Documenting Inuit Knowledge of
Light Geese
ᑎᑎᖃᑦ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᓂᖓ ᑲᖑᐊᓚᓐᓂᒃ

In the Canadian Arctic, populations of light geese (mainly Lesser Snow and Ross’ Geese; kangut and kangunnaaq in Inuktitut) have increased dramatically in the last 50 years. Scientists are studying the impact that geese have on the land and other animals, including shorebirds. Light geese are harvested by Inuit. Inuit have lived and hunted in the areas of light goose colonies for generations and are knowledgeable about past and current goose distribution and population changes. In order to better understand light goose ecology and improve goose population management, we documented Inuit Knowledge of light goose populations and their interactions with the land, water, animals, and people in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. We did this through interviews, discussions, participatory mapping, and sites visits with over 40 Arviat and Coral Harbour residents.

This project is the result of collaborative efforts by a diverse group of committed individuals and organizations. It is jointly led by project management committees (PMC) comprised of Arviat and Coral Harbour residents and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) employees. The PMC participates in and provides guidance at every project stage. This project is conducted in partnership with the Nivvialik Area Co-Management Committee, the Irniurviit Area Co-Management Committees, the Arviat Hunters and Trappers Organization, the Aiviit Hunters and Trappers Organizations, the Kivalliq Wildlife Board, the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Carleton University.