Community' Perspectives and Regulations on Cruise Ship Tourism in the Canadian Arctic: A Pond Inlet Case Study

• Main Author: Lopez, Fabiola
• Other Authors: Brenda Parlee, John Parkins (Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology), Elizabeth Halpenny (Physical Education and Recreation Faculty)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Alberta. Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology. 2017
• Subjects: socio; envir; Arctic; Bylot Island; Nunavut; Pond Inlet; inuit; Sirmilik National Park
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10402/era.44490

Specialization: Risk and Community Resilience Degree: Master of Science Abstract: Cruise ship tourism (CST) is an increasing significantly activity in Nunavut and is having many environmental, socio-economic and cultural impacts on Inuit communities, and important marine ecosystems such as Sirmilik National Park and Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This thesis focuses on the knowledge and perspectives of Pond Inlet community members. The principal aims are: 1.- Explore the traditional knowledge (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) held by Pond Inlet elders and land user, and 2. – Document which “traditional rules” are considered important by Pond Inlet residents, and identify formal laws, regulations, and guidelines, and how these differ from community “rules”. Both objectives relate to CST and the management of Sirmilik National Park and Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The information presented in this thesis provides the basis for better understanding of Pond Inlet community experiences and observations about CST and its impacts. Addressing these impacts and increasing opportunities for local benefit, will potentially improve attitudes towards tourism while at the same time ensure improvements in ecosystem health, the economy, and the local way of life.