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Accepted Paper:

Eastern Canadian Subarctic and a rapidly changing world  
Marie-Jeanne Royer (Aberystwyth University)

Paper short abstract:

By combining Cree observations with long-term measurements; we move away from simple documentation and towards a more integral understanding of the forces at play in the region while fostering interdisciplinary climate and environmental change research between northern communities and scientists.

Paper long abstract:

There is rising concern among the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (Eastern James Bay, Canada) about changes in weather patterns as they pose challenges to the practice of traditional subsistence activities, to health and to safety. The Eastern Canadian subarctic has also been the site of a number of important ongoing human led environmental changes starting in the 1950s. These include mining projects, infrastructure development and large scale hydroelectric developments. These have had significant repercussions on Cree lifestyle, influencing all aspects of daily life. However traditional subsistence activities remain vital to the Cree way of life. Based on a collaborative research with the Cree Trappers Association (CTA), we combined Cree hunters' observation of local meteorological conditions, environmental conditions and animal behaviour, with long-term measurements. In doing this, we hope to move away from simple documentation and towards a more integral understanding of the forces at play in the region by fostering interdisciplinary climate and environmental change research between northern communities and scientists. Through this research we conclude that Cree knowledge and scientific knowledge should be used in a complementary manner to further our understanding of the impacts of climate change and the appropriate adaptation measures in the Canadian subarctic.

Panel P17
Northern Futures? Climate, Geopolitics, and Local Realities
  Session 1