Water Security for Northern Peoples

Water Security for Northern Peoples: An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the influence of environmental change on freshwater sustainability

Funding: CIRNAC
Location: Nunavut - Igloolik, Sanirajak (formerly Hall Beach), Coral Harbour

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This collaborative project uses a holistic approach to address freshwater sustainability challenges in three remote Nunavut communities: Igloolik, Sanirajak and Coral Harbour. The project is led by Dr. Sonia Wesche, Dr. Eric Crighton (University of Ottawa), and Dr. Andrew Medeiros (Dalhousie University), in partnership with the Nunavut Research Institute. Dr. Sarah Newell is working as a Postdoctoral Fellow on the project.

Sustainable sources of clean freshwater are critical for northern community development and planning, as well as the health and well-being of Inuit. However, Arctic regions face water resource challenges due to population growth, development, and environmental change that puts pressure on existing water supplies. At the same time, many northern communities in Canada lack baseline knowledge of their own existing water supply, rates of current and future water use, and how quickly their reservoirs recharge.

This project combines Inuit community perspectives about water uses, values, preferences, and concerns with climatic, hydrologic, and water consumption data.

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The objectives are to:

  • Determine current and projected uses of freshwater, including both municipal and land- based components;

  • Examine Inuit values and relationships with water, including how these are impacted by environmental change;

  • Identify risks and vulnerabilities regarding water-related health and well-being issues.

Results will be shared with community, territorial, and Indigenous planning partners.

This project has three key phases:

PHASE 1: Community Engagement (June 2018/January 2020)
PHASE 2: Data Collection (Fall 2018/March 2020)
PHASE 3: Reporting Back (Fall 2021)