Research Proposal: Inuit Identity, Self-Perception, Resilience, and Climate Change


Sarah Coker, McMaster University

Climate change, characterized by higher temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting rainfall patterns, poses significant challenges globally. Canada, due to its northern location, experiences climate change at twice the rate of the worlds average, with the Arctic warming at three times the global average. This research proposal focuses on the Inuit population in Canadas Arctic, where climate change threatens their cultural identity deeply connected to the cold and ice. The primary research question is to understand how climate change affects Inuit identity and self-perception, considering the integral role of the cold and ice in their cultural identity. The research aims to address the following objectives: Examine Inuit perceptions of climate change; Investigate the role of environmental changes in Inuit identity; Analyze the cultural and psychological significance of the ice and cold; Understand the resilience and adaptation strategies created by the Inuit. The research contributes to understanding the broader impact of environmental change on vulnerable populations, sheds light on how Inuit communities respond to challenges, informs policy decisions, and serves as an educational resource on the empirical evidence of climate changes impact on daily life and identity. Inuit Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) constitutes a cumulative body of wisdom, practice, and values passed down through generations, rooted in the intricate relationships among living beings and their environment (Pearce et al., 2015). TEK is a dynamic, fluid knowledge system shaped by social interactions, adapting to technology, weather changes, and new observations (Pearce et al., 2015). In the context of Inuit hunting, TEK is exemplified by using snowdrifts to navigate during whiteout conditions, showcasing the practical applications of this knowledge (Berkes and Jolly, 2002). Emphasizing TEK in the research is crucial to avoid "colonizing" Indigenous beliefs and opinions, as traditional academic approaches have often overlooked and marginalized Indigenous voices (Flaherty, 1995). Inuit vulnerabilities stem from various factors such as poverty, inequality, and a strong cultural connection to the changing environment (Ford et al., 2014). Climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, impacting Inuit health, traditional activities like hunting, and access to healthy foods. High living costs, disrupted land skills transmission to youth, and stress resulting from environmental changes contribute to negative well-being outcomes (Dowsley, 2015). Despite these challenges, Inuit resilience acts as a buffer, with survival skills, healthcare training, community-based initiatives, and a focus on traditional ecological knowledge helping communities adapt (Ford et al., 2014). Cultural identity is fundamental to Inuit self-perception, shaped by an intimate connection with the land, water, and ice (Downing and Cuerrier, 2011). However, internal colonialism has created dual identities, with Qallunaamariit tying Inuit to Settler-Canadian norms, while Inummariit align with traditional practices predating settler colonialism (Dowsley, 2015). Climate change-induced shifts, like the melting ice affecting hunting, contribute to the loss of Inuit identity and culture, evident in high rates of suicide among Inuit boys (Greaves, 2016). Inuit culture and identity revolve around language, lifestyle, and society, all deeply connected to the environment. Melting ice disrupts language preservation and shifts traditional practices, impacting the interconnectedness of Inuit communities. The push for self-determination reflects a resistance to Western dominance and the preservation of Inuit culture (Greaves, 2016). Social ties, fostered during the preparation of traditional foods, diminish as zoonotic diseases limit access to these practices (Downing and Cuerrier, 2011). The methodology involves qualitative interviews and focus groups, respecting Inuit cultural protocols. The study will include Inuit community members, leaders, experts, and Elders, ensuring diverse perspectives. Research indicators include cultural identity, self-perception, community resilience, knowledge, and environmental justice. Informed by feminist theory and decolonization principles, the research adopts a polyvocal approach, emphasizing un-learning self-mastery, and telling and receiving stories. This framework allows for a reflexive and authentic engagement with the Inuit community, acknowledging the importance of diverse voices in the research process. The overall purpose is to understand the impact of climate change on Inuit self-perception and identity, focusing on the cultural significance of the cold and ice. The study aims to provide insights into the complex interplay between cultural practices, environmental shifts, and the quest for self-determination in the face of climate change.

This paper will be presented at the following session: