Makivvik reveals plan for adapting to climate change
Makivvik has released its Nunavik Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, a collaborative effort from coast to coast that has been five years in the making.
The effort started with a climate change workshop in Kuujjuaq back in 2019, where two dozen knowledge holders got the ball rolling. Eventually, more than 150 people were involved in the project.
The document marks a “pivotal moment in our collective commitment to safeguarding Nunavik Inuit culture and ways of life that are deeply rooted in the natural environment,” said Adamie Delisle Alaku, vice-president responsible for Makivvik’s department of wildlife, environment and research, in a news release.
Makivvik is the Inuit corporation created in 1978 to create generate jobs, improve housing conditions and protect the Inuit language and culture.
The climate change strategy will be used to co-ordinate efforts by governments and regional businesses and organizations, and to direct funding around Nunavik to meet the region’s needs and priorities in adapting to climate change.
The strategy was released at Makivvik’s annual general meeting this week in Quaqtaq, and identifies objectives to be completed over the next 10 years.
It will help organizations like Kativik Regional Government make villages better able “to improve the resilience of future and existing homes and community infrastructure,” according to the news release.
KRG chairperson Hilda Snowball said, “Our ability to implement sustainable, impactful climate change adaptation depends on the collaboration and commitment of all partners, including the governments of Quebec and Canada.”
The strategy is split into four pillars:
The document lists long-term objectives for adapting to climate change, and steps that can be done in the medium and short term.
One long-term goal is to use “strengthened use of Inuit knowledge to inform and direct adaptation planning.”
A shorter-term objective involves improving the ability to document the effects of climate change as they are observed by Inuit, for Inuit.
“Nunavik Inuit have a fundamental right to determine the future of our society and territory, including regarding how we adapt to climatic changes,” the document said.
The strategy acknowledges political, social, economic and environmental changes may occur over time. A regional climate change committee was formed to ensure the strategy’s direction is adapted to current realities.
“We believe that if we follow this path that we have created together, we will keep our communities safe and thriving for future generations,” according to the strategy.
The report is available online on Makivvik’s website.
Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News
