March 13, 2009
Around Nunavut
IQ versus science at wildlife meet
The integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with science will be front and centre next week when about 100 wildlife managers and harvesters meet in Rankin Inlet for a gathering called the Nunavut Wildlife Symposium.
Members of the hunters and trappers organizations and Regional Wildlife Organizations from across the territory will meet with Nunavut's environment minister, Daniel Shewchuk, along with Nunavut government staff, and representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board as well as federal government wildlife officials.
The symposium will look at concerns raised by Inuit hunters, including IQ integration, and the treatment of of wildlife during research.
"This will be a good opportunity for everyone to hear how research is conducted, and to explore how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be incorporated into wildlife management," NTI vice president Raymond Ningeocheak said.
About 100 people are expected to participate, including two from each hunters and trappers organization in Nunavut.
Shewchuk said the government recognizes it "must engage in constructive dialogue on wildlife issues, in the spirit of Piliriqatigiiniq - working together."
Representatives from NTI, NIWS, NWMB and the GN organized the event.
