Inuit women and environmental change: examining experiences and adaptations in Iqaluit, Nunavut

In order to adequately support climate change adaptation policy and projects, data on how both men and women are adapting and interacting with climate change must first exist. Currently very little research exists globally on the issue of gender and climate change, and far less in an Inuit context. This thesis aims to fill this gap by investigating how Inuit women in Iqaluit are experiencing climate change within the context of greater socio-economic change.    Objectives: This project’s research objectives are fourfold:

1. Detail and categorize how women in Iqaluit are experiencing and interacting with climate change;
2. Document coping strategies and adaptations that Inuit women are developing;
3. Define factors which positively or negatively impact the adaptive capacity of Inuit women;
4. Discuss what Inuit women feel are appropriate adaptation priorities and methods for shifting coping mechanisms into adaptations to help address their changing environment and lifestyles.

This work will provide a baseline understanding of the issues faced by Inuit women from which social programming at both a community and government level can be developed.   Study Site:  Iqaluit, Nunavut   Local Collaborations: Project has received input and feedback from individuals at: Nunavut Research Institute, Nunavut Climate Change Centre, Department of Health, Quliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.        Project Contact: Anna Bunce Masters student in the Department of Geography at McGill University  Email: anna.bunce@mail.mcgill.ca Phone: 438-880-0697