Integration of Inuit Land Safety Knowledge into Inuit Nunangat Search and Rescue: A Scoping Review

• Main Author: Simms, David Kevin
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: inuit
• Online Access: https://viurrspace.ca/handle/10613/24378; https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-16205

The demand for search and rescue (SAR) interventions in Inuit Nunangat has risen considerably over the past decade. Yet, the effectiveness of Inuit Nunangat SAR faces serious challenges: a vast geography with SAR resources located in the South; limited training and supplies for Inuit; lack of integration of Inuit Knowledge into SAR processes; and a rapidly changing climate and environment. Given the increasing demand for SAR services in Inuit Nunangat, using a scoping review methodology, this research identified, analyzed, and reported on the nature, range, and extent of literature on Inuit Nunangat SAR operations in the published literature. Of the 2,728 articles identified, 40 were analyzed. Key findings included: the integration of Inuit land safety knowledge in SAR operations is limited, yet essential; further resources to expand and enhance Inuit Nunangat SAR processes and effectiveness is a priority within a changing climate; and Inuit-led research to enhance SAR is recommended.