Vulnerability to changes in winter trails and travelling: a case study from Nunatsiavut

• Main Author: Riedlsperger, Rudolf
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2014
• Subjects: Postville; Makkovik; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6349/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6349/1/Riedlsperger_Rudolf_052014_MA.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6349/3/Riedlsperger_Rudolf_052014_MA.pdf

This thesis explores the vulnerability of Nunatsiavut residents to changes in winter trails and travelling on land based and sea ice trails, brought about by weather and climate stresses in combination with livelihood changes. Data were collected using map biography interviews with 28 community members of Makkovik and Postville between January and March 2012. Participant observation and regional climate data were utilized to gain contextual understanding of the data collected during map biography interviews. Accessible winter trails are critical to the livelihoods of the communities. They provide access to the land and ice and facilitate subsistence activities such as hunting and collecting firewood. Winter trails also permit overland travel between communities that are not connected by conventional roads. Residents are currently affected by changes related to winter trails and travelling considered outside the range of previously experienced variability. Physical changes in winter trails are brought about mainly by a deterioration of snow and ice conditions, as well as changes in wildlife availability. Sea ice routes are more affected than land based routes. Interview participants reported changes in the act and experience of travelling due to a compromised sense of safety while being on winter trails, and due to changes in trail use activities away from subsistence participation towards recreational and sports activities in combination with technological changes. These changes have immediate, tangible effects on community and individual livelihoods, including negative economic implications for households and threats to livelihood security, health and safety for individuals. There are also intangible dimensions of change as unimpeded access to the land and ice is further linked to a sense of place, identity, purpose, and stewardship for community members. Currently, ad-hoc coping mechanisms outweigh planned adaptation strategies. Communities and individuals respond to changes in winter trails and travelling ...