This paper addresses the ecological and social challenges faced by Indigenous communities due to changes in beaver populations in the western Canadian Arctic. Previous research has indicated that climate change and environmental factors can disrupt traditional livelihoods. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the impacts on Indigenous wellbeing and cultural identity.
Methods
The study utilized qualitative interviews with 25 Inuvialuit knowledge holders from Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Aklavik. The focus was on gathering insights regarding the impact of beaver population changes on subsistence harvesting and community wellbeing. Specific details on the interview structure or duration were not provided.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
The findings highlight the interconnectedness of ecological changes and social factors affecting Indigenous communities. While the study sheds light on the challenges posed by beaver population changes, the lack of quantitative data limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the scale of these impacts. The implications for practice suggest a need for further research to understand these complex interactions.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
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- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Qualitative study with small sample size (n=25).
- No quantitative data reported.
- Focus on specific Indigenous communities may limit generalizability.