Traditional Ecological Study underway

Aarluk Consulting is working with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) to develop a Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) database and library. The NWMB, a co-management body established under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, is the primary body responsible for the management of wildlife within Nunavut.

In 2008, Aarluk provided a report to NWMB, in collaboration with Professor George Wenzel of McGill University, on enhancing the use of TEK in the management of wildlife. The report provided recommendations on policies governing the collection and use of TEK and IQ and on establishment of a network of Inuit Elders in communities to participate in the process of decision-making by the NWMB on major wildlife management issues. A second report on options for the design of a TEK/IQ database was also provided to NWMB at the time. The NWMB's IQ program, which incorporated the findings of both of these reports, is intended to ensure the systematic inclusion of both TEK and IQ along with scientific studies in wildlife research and management. Aarluk's current work on development of the database and library, once again in collaboration with George Wenzel, is designed to support the successful implementation of the IQ Program.