Inuvialuit traditional ecological knowledge of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) under changing climatic conditions in Tuktoyaktuk, NT

• Published in: Arctic Science
• Main Authors: Devin Waugh, Tristan Pearce, Sonja K. Ostertag, Verna Pokiak, Peter Collings, Lisa L. Loseto
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; French
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2018
• Subjects: arctic; climate change; traditional ecological knowledge; indigenous; co-management; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Environmental engineering; TA170-171; Arctic; Tuktoyaktuk; Beluga; Beluga whale; Beluga*; Climate change; Delphinapterus leucas; Inuvialuit
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2017-0034; https://doaj.org/article/cf559207ddb647ee9d19d136a0c0548e

This paper documents Inuvialuit traditional ecological knowledge of beluga, including ecology and behavior, hunting techniques, and food preparation under changing climatic conditions in Tuktoyaktuk, NT. Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an important food source for Inuvialuit in the western Canadian Arctic, a region that is experiencing dramatic climate change. Data were collected using semi-directed interviews with 17 Inuvialuit beluga harvesters and participant observation. The research found that Inuvialuit beluga harvesters possess detailed rational knowledge of beluga, particularly regarding hunting techniques and food preparation, both which are guided by a moral code about how to behave with respect to beluga. In terms of beluga ecology and behavior, Inuvialuit knowledge is limited to anecdotal reasoning drawing on generalized observations of beluga and the accounts of others. Inuvialuit are experiencing the effects of climate change, but seem to be coping thus far in the context of beluga harvesting but ongoing change in the region may increase the risks associated with hunting and preparing beluga in the future.