Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Program Name/Specialization

Human Geography

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Dr.Colin Robertson

Advisor Role

official supervisor

Second Advisor

Dr.Andrew Spring

Advisor Role

logistical and regular support

Abstract

Northern Canada has struggled with various systemic challenges based on Eurocentric ideologies, policies, and practices. A major challenge Indigenous communities face North of the 60th parallel is their food security and sovereignty. Inuit, First Nation and Métis populations across the North experience 5 to 6 times higher levels of food insecurity compared to the National average (Food Secure Canada, 2020). These communities face concentrated levels of food system issues, which connect to other factors, such as, health and wellness, the supply chain of market foods, governance, a shift away from traditional foods, and the impacts of climate change. Climate change has been altering the ecosystems and landscapes throughout the North and are increasing the risks and challenges harvesters face in accessing traditional foods. This project details a collaboration with the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation (KTFN) located in Kakisa, Northwest Territories (NWT) where community members describe changes and risks observed on the land due to climate change, as well as adaptation and processes to increase harvester safety. A participatory action research framework, including participatory mapping were used as the project approach. Participatory mapping was used as a tool for data gathering, which supported the transfer of place-based storytelling and traditional knowledge, thus identifying important features that connected with harvester safety. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was used to structure themes: importance of being on the land, climate change (risks & impact), local adaptation, safety measures and visitor safety. These themes coincide and connect with local harvester safety and well-being. Spatial data was created through the mapping process and added into the preexisting digital community map known as, The Ka’a’gee Tu Atlas. The results provided integral, local information for the community’s use in the hopes of maintaining and improving harvester safety while ensuring access towards traditional food sources.

Convocation Year

2021

Convocation Season

Spring

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