For this weblog, I wanted to look more closely at Inuit place-based knowledge to coincide with this module’s emphasis on ecological knowledge. Because part of my paper will examine the use of digital storytelling, I want to make sure I have a better understanding of how placing information on the internet can expose information to commodification by outsiders. Even though I may not cover this in my paper (taking Dr. M’s advice on ensuring I have a clear focus and that my paper works within a part of the whole!), I wanted to explore this concept a little further.
The above article focuses on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in adaptation to climate change in the Canadian Arctic. It focuses on Inuit relationships with the Arctic environment, including hunting knowledge and land skills, and examines their roles in adaptation to biophysical changes that affect subsistence hunting.
This project researched and investigated potential climate change impacts on Inuit health. It found that comprehensive and meaningful research outcomes depend on taking a systemic and trans-disciplinary approach that engages local citizens in project design, data collection, and analysis.
Digital storytelling: Implications for health research and policy
This policy document is based off the research done in the Changing climate, changing health, changing stories project mentioned above. It led me to the YouTube channel I discuss below.
This channel features videos created from the IlikKuset-Illingannet/Culture-Connect program running in Rigolet, Makkovik, and Postville, Nunatsiavut, Labrador. The program united youth and mentors in each community to learn culturally-based skills. The channel contains many digital storytelling videos made in the Rigolet Storytelling & Digital Media Lab.
The ITK is the national Inuit organization of Canada and stands for “Inuit will be united”. They work to improve the health and well-being of Inuit, which includes research, advocacy, public outreach, and education on issues affecting the Inuit population.