Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between government wildlife management and the use of Inuit knowledge or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) through a case study focusing on narwhal harvesting in the community of Naujaat, Nunavut. Since the introduction of a community quota system in 1977 by the Canadian federal government, the ultimate responsibility for decision-making has shifted to the government rather than hunting communities. This shift corresponds with changes in the use of IQ within the community. Interviews with hunters, elders, and representatives from the Hunters and Trappers Organization in Naujaat provide insight into the nature of these changes, allowing the relationship between government-based management policies and community perspectives to be characterized. Key factors influencing the role of IQ in narwhal management decision making included the imposed quota-based system, the perception of the ongoing role for IQ, communication challenges, modern day drivers of change, and the lack of decision-making authority at the community level.