People of the ice bridge: Findings and recommendations from the Pikialasorsuaq Commission

Authors: Stephanie Meakin and Joanna Petrasek MacDonaldAbstract: The Pikialasorsuaq (the North Water polynya) is an extraordinary place. It is an Arctic haven where sky, ocean, and ice meet, teaming with marine life that has... [ view full abstract ]

Authors: Stephanie Meakin and Joanna Petrasek MacDonald

Abstract: The Pikialasorsuaq (the North Water polynya) is an extraordinary place. It is an Arctic haven where sky, ocean, and ice meet, teaming with marine life that has nourished Inuit subsistence culture for thousands of years. The Pikialasorsuaq is under increasing threat from various drivers of change and in turn the biodiversity and communities that depend upon it are also at risk. Most concerning are the impacts of climate change that include the increasing erosion of the ice bridge responsible for protecting the phenomenon of the polynya. Coupled with globalization, climate change has also brought increased shipping, resource development, tourism and the potential of commercial fisheries to this northern marine region. Understanding this, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) initiated the Pikialasorsuaq Commission. This Inuit led Commission was mandated to conduct consultations in the communities in Canada and Greenland that are closely  connected to Pikialasorsuaq and speak with Inuit who have occupied the region and managed its resources for generations to hear how they envision the future of this significant marine region. This presentation will provide some reflection and summary of the testimonies from Inuit community members and the Commission’s recommendations.