Inuvialuit traditional ecological knowledge of beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas ) under changing climatic conditions in Tuktoyaktuk, NT

Arctic Science

article

Devin Waugh¹  Tristan Pearce²  Sonja K. Ostertag³  Verna Pokiak⁴  Peter Collings⁵  Lisa L. Loseto³ 

[1] Department of Geography;University of the Sunshine Coast;Freshwater Institute, Central and Arctic Region, 501 University Crescent;Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee;Department of Anthropology, University of Florida

关键词: Arctic;    climate change;    traditional ecological knowledge;    Indigenous;    co-management.;   

DOI  :  10.1139/as-2017-0034

学科分类：地球科学(综合)

来源: NRC Research Press

【 摘 要 】

This paper documents Inuvialuit traditional ecological knowledge of beluga, including ecology and behavior, hunting techniques, and food preparation under changing climatic conditions in Tuktoyaktuk, NT. Beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas ) is an important food source for Inuvialuit in the western Canadian Arctic, a region that is experiencing dramatic climate change. Data were collected using semi-directed interviews with 17 Inuvialuit beluga harvesters and participant observation. The research found that Inuvialuit beluga harvesters possess detailed rational knowledge of beluga, particularly regarding hunting techniques and food preparation, both which are guided by a moral code about how to behave with respect to beluga. In terms of beluga ecology and behavior, Inuvialuit knowledge is limited to anecdotal reasoning drawing on generalized observations of beluga and the accounts of others. Inuvialuit are experiencing the effects of climate change, but seem to be coping thus far in the context of beluga harvesting but ongoing change in the region may increase the risks associated with hunting and preparing beluga in the future.

【 授权许可】

CC BY