December 14th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on 2016 Annual ArcticNet Scientific Meeting – PHOTOS)
Members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group participated in the 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, between December 5th – 9th. It was a great opportunity to share, learn and engage with the wider Arctic research community!
Current and former HEIC research group members and project collaborators
Back (left to right): Megan Dicker, Kristeen McTavish, Mark Basterfield, Shirin Nuesslein,
Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman, Jennie Knopp, Prof. Chris Furgal, Vinay Rajdev, Katie Rosa, Eric Lede
Front (left to right): Kayla Bruce, Cecile Lyall, Agata Durkalec, Coral Voss, Lindsay Thackeray
PHOTOS OF PRESENTATIONS
Panel Discussion – ‘Vision for Sustainable Arctic Communities’
Panellists (left to right: Sherilee Harper, Megan Dicker, Jamie Snook, Shelly Elverum); Chair: Chris Furgal
Shirin Nuesslein
EVALUATING CONTAMINANTS LEARNING: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE NUNAVUT ARCTIC COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM’S WILDLIFE, CONTAMINANTS AND HEALTH WORKSHOP
Nuesslein, Shirin, C. Furgal, M. Gamberg, J. Shirley, J. Carpenter and J. F. Provencher
Kristeen McTavish
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING AROUND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES: CASE STUDY OF THE COMMUNITY-LED FOOD ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN NUNATSIAVUT AND NUNAVUT
McTavish, Kristeen, C. Furgal, S. Hill and NiKigijavut Nunatsiavutinni Project Team
Shirin Nuesslein
EVALUATING CONTAMINANTS LEARNING: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE NUNAVUT ARCTIC COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM’S WILDLIFE, CONTAMINANTS AND HEALTH WORKSHOP
Nuesslein, Shirin, C. Furgal, M. Gamberg, J. Shirley, J. Carpenter and J. F. Provencher
Lindsay Thackeray
THE ROLE OF POLICY IN ARCTIC FOOD (IN) SECURITY: AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY OF NUNAVIK
Thackeray, Lindsay and C. Furgal
LIST OF PRESENTATIONS
FOOD SECURITY EXPERIENCES IN NUNAVIK: TOWARDS A MULTIVARIATE UNDERSTANDING OF A GENDER-BASED APPROACH TO DEVELOP INTERVENTIONS AND PROMOTE FOOD SECURITY
Fillion, Myriam, M Lucas, E A. Laouan Sidi and C. Furgal
WHAT WE DON’T UNDERSTAND ABOUT FOOD SECURITY IN THE ARCTIC: INSIGHTS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Furgal, Chris, C. Pirkle, L. Teh, G. Muckle and M. Lucas
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING AROUND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES: CASE STUDY OF THE COMMUNITY-LED FOOD ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN NUNATSIAVUT AND NUNAVUT
McTavish, Kristeen, C. Furgal, S. Hill and NiKigijavut Nunatsiavutinni Project Team
EVALUATING CONTAMINANTS LEARNING: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE NUNAVUT ARCTIC COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM’S WILDLIFE, CONTAMINANTS AND HEALTH WORKSHOP
Nuesslein, Shirin, C. Furgal, M. Gamberg, J. Shirley, J. Carpenter and J. F. Provencher
RINGED SEAL FEEDING ECOLOGY DETERMINED THROUGH LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSIS
Ghazal, Maha, C. Furgal and S. Ferguson
GOING OFF, GROWING STRONG: RESULTS FROM A MIXED-METHODS PROGRAM EVALUATION TARGETING AT-RISK INUIT YOUTH
Hackett, Christina, E. Obed, D. Angnatok, C. Pamak, D. Baikie, R. Dicker, L. Angnatok, R. Laing, T. Sheldon and C. Furgal
STRESSORS OR STRESSES? ADDRESSING THE NUANCES OF MULTIPLE STRESSORS IN HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP IN THE ARCTIC
Lede, Eric, T. Pearce and C. Furgal
THE ENUK PROGRAM: PARTICIPATORY, COMMUNITY-LED ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH SURVEILLANCE WITH INUIT IN RIGOLET, NUNATSIAVUT, CANADA
Sawatzky, Alexandra, A. Cunsolo, D. Gillis, A. Bunce, O. Cook, I. Shiwak, C. Flowers, J. Shiwak, J. Ford, C. Furgal, V. Edge, The Rigolet Inuit Community Government RICG and S. Harper
THE ROLE OF POLICY IN ARCTIC FOOD (IN) SECURITY: AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY OF NUNAVIK
Thackeray, Lindsay and C. Furgal
August 30th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on ARTICLE – Story of Fat Documentary Highlights Changes in Arctic Environment)
Story of Fat Documentary Highlights Changes in Arctic Environment:
Dr. Chris Furgal makes use of video’s enduring impact as a means of sharing findings with a broader audience
Trent University News article to be viewed here
When communicating advances in research and study to a mass audience, taking your audience to places they have never been has always proven most effective.
When Dr. Chris Furgal, an associate professor with Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Studies program, and his colleagues, decided to share the findings of their extensive research on the relationships between environmental change, marine fats and Inuit health, they decided on the production of a documentary. The result was Utsuk: A Story of Fat, a documentary that outlines key aspects of the team’s research while exploring the value of the relationship that exists for Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples, between their health and that of their environment through their connection with foods harvested from both land and sea.
“In our early discussions about the research program and its various components, we identified the desire to do something more than only publish journal articles for the academic community,” explains Professor Furgal, who is also the co-founder/director of the Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments.
“My sense is that storytelling of any form can do a great service to communicating the relevance of, and learning from, our research to a broader audience. Particularly for topics or regions which few have the chance to access, experience or see for themselves, video can be a powerful tool. Hopefully, the communication of this issue in the form of a video, highlighting the importance of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, will help this information reach a larger number of people than were it to be solely communicated through traditional academic pathways.”
As one of three producers of UTSUK: A Story of Fat, Prof. Furgal came away from the experience with “a much greater appreciation” for those who are able to summarize complex research and related issues for a mass media audience. “There is far more involved in it than I ever thought,” he says.
Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.
August 23rd, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on DOCUMENTARY – UTSUK: A Story of Fat (full-length))
The UTSUK program was a research initiative funded through the International Polar Year, ArcticNet and Northern Contaminants research programs in Canada to look at the relationships between environmental change, marine fats and Inuit health and wellbeing in the Arctic. The project involved researchers in the environmental, health and social sciences working in collaboration with Inuit organizations, knowledge holders, hunters, Elders and communities.
The changes taking place and interactions between aspects of the Arctic environment and Inuit health and society were the impetus for the development of research aimed at understanding the nature, role and importance of marine fats in Inuit diet, and ultimately Inuit health, and how that may be changing in relation to a variety of different forces.
This video documentary introduces aspects of the research project and explores the larger topic of environmental, social and cultural change and health transition among Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples. It emphasizes the value of the relationship that exists for Inuit, and other Indigenous Peoples, between their health and that of their environment through their connection with country foods harvested from the land and sea. Further, it discusses the challenges to and importance of maintaining aspects of a healthy diet in the context of a changing world.
August 8th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Official release of UTSUK documentary film – August 9, 2016)
June 17th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on DOCUMENTARY – UTSUK: A Story of Fat (trailer))
The UTSUK program was a research initiative funded through the International Polar Year, ArcticNet and Northern Contaminants research programs in Canada to look at the relationships between environmental change, marine fats and Inuit health and wellbeing in the Arctic. The project involved researchers in the environmental, health and social sciences working in collaboration with Inuit organizations, knowledge holders, hunters, Elders and communities.
The changes taking place and interactions between aspects of the Arctic environment and Inuit health and society were the impetus for the development of research aimed at understanding the nature, role and importance of marine fats in Inuit diet, and ultimately Inuit health, and how that may be changing in relation to a variety of different forces.
This video documentary introduces aspects of the research project and explores the larger topic of environmental, social and cultural change and health transition among Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples. It emphasizes the value of the relationship that exists for Inuit, and other Indigenous Peoples, between their health and that of their environment through their connection with country foods harvested from the land and sea. Further, it discusses the challenges to and importance of maintaining aspects of a healthy diet in the context of a changing world.
The 35 minute long video documentary can be viewed as part of the Culture Unplugged Online Film Festival until 8pm EDT on Friday, June 17th 2016, and will be available soon on our website: www.utsukfilm.ca
February 25th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on VIDEO – What is HEIC? )
Dr. Chris Furgal talks about his Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) Research Group.
February 9th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on PUBLICATION – Trends and key elements in community-based monitoring: a systematic review of the literature with an emphasis on Arctic and Subarctic regions)
Diana Kouril,ab Chris Furgal,bc Tom Whillansd
aSustainability Studies Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada.
bHealth, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada.
cIndigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada.
dEnvironmental and Resource Studies Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada.
Corresponding author: Diana Kouril (email: dianakouril [at] trentu.ca)
Abstract: Community-based monitoring (CBM) is receiving much attention from the research community, particularly in Arctic and Subarctic regions of Canada and other circumpolar regions. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of the trends and patterns in its use within the literature and a documented need to improve environmental CBM efforts in the Arctic and Subarctic regions. A systematic literature review was conducted of CBM publications in peer-reviewed and grey literature to provide a synthesis of trends on the topic and to clarify key elements that are needed to operate an environmental CBM program in Arctic and Subarctic regions. Both sets of literature show a significant growth in the publication of CBM studies over time, with a high proportion of research taking place in North America and in the field of environmental sciences. More CBM studies are reported in connection to First Nations and Inuit groups, as compared to other Indigenous groups. Thirteen key elements of environmental CBM programs, commonly reported in the literature focused on Arctic and Subarctic regions, were identified in the analysis. Specifically, traditional and local ecological knowledge (TLEK) was a unique component highlighted in Arctic and Subarctic sources and a specific feature observed in studies focusing on Indigenous groups. The identification of such key CBM elements serves as a resource to guide current and future environmental CBM initiatives in northern regions and elsewhere. Future research on this topic should contrast and compare literature findings with existing environmental CBM programs and provide more case studies to show the process and utility of environmental CBM initiatives in the Arctic and Subarctic, particularly with use of TLEK and the ways to facilitate it within a CBM program.
Key words: community-based monitoring, Arctic, Subarctic, systematic literature review, Indigenous peoples.
January 5th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on ARTICLE – Trent Prof Receives 2015 Mentor Award from APECS and ArcticNet Students Association: Dr. Chris Furgal recognized for work with early career researchers)
Dr. Chris Furgal, an associate professor of Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies at Trent University, has received the 2015 Mentor Award from the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and ArcticNet Students Association.
“It was a huge honour to receive the award and be recognized for an aspect of my work in the North that I truly love – working with and learning with and from my students and other young researchers,” said Professor Furgal. “I have been very privileged to have some great mentors during my undergraduate and graduate degrees and early stages of my career both at the University and in the Inuit communities and regions in the North with whom I work. I really just try to emulate the great example they have set for me in providing support, encouragement, guidance and access to opportunities to students and other young researchers so that they may create their own success.”
The award recognizes the time and energy that mentors dedicate to early career researchers working in the North, as well as their efforts in building a supportive community. Prof. Furgal, who is also the director of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group (HEIC) at Trent, accepted the award at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting in Vancouver.
Prof. Furgal was one of six nominees for the award. He was nominated by members of Trent’s HEIC research group, with letters of support provided by colleagues and community leaders across Canada. The mentor award review committee noted that Prof. Furgal’s nomination stood out among the six submissions, which were all of excellent quality.
Shirin Nuesslein, a research assistant and administrative coordinator of the HEIC group who helped spearhead the nomination said, “What makes Chris an incredible mentor to me is that he approaches everything he does through the lens of capacity building. He has a special perception for seeing the potential in individuals and the ability to gently guide us towards it with trust and encouragement and at a pace commensurate to our capacity.”
“Our professors get a lot of professional recognition for their research and academic work, but often the work they do behind the scenes goes unnoticed,” added Kristeen McTavish, a graduate student in the Sustainability Studies program and member of the HEIC group. “Chris works tirelessly as a mentor for all of his students and his colleagues and it was important for us to have that officially recognized.”
Dr. Furgal’s gift was a book, presented by the HEIC group, filled with photos and personal messages from more than 50 people across Canada who supported his nomination. “It’s up to the nominators to choose a gift and we thought such a book would be the most meaningful to give to him,” Ms. Nuesslein explained. “It’s a very unique collection of memos and photos from a wide range of people including both mentees and mentors of Prof. Furgal.
Posted on Monday, December 21, 2015. Click here to view original article in Trent News.
January 5th, 2016 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on ARTICLE – Chris Furgal wins APECS Canada-ASA Mentor Award 2015)
Article written by Mentor Award committee member, Nikolaus Gantner, and originally published here.
Dr. Chris Furgal, Associate Professor at Trent University (Peterborough, ON), won the APECS Canada-ArcticNet Student Association Mentor Award 2015.
The Mentor Award review committee received six nominations in September, which it assessed and ranked throughout the month of October. During two conference calls the committee reached a consensus-based decision.
Chris was nominated by his graduate students, while colleagues and community leaders provided a number of letters of support. His nomination stood out among the six excellent submissions, although the committee noted that all nominations were of excellent quality. You can learn more about Chris’s research here and about his Health Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group here.
Dr. Chris Furgal won the ehPECS-ASA Mentor Award 2015. Photo by Trent University.
Chris accepted the award during the ArcticNet ASM 2015 meeting banquet on Thursday, December 10th, 2015. Award Committee Chair Dr. Nikolaus Gantner (APECS Canada) and Rudy Riedlsperger (ArcticNet SA) introduced the awardee to the 700+ delegates.
During the ceremony, the inaugural winner of the award, Eric Loring (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami) was spontaneously invited on stage to hand over the prize, a photo book filled with pictures and messages from the supporters of his nomination, on behalf of those closely working with Chris (see below).
Rudy Riedlsperger (ASA) and Dr. Nikolaus Gantner (ehPECS) introduce the Mentor Award at the ArcticNet ASM 2015 in Vancouver, BC. Photo: Maéva Gauthier/ArcticNet.
Dr. Chris Furgal (third from the right) and his team of nominators celebrate the 2015 APECS Canada-ASA Mentor Award on stage. Photo by Maéva Gauthier/ArcticNet.
We would like to thank all individuals and organizations who contributed to the six nominations for this 2015 award competition.
A new Call for Nominations for the 2016 Mentor Award will be circulated in early 2016. We are currently looking for 2-3 Award Committee members. Please visit here to find out more about the award and contact ehPECS or ArcticNet SA for more information.
For the 2015 Awards Committee,
Dr. Nikolaus Gantner
Chair, 2015 APECS Canada-ASA Awards Committee
December 18th, 2015 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on 2015 Arctic Change Conference – PHOTOS)
Members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities research group participated in the 2015 Arctic Change Conference in Vancouver between December 8th -11th, 2015.
The full program of the conference can be downloaded here: http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/asm2015/
- EVALUATING LEVELS OF PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FOOD NEEDS, AND THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY FREEZER, AMONG COMMUNITIES IN NUNATSIAVUT
- A TRANSDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO RESEARCH ON ARCTIC MARINE WILDLIFE: LESSONS FROM THREE CASE STUDIES IN NUNAVUT, CANADA
- DYNAMIC VULNERABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND INUIT SUBSISTENCE HUNTING
- FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE CIRCUMPOLAR FOOD (IN) SECURITY LITERATURE
- EVALUATING CONTAMINANTS LEARNING: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE NUNAVUT ARCTIC COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM’S WILDLIFE, CONTAMINANTS AND HEALTH WORKSHOP
- NUNAVIMMIUT KNOWLEDGE OF POLAR BEARS: AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
- IDENTIFYING INUIT YOUTH HEALTH PRIORITIES: RESULTS FROM NUNAVIK YOUTH CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES WITH PARTICIPANTS TO A REGIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
August 27th, 2015 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Publication – Journal of Aboriginal Health Volume 9(2) Special Issue on Inuit Health and Well-being)
The Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments (NASIVVIK) together with its co-publisher, the former Inuit Tuttarvingat of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), is pleased to announce the release of the final edition of the Journal of Aboriginal Health (JAH), Volume 9, Issue 2. This final edition of JAH is a Special Issue dedicated to sharing research, community stories and perspectives specific to Inuit health and well-being. It is published in English and Inuktitut syllabics. This Special Issue of the JAH spans diverse topics from Elders’ and seniors’ perspectives on climate change and implications for Inuit health, to the impacts of medical travel on Inuit residents in Nunavut.
This edition celebrates the original mandate and vision of JAH to present evidence-based, peer-reviewed research findings, along with community perspectives and stories on Inuit health realities and initiatives. As the final edition of JAH, this marks the end of a national publication produced by an Aboriginal-governed organization, and its continuation with an exciting new international mandate and focus represented by the International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH) and its publisher, the Aboriginal Health Research Networks Secretariat (AHRNetS).
JAH and now IJIH are available online, free and open-access: here. Written permission of the publisher is required for any use of Volume 9, Issue 2, other than personal photocopying.
A limited number of print copies are available upon request, they will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis. If interested, please send your name and mailing address to nasivvik@gmail.com.
About the JAH Volume 9, Issue 2 Co-Publishers
Inuit Tuttarvingat was one of the three national Aboriginal population-based centres of the NAHO. For 12 years, the Inuit, First Nations and Métis Centres at NAHO worked to raise awareness and advance the cause of Aboriginal health in Canada. NAHO closed in 2012.
Website: www.naho.ca/inuit/
The Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments, Centre created in 2002 with a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute for Aboriginal Peoples’ Health (CIHR-IAPH), is based at Laval and Trent Universities and is focused exclusively on capacity building and training for research related to environment-health relationships of importance to Inuit communities and populations.
Website: www.nasivvik.ca
About the International Journal of Indigenous Health, IJIH
With the close of NAHO, the Journal for Aboriginal Health continues to exist under its new title the International Journal of Indigenous Health and with its new publisher the Aboriginal Health Research Networks Secretariat (AHRNetS) based at the University of Victoria, BC. This peer-reviewed, online, open-access Journal was established to advance knowledge and understanding to improve Indigenous health by bringing knowledge from a diverse intellectual traditions together with a focus on culturally diverse Indigenous voices, methodologies and epistemologies.
Website: http://uvic.ca/ijih
January 13th, 2015 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on 2014 Arctic Change Conference – PHOTOS)
Photos of research group members at the 2014 Arctic Change Conference held in Ottawa, Ontario, between December 8 – 12, 2015.
- Research Group Photo // Back row (left to right): Paul McCarney, Janet Kivett Knight, Eric Lede, Shirin Nuesslein, Nicole Bilodeau, Brigitte Evering, Mark Basterfield, Emily Willson, Lawrence Keyte, Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman – Front row (left to right): Danni Dickson, Laura Levasseur-Martinez, Diana Kouril, Caroline Nochasak, Kristeen McTavish
- Janet Kivett Knight // Poster presentation: “Participant and User Perspectives on the ArcticNet Integrated Regional Impact Study (IRIS) as a Science to Policy Mechanism” (Furgal, C., Kivett Knight, J., Buckham, M., Kelley, K., Nickels, S., & Hik, D.)
- Eric Lede // Poster presentation: “Climate Change and Public Health Needs Assessment Report Card: From Science to Policy – A Knowledge Translation Tool” (Furgal, C., McTavish, K., & Lede, E.)
- Laura Levasseur-Martinez // Poster presentation: “Dealing With Limitations and Biases When Documenting Inuit Knowledge of Arctic Species: An Example of Walrus in Nunavik (Quebec)” (Martinez-Levasseur, L., Furgal, C., Hammill, M., & Burness, G.)
- Paul McCarney (left) // Poster presentation: “Ringed Seal Monitoring and Planning Workshop: Priorities for Ringed Seals in Nunavut” (Carney, P., Theimann, G.W., Furgal, C., & Ferguson, S.)
- Emily Willson // Poster presentation: “Addressing the Need for Sustainable Food Secruity Initiatives: Exploring Inuit Perspectives of Food Needs in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut” (Willson, E., Furgal, C., Skinner, M., NiKigijavut Hopedalimi Committee & the NiKigijavut Nunatsiavutinni project team)
- Brigitte Evering // Poster presentation: “Exciting Insights Into Environmental Sciences & Traditional Knowledges Learning in the North” (Evering, B., Furgal, C., Gray, L., & Friendship, K.)
- Janet Kivett Knight and Shirin Nuesslein // Poster presentation: “Evaluation of the Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments: Assessing efforts in enhancing research capacity” (Furgal, C., Nuesslein, S., McTavish, K., & Kivett Knight, J.)
- Mark Basterfield // Oral presentation: “Inuit Knowledge and Conservation of the Torngat Mountains Caribou Herd”
- Nicole Bilodeau // Oral presentation: “Identifying Indigenous Determinants of Health: Insights from Analysis of Inuit Self-Rated Health in Nunavik”
December 10th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Research Group at the Arctic Change Conference)
Members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities research group are currently participating in the 2014 Arctic Change Conference, taking place in Ottawa between December 8th -12th, 2014.
Below is a schedule of the group members’ poster presentations and oral presentations. The complete program can be downloaded here.
Poster presentations (Canada Hall – Room 303)
Brigitte Evering (Poster #6) “Curriculum Development and Delivery for Science–Traditional Knowledge Learning on Environmental Issues in the North: A Review of the Yukon College Source Water Protection Course Experience”
Eric Lede (Poster #370) “A Climate Change and Public Health Needs Assessment Report Card for the North”
Kristeen McTavish (Poster #14) “Inuusuktut Qaujisarnilirijut: Inuit Youth Seeking to Gain Health Knowledge”
Shirin Nuesslein (Poster #46) “Evaluation of the Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments: Impacts of the program on capacity enhancement in the field of Inuit environmental health research”
Janet Kivett Knight (Poster #80) “Participant and End User Perspectives on the ArcticNet Integrated Regional Impact Study (IRIS) as a Science to Policy Mechanism”
Paul McCarney (Poster #17) “Research, Management, and Community Priorities for Ringed Seals in Nunavut”
Emily Willson (Poster #35) “Addressing the ‘need’ for sustainable food security initiatives: Exploring Inuit perspectives of food needs in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut”
Jennie Knopp (Poster #22) “Understanding community-based monitoring of arctic char from the community perspective”
Cedric Juillet (Poster #36) “Food Insecurity in Inuit Communities: Supporting decision making through Bayesian Modeling”
Laura Martinez-Levasseur (Poster #9) “Dealing with limitations and biases when documenting Inuit Knowledge of Arctic marine species: the example of walrus in Nunavik (Quebec, Canada)”
Oral presentations at topical sessions
T26. Health and Well-Being in Arctic Communities: Advancements in Practices, Processes and Outcomes (Room 206; Co-chairs: Chris Furgal, Eric Loring)
Time: 10:30 to 12:00 (T26A), 13:30 to 15:00 (T26B), 15:30 to 17:00 (T26C)
- Wednesday, Dec 10 2014 at 11:00am: “Identifying Indigenous Determinants of Health: Insights from Analysis of Inuit Self-Rated Health in Nunavik” by Nicole Bilodeau (Room 206)
T09B. Arctic Wildlife Co-Management Challenges and Solutions – Bringing Together Inuit and Scientific Knowledge (Room 210)
- Thursday, Dec 11 2014, at 4:45pm: “Inuit Knowledge and Conservation of the Torngat Mountains Caribou Herd” by Mark Basterfield
T45. The Interface Between Science and Policy in the Arctic: New Perspectives on Knowledge to Action (Room 211; Co-chairs: David Hik, Chris Furgal, Aynslie Ogden)
T23. Energy Security for Arctic and Remote Communities
- Friday, Dec 12 2014, at 11:00am: “Energy Resilience in Northern Communities: Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Northern Energy” by Lawrence Keyte
September 12th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Working with Northern Communities to Build Collaborative Research Partnerships: Perspectives from Early Career Researchers)
TONDU, J.M.E. et al. Working with Northern Communities to Build Collaborative Research Partnerships: Perspectives from Early Career Researchers. ARCTIC, [S.l.], v. 67, n. 3, sep. 2014. ISSN 1923-1245. Available at: <http://arctic.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/arctic/index.php/arctic/article/view/419%E2%80%93429/4465>.
May 22nd, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Trent Professor Chris Furgal Joins Leading Researchers to Discuss ‘What Matters Now’)
Trent University News article to be viewed here
Dr. Chris Furgal, an associate professor in the Indigenous Environmental Studies program at Trent, will share his research about how indigenous communities will adapt to climate change as one of several “fascinating ideas” presented at the “What Matters Now” event on Wednesday, May 21 at Kingston’s City Hall.
Professor Furgal joins four other top Ontario university researchers for the final stop of this year’s Research Matters free speakers’ series, run by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). The series aims to showcase how university researchers are improving the health, happiness and richness of life around the world as well as helping government, businesses and communities make informed decisions.
“Research Matters highlights the tremendous breadth and value of university research being conducted right here in Ontario,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of the COU. “It’s no exaggeration to say that university research changes lives, and we want the public to take as much pride in that accomplishment as our universities do.”
Prof. Furgal recently received national attention for a report he co-authored about the food security plight of northern Canadians. The report, entitled Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge, was released March 27 by the Canadian Council of Academics and quickly received national coverage from CBC News, Sun News, and other media outlets.
The study paints a picture of how challenging it is for Aboriginal people living in northern and remote communities to access safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. It describes food security in the north as a serious and complex issue with significant implications for health and wellness, especially for the Inuit. “Quite simply put, things need to be done now and on a large scale to address this critical issue in Aboriginal health in Canada,” Prof. Furgal said.
Hosted by public broadcaster Piya Chattopadhyay, the “What Matters Now” event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and can be watched on a live stream online.
April 29th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change on Inuit Health)
James D. Ford, PhD, Ashlee Cunsolo Willox, PhD, Susan Chatwood, MSc, Christopher Furgal, PhD, Sherilee Harper, PhD, Ian Mauro, PhD, and Tristan Pearce, PhD. 2014. Download Open Access PDF here, or through the AJPH website.
Abstract
Climate change will have far-reaching implications for Inuit health. Focusing on adaptation offers a proactive approach for managing climate-related health risks—one that views Inuit populations as active agents in planning and responding at household, community, and regional levels.
Adaptation can direct attention to the root causes of climate vulnerability and emphasize the importance of traditional knowledge regarding environmental change and adaptive strategies. An evidence base on adaptation options and processes for Inuit regions is currently lacking, however, thus constraining climate policy development.
In this article, we tackled this deficit, drawing upon our understanding of the determinants of health vulnerability to climate change in Canada to propose key considerations for adaptation decision-making in an Inuit context. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print April 22, 2014: e1–e9. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301724)
April 4th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Trent Professor Co-authors Important Report on Northern Aboriginal Food Security)
Trent Professor Co-authors Important Report on Northern Aboriginal Food Security:
Report draws national attention to Inuit food shortages
Click here to view article in Trent University News.
A recent report co-authored by Trent’s Dr. Chris Furgal is drawing national attention to the food security plight of northern Canadians. The report, entitled Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge was released March 27 by the Canadian Council of Academics and quickly received national coverage from CBC News, Sun News, and other media outlets.
Professor Furgal, an associate professor in the Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, was part of a multi-disciplinary panel of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal expert scholars who authored the report. The expert panel was assembled by the Council to conduct an independent, evidence-based assessment of northern food security and its implications for Aboriginal health.
“The assessment was requested by the Minister of Health, on behalf of Health Canada,” Prof. Furgal said. “This was based on their view of the importance of northern food security as a critical issue of public policy in Canada today.”
The study paints a picture of how challenging it is for Aboriginal people living in northern and remote communities to access safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. It describes food security in the north as a serious and complex issue with significant implications for health and wellness, especially for the Inuit.
As an expert panellist, Prof. Furgal was involved in all areas of the study. “Existing scientific data, peer-reviewed literature, and credible grey literature was considered,” he explained. “We ensured that evidence was informed by traditional knowledge and community-based research and we worked with national Aboriginal organizations to seek additional data and ensure that the conclusions rested on a diversity of sources.”
As a researcher working in the field, Prof. Furgal was aware that food security was an issue for northern residents; however, he was still alarmed by the revelations of the assessment. “The report findings were surprising in regards to the very extreme and clear picture they present of the severity of the issue in Canada’s North. Collectively, we (the panellists) started to use the word “crisis” in reference to the state of the issue in our work,” he said.
Prof. Furgal is hopeful that the report will increase awareness of the issue and lead to key actions, at all levels of government, to address food insecurity. He also hopes there will be support for research to fill some of the important gaps identified in the development of the report.
“Quite simply put, things need to be done now and on a large scale to address this critical issue in Aboriginal health in Canada,” Prof. Furgal said.
In the meantime, Prof. Furgal is continuing ongoing research relevant to this topic. He and his students are involved in research projects in northern Quebec (Nunavik), Nunavut, and in the Inuit land claim area of northern Labrador (Nunatsiavut) looking at aspects of Arctic food security.
For more information visit: www.heicresearch.ca orhttp://www.scienceadvice.ca/en/publications/assessments.aspx
Posted on Thursday, April 3, 2014.
March 28th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Important report on the State of Aboriginal Food Security in the North released)
Report co-authored by Research Group Director Dr. Chris Furgal
NEWS RELEASE:
Food Insecurity presents a serious and growing challenge
in Canada’s northern and remote Aboriginal communities, finds Expert Panel
Council of Canadian Academics / Ottawa (March 27, 2014) – A new expert panel report on food security in Northern Canada, has found that food insecurity among northern Aboriginal peoples requires urgent attention in order to mitigate impacts on health and well-being. Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge, released today by the Council of Canadian Academies, addresses the diversity of experience that northern First Nations, Inuit, and Métis households and communities have with food insecurity.
Aboriginal households across Canada experience food insecurity at a rate more than double that of non- Aboriginal households (27% vs. 12%, respectively). Recent data indicate that Canadian households with children have a higher prevalence of food insecurity than households without children. A 2007-2008 survey indicated that nearly 70% of Inuit preschoolers aged three to five lived in food insecure households, and 56% lived in households with child-specific food insecurity. Preliminary evidence also indicates that more women than men are affected. The Panel concluded that lasting solutions require collaboration and the continued involvement of those most affected by food insecurity: people living in the North.
“To fully understand the issue of food security, consideration must be given to the many factors that influence life in the North, such as environmental change, culture, governance, and economies,” said Dr. Harriet Kuhnlein, Chair of the Expert Panel. There are no silver-bullet solutions — that is why cooperation among all the key actors including local communities, governments, businesses and institutions is essential.
The evidence-based report provides data on the various rates of food insecurity, explores how different factors affect food security, and describes the health and social effects of rapid social, environmental, and economic transitions — including the nutrition transition. Other findings include:
- There is no single way to “solve” food security issues in the North. A range of holistic approaches, including poverty reduction strategies, is required.
- There exists a strong body of research and traditional knowledge with respect to food security and northern Aboriginal health, but several knowledge gaps persist.
- The food security measurement methods used to date have been valuable, but their ability to respond to the complex issue of food security in the northern Canadian Aboriginal context is limited.
- Geographic, cultural, environmental, and economic diversity necessitates programs and policies that are responsive to locally-identified needs and are enabled by traditional knowledge and community strengths. Northern communities are a key source of resilience and innovative ideas.
“At the forefront of the panel’s discussions were the people who are most affected by food insecurity. This expert panel was committed to conducting an assessment that fully considered the complex range ofissues that are a daily reality for northern communities and have significant implications for food security,” said Elizabeth Dowdeswell, President of the Council of Canadian Academies.” The panel’s report provides clear evidence and insights that can assist in building effective solutions for both the short and long-term.”
Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE for a direct link to the report.
March 23rd, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article about research group member Lawrence Keyte)
GRADUATE STUDENT VISITS ARCTIC ENERGY ALLIANCE
Link to blog entry: http://aea.nt.ca/blog/2014/03/
During March, Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) was pleased to host Lawrence Keyte, who is in the second year of a Master’s in Sustainability Studies at Trent University, researching energy resilience in northern communities. Specifically, he is looking at success factors which help isolated northern communities reduce their fossil fuel dependence and move into alternative energy initiatives. Below is his summary of the project he was working on while at our office.
Upon researching northern community energy projects, it became quickly apparent that a lot was happening in NWT regarding energy policy, research and support for these projects. Several NWT energy professionals suggested I take a look at the Fort McPherson biomass boiler initiative as a case study. They saw this project as a positive example of a small northern community who conceived and followed through with thenecessary steps to put a pilot biomass boiler in place. The 90 kW boiler, which can burn cord wood, wood pellets or locally harvested wood chips, provides district heat to the Tetlit Gwich’in Council band office and the community health center. After my two weeks in Fort McPherson looking at the project and interviewing community members, I came away immensely impressed by the tenacity and determination of those involved, both in the community and in Yellowknife, who brought this vision to reality. This biomass project is already a success, displacing a significant amount of oil and employing people in Fort McPherson involved in the harvesting, processing and transportation of the cord wood and wood chips to feed the boiler. It will continue to be a landmark initiative in my opinion, due to the combined efforts of the community, AEA, and Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
In an effort to understand all aspects behind the success of these community energy initiatives, I felt it was important to come to Yellowknife to research other levels of support, and to understand the different perspectives of government, not-for-profit support organizations and industry. All roads in Yellowknife seem to intersect at AEA, and I was delighted to be put in touch there with energy management specialist Leanne Robinson, who kindly agreed to not only to help me connect with potential interviewees, but with her partner Dwayne to host me in their home. Leanne also arranged for me to have office space at AEA, which was pivotal to my learning during the two weeks I was there.
While in Yellowknife I formally interviewed nine people, and had informal discussions, coffees and tours with many more. I came away with valuable perspectives from many energy professionals at AEA, from GNWT (ENR, Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Public Works and Services), from industry and from energy consultants. Apart from exceeding all my expectations for learning and understanding the myriad of factors that create success for these community energy initiatives, I came away with an enduring respect and fondness for the people who hosted me at AEA, and the warmth with which I was welcomed in Fort McPherson and Yellowknife.
A return data verification trip is planned for late May or early June. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again then, and continuing the good conversations we began in March!
The picture above shows Lawrence enjoying the northern outdoors.
Click here to view Lawrence’s website profile.
January 16th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Knowledge Mobilization: From Knowledge to Action)
The Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group reaches out to the Trent University community to shed light on how knowledge gained through their research is leading to action.
The display “Knowledge Mobilization: From Knowledge to Action” elaborates on what Knowledge Mobilization is and provides examples from some of the research group members that highlight elements of the Knowledge Mobilization process. Inspiration for this display was the article “The Evolution of a Research Collective” published recently about the research group on the front page of Trent’s Showcase Magazine’s Special Edition on Knowledge Mobilization.
What is Knowledge Mobilization?
Knowledge Mobilization (KM) is the process of moving knowledge generated through research into action of a variety of forms (decisions, programs, policies, etc).
At the heart of KM lies a partnership between the research community and community of knowledge users, working together to co-create knowledge and understanding through systematic inquiry. Such partnership requires collaborative, dynamic, iterative processes to ensure that the focus and conduct of research remains relevant and appropriate for all those involved.
The process of KM includes the communication, uptake, and implementation of research results that ultimately and ideally have positive impact. Implementation and impact are monitored and evaluated to direct adaptation of the future collaborative research efforts.
Knowledge creation within the KM process not only refers to gaining a better understand of an issue, but also about enhancing our understanding of the process through which research is conducted, communicated, disseminated, implemented and evaluated.
Explicit awareness of and attention to the knowledge mobilization process, taking place between communities of researchers and knowledge users, can lead to more effective and positive outcomes for all those involved.
Diagram: Knowledge Mobilization Process (click on image to enlarge)
January 10th, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Research Group featured in Trent News)
Trent Continues Legacy of Award-Winning Arctic Student Research
Four grad students win awards at Canada’s largest annual Arctic research gathering
Solidifying the University’s’ reputation as a leader in arctic research, four Trent graduate students walked away from Canada’s largest annual arctic research conference with awards in the poster competition.
The students were part of a 20-person delegation of Trent graduate students, researchers and faculty members who attended the ArcticNet Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Halifax in December.
Boasting a consistently strong presence at the ASM each year, Trent University continued its legacy of award-winning graduate student research in 2013. This year, four awards of the ArcticNet ASM graduate student poster award competition went to members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) Research Group directed by Trent professor Dr. Chris Furgal.
Amongst the award-winners was M.A. candidate in Sustainability Studies, Kristeen McTavish, who received the Inuit Partnership of Excellence Award, the most prestigious award to be given to a graduate student at the ASM and presented to the poster that best addresses Inuit priorities, involves Inuit partners and builds capacity.
Speaking of the honour, Ms. McTavish said: “I feel extremely honoured to have been selected for the Inuit Partnership Award. This work would certainly not be possible without the enthusiasm and drive of all of our community and organizational partners. I hope that this award helps to showcase the importance of engaging in this type of research, which produces relevant, useful, and implementable research results and benefits to communities.”
The poster award competition is held annually at the ASM to acknowledge excellence in research and presentation, encouraging students to continue in their meaningful contributions to research that ensures the stewardship of the changing Canadian Arctic. Additional Trent winners included: Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman, PhD candidate in Environment and Life Sciences, second place in the Marine-Natural Science category; Emily Willson, M.A. candidate in Sustainability Studies, first place in the Social Science and Human Health category; and Nicole Bilodeau, M.A. candidate in Sustainability Studies, third place in the Social Science and Human Health category. To view pictures of the winners, visit http://heicresearch.com/?p=1481
Janet Kivett Knight, a Trent M.A. candidate in Sustainability Studies, found attending the ASM an invaluable experience, and commented on the importance of allowing researchers in all stages of their careers to connect to others in the field while often making linkages across disciplines.
“It’s a unique opportunity to connect around a common focus on Northern issues, but with the involvement of multiple perspectives, which build out a more holistic picture of what is happening in the Arctic,” Ms. Kivett Knight said.
Click here to view article on the Trent News website.
December 30th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Congratulations – Four research group members receive poster awards in 2013 ArcticNet ASM poster competition)
Four awards of the 2013 ArcticNet ASM graduate student poster award competition went to members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities research group, therewith continuing the legacy of award-winning graduate student research being conducted under the supervision of Chris Furgal.
The poster award competition is held annually to acknowledge excellence in research and presentation, therewith encouraging students to continue in their meaningful contributions to research that ensures the stewardship of the changing Canadian Arctic.
Poster award winner: Kristeen McTavish, M.A. candidate (middle) – Inuit Partnership of Excellence Award, presented to the poster that best addresses Inuit priorities, involves Inuit partners and builds capacity
Poster award winner: Emily Willson, M.A. candidate (right) – First place in the Social Science and Human Health category
Poster award winner: Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman, PhD candidate (right) – Second place in the Marine-Natural Science category
Poster award winner: Nicole Bilodeau, M.A. candidate (left) – Third place in the Social Science and Human Health category
Official video footage of the ASM can be viewed here.
December 19th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Video – Dr. Chris Furgal talks about the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) Research Group)
Dr. Chris Furgal talks about his Health Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) Research Group and Knowledge Mobilization.
December 19th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Article – Unique Trent Research Group Conducts Knowledge Mobilization in its Truest Form)
The following article was featured as the cover story of the Fall 2013 issue of Showcase: The Knowledge Mobilization Edition. View the complete publication at here.
Unique Trent Research Group Conducts Knowledge Mobilization in its Truest Form
The Evolution of the Health Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) Research Collective
When Dr. Chris Furgal decided to unite his group of diverse graduate students and research assistants under one umbrella several years ago, he had no idea that the group would evolve into the dynamic formal research collective it has become today.
“These students, like me, are doing research which lies at the intersection of different disciplines and topics, so they don’t easily fit in one discipline,” says Professor Furgal, a professor in Trent’s Indigenous Environmental Studies program, who is cross-appointed between the Environmental Resource Science/Studies and Indigenous Studies Departments. “When I first formed the group, the intention was to provide a common collective and a supportive environment for graduate students and young researchers. It evolved when my students wanted to contribute and take on more, even above and beyond simply sharing their experiences and getting support for their own thesis projects.”
The graduate students, research assistants and postdoctoral fellows who make up the group are all studying or working under the supervision of Prof. Furgal and represent a variety of graduate programs, from the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. and the Environmental & Life Sciences M.Sc. and Ph.D., to the Sustainability Studies M.A. and the Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies M.A programs. With 24 current members, the recently formalized Health Environment and Indigenous Communities (HEIC) research group is the second largest group of its kind at Trent.
Common Themes Unite Researchers
Inspired by the discovery of (sometimes surprising) commonalities between their research projects, students and researchers in the HEIC group gain motivation from the collective and interactive atmosphere the group provides.
“The group has facilitated and, to a degree, promoted common themes around research that no single student or researcher in the group could have taken on entirely by themselves,” says Prof. Furgal.
This pooling of collective experience, together with facilitating an exchange of communication of what they are learning, means students in the HEIC collective are working together to achieve knowledge mobilization in the truest sense of the word.
Group Interactions Spark Knowledge Mobilization
Prof. Furgal explains that, while some students’ projects directly explore issues of knowledge mobilization (for example, evaluating the communication of territorial health survey results to northern communities), knowledge mobilization is also a direct product of the interactions sparked within the HEIC group itself. A prime example of this is a new collective research paper, authored by members of the HEIC group around the importance of relationship in conducting research with and in Aboriginal communities, and how to communicate about this issue to different audiences and in different forms.
“Our relationships with the communities we work with is something we spend a lot of time discussing and learning about in the group and in our individual projects,” says Prof. Furgal. “It ties in directly with issues of research ethics and social responsibility. Good, ethical, responsible relationships are a goal and hopefully a result in our work with communities; they are not just a means through which we gather our data – and this is something we recognize and respect. We have learned a lot about the importance of relationship in the research we do and the group wanted to explore ways of sharing our collective learning on this topic with a broader audience.”
Taking Research Public
Highlighted in the paper, which has been submitted to the journal The Canadian Geographer for publication, are direct learnings from the research projects and experiences of several HEIC members. These projects include: a study on the ecology of a hunted population of beluga whales in the Arctic using both science and Indigenous Knowledge; an examination of goose ecology in a Northern Ontario First Nation where the management of the species could have potential impacts on the needs of residents who depend on the resource for food and culture; a study about the role of Indigenous Knowledge in developing environmental policy in Northern Labrador; and an examination of the implications of climate change on accidents and injuries while traveling on the sea ice for residents of an Arctic Inuit community.
Speaking of the common issues discussed in the paper, Prof. Furgal says: “It’s not just about the importance of relationship in getting the research done respectfully, but about how to communicate that importance to other researchers. My students recognized this critical element in their work and came together to share their experiences on this topic and learn from one another. This resulted in their creation of a collective research paper on this topic that draws on a diversity of related experiences they have had as young researchers. This opportunity came about as result of being part of this research collective. Together they have reflected on commonalities in their research to identify issues, generate possible solutions, and share their findings.”
Learn more about the HEIC group: www.heicresearch.com
Watch the video at http://goo.gl/pJolOa
December 11th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on 2013 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting – PHOTOS)
Photos of research group members at the 2013 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Halifax, NS, from December 9-11. Stay tuned for more photos!
- Agata Durkalec (left) Meghan Buckham (right) // Poster presentation: “ARCTICNET’S IRIS PROCESS AS A SCIENCE-POLICY MECHANISM: A CASE STUDY OF IRIS 4 IN NUNAVIK AND NUNATSIAVUT” Furgal, Chris (chrisfurgal@trentu.ca), D. Hik, S. Nickels, S. Meakin, M. Buckham, K. Kelley, P. Moss-Davies and L. Braithwaite
- Prof. Chris Furgal // Presentation: “UNDERSTANDING SCIENTIST AND DECISION MAKER PERSPECTIVES ON ARCTIC SCIENCE-POLICY LANDSCAPE” by Chris Furgal
- Nicole Bilodeau // Poster presentation: “IDENTIFYING INDIGENOUS DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: INSIGHTS FROM INUIT AND AN ANALYSIS OF INUIT SELF-RATED HEALTH” Bilodeau, Nicole (nicolebilodeau@trentu.ca) and C. Furgal
- Emily Willson // Poster presentation: “ADDRESSING THE ‘NEED’ FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY FREEZER PROGRAM IN SUPPORTING INUIT FOOD SECURITY” Willson, Emily (emilywillson@trentu.ca), C. Furgal and T. Sheldon
December 11th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Research group members represented at the 2013 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting)
Members of the Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities research group are currently participating in the 2013 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place in Halifax between December 11th and 13th.
Below is a schedule of the group members’ oral presentations and poster presentations. The complete program can be downloaded here.
Presentations at Topical Sessions:
Wednesday, December 11th 2013
11:15am: “Understanding Scientist and Decision Maker Perspectives on the Arctic Science-Policy Landscape” by Chris Furgal (Room 200B)
10:30am: “The Local Knowledge Gap: Knowledge Tracking as a Diagnostic Tool for Evaluating Knowledge Translation from Iqaluit to Ottawa” by Rachel Hirsch (Room 301)
4:15pm: “Social, Cultural, Economic and Ecological Determinants of Food Security in Northern Communities” by Cédric Juillet (Room 304/5)
Thursday, December 12th 2013
11:00am: “Dimensions of Socio-Cultural Sustainability: Hopedale, Nunatsiavut” by Janet Kivett Knight
11:15am: “Understanding Environmental Sustainability in the North: Case Study in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut” by Diana Kouril
3:30pm: “Building Capacity among Youth for the Future of Inuit Health Research” by four Inuit Youth and Kristeen McTavish
Friday, December 13th 2013
11:45am: “The Inuvialuit Settlement Region – Community-Based Monitoring Program (ISR-CBMP)” by Jennie Knopp
Posters (Grand Ballroom 200A):
OBSERVATIONS OF MARINE MAMMALS IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF NUNAVIK (#156)
Breton-Honeyman, Kaitlin (kaitlinbh@gmail.com) C. Furgal, M. Hammill, V. Lesage, W. Doidge and B. Hickie
IDENTIFYING INDIGENOUS DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: INSIGHTS FROM INUIT AND AN ANALYSIS OF INUIT SELF-RATED HEALTH (#92)
Bilodeau, Nicole (nicolebilodeau@trentu.ca) and C. Furgal
ADDRESSING THE ‘NEED’ FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY FREEZER PROGRAM IN SUPPORTING INUIT FOOD SECURITY (#97)
Willson, Emily (emilywillson@trentu.ca), C. Furgal and T. Sheldon
EFFECT OF INCREASED SOLAR EXPOSURE ON ARCTIC SPECIES’ HEALTH, DRAWING UPON BOTH SCIENTIFIC METHODS AND TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE (#161)
Martinez-Levasseur, Laura (lmartin ez@trentu.ca), C. Furgal, M. Simard, B.Doidge, K. Acevedo-Whitehouse, M. Birch- Machin,M. Hammill and G. Burness
EVALUATION OF INUIT COMMUNITY-LED FOOD ASSESSMENTS AND INITIATIVES: ASSESSING EFFORTS TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY IN INUIT COMMUNITIES (#96)
McTavish, Kristeen (kristeenmctav@trentu.ca), C. Furgal and K. Jameson
THE INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT REGION – COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING PROGRAM (ISR-CBMP) (#38)
Knopp, Jennie (jennieknopp@yahoo.com), F. Pokiak, V. Gillman, L. Carpenter, L. Staples and N. Snow
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC (#47)
Furgal, Chris (chrisfurgal@trentu.ca), A. Durkalec,
L. Braithwaite, D. Hik, S. Meakin, S. Nickels, P. Moss Davies5 and M. Buckham
ARCTICNET’S IRIS PROCESS AS A SCIENCE-POLICY MECHANISM: A CASE STUDY OF IRIS 4 IN NUNAVIK AND NUNATSIAVUT (#46)
Furgal, Chris (chrisfurgal@trentu.ca), D. Hik, S. Nickels, S. Meakin, M. Buckham, K. Kelley, P. Moss-Davies and L. Braithwaite
REPRESENTING INUIT KNOWLEDGE OF LANDS AND RESOURCES IN NUNATSIAVUT USING CONCEPT VISUALIZATION AND WEB MAPPING (#51)
Pulsifer, Peter L. (pulsifer@nsidc.org), C. Furgal, T. Sheldon, J. Wilkes, R. Devillers and S. Nickels
November 6th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Video – Perspectives from the Land: Climate Change and Country Food Security in Nunavik)
The majority of Inuit adults in the Canadian Arctic annually harvest country food. Country food includes caribou, whales, seals, ducks, arctic char, shellfish and berries among others. In this 12- minute film, the topics of climate change, resource access and country food security in Nunavik (northern Quebec) are looked at by scientists and local Inuit experts. Filmed like a news program, it was produced to disseminate information on climate change and country food security to Nunavik community residents with particular emphasis on reaching students and municipal decision makers.
For more information, click here.
May 31st, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Graduate Students’ Photography Inspires Dialogue about Northern Food Systems)
Graduate Students’ Photography Inspires Dialogue about Northern Food Systems
Trent research group brings Arctic research closer to the greater Peterborough community
The Trent University-based Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group is showcasing “Food for Thought”, a photography exhibit that tells a story of Inuit relationships to traditional foods that have sustained them for generations. On display in The First Peoples House of Learning at Gzowski College until mid-June, the display is sparking conversations about Northern food systems.
Exhibited photos were taken by research group members – master’s and doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows and research assistants – during their fieldwork across Canada’s North. The exhibit draws attention to the complex food systems that exist in Canada’s North by highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by northern communities as they work to maintain access to sufficient, nutritious, and culturally meaningful food. These photos demonstrate that hunting seal, whale and caribou, as well as trapping, fishing and gathering berries are not simply means for providing food and for supporting local economies; they are essential elements that form and sustain cultural and social identities of northern communities.
This photo display was an example of how the group is reaching out beyond itself to the broader community. It is an educational outreach initiative that provides a space where the research happening at Trent University more accessible to the greater Peterborough community.
Zankhna Mody, a Trent undergraduate student who came to the opening reception, was fascinated by the photographs and to learn about graduate research conducted at Trent that is oftentimes distant to the undergraduate student population. “As a student I’ve studied food issues from ecological, political and community-based perspectives, but like most Canadians, I have never travelled up to Northern Canada”, Ms. Mody said. To her, the photos showed the diverse nature of Canadian food systems while highlighting the importance of local foods systems for societal, cultural and environmental health.
The photo display was also showcased at Sticking’s Bakery & Bistro in downtown Peterborough throughout the month of April as part of the city wide SPARK Photo Festival, a celebration of photography with exhibitions in more than 40 locations around the city.
For more information about the research group, visit the following site: http://heicresearch.com/
Related News: “The Best Graduate Course We’ve Never Taken” – Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group Enhances Graduate Students Learning Experience
Link to this article: http://www.trentu.ca/newsevents/newsDetail.php?newsID=5024
April 19th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on “The Best Graduate Course We’ve Never Taken”)
“The Best Graduate Course We’ve Never Taken”
Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group Enhances Graduate Students Learning Experience
When Dr. Chris Furgal started bringing his graduate students together to share their research, he had no idea that the collective would take on a life of its own. But the Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group exceeded all of his expectations. And the group’s success has drawn interest from other Trent professors who want to replicate the model.
“Graduate school can be a lonely and isolating experience,” explains Dr. Furgal, an associate professor in Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Studies Program. “I wanted to create a place where the students I supervise could come for support, and interact socially with other young researchers sharing similar experiences. I didn’t expect them to become as involved or to get as excited as they have about the idea.”
The research group, which began informally four years ago, was formalized as the Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group in 2012. It is currently comprised of sixteen graduate students, four post-doctoral fellows, and six research assistants. All are supervised by, or working with, Dr. Furgal, and are doing research in Indigenous communities, many in the North. The group is multi-disciplinary, with members cutting across four Trent graduate programs: Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies M.A. program, Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, Sustainability Studies M.A. program, and Environmental & Life Sciences M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs.
Every two weeks the members come together to provide an update on their research and to identify challenges they face. At each session there is a discussion topic, led by one or more of the students, that is of interest to all members. “As a supervisor, these meetings are an efficient way for me to stay apprised of my students’ progress,” says Dr. Furgal. “But the meetings also provide students with opportunities to receive critical feedback from their peers and learn from one another.”
Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman describes the learning as synergistic, with members constantly encouraging and feeding off each other. Ms. Breton-Honeyman, a Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental & Life Sciences program, has been involved in the group from its earliest stages and seen it evolve to its present state. She describes it as the “best grad course we’ve never taken” because of how it has helped shape her thinking about research, how to make presentations, and how to move forward with future research.
Dr. Furgal notes that the collective has grown beyond its original purpose of sharing research. “The group has become something that complements all of our graduate programs for these students. We have our own server where students can share files, a common lab place, and a web site. And we have common resources, such as literature and data bases, which the students contribute to and can access.”
Collectively, members are engaged in activities which they would not normally do as individual students. Shirin Nuesslein, communications and outreach coordinator for the group, points to a photo exhibition put together by members. “The photo display is an example of how the group is reaching out beyond itself to the broader community,” says Ms. Nuesslein. “It makes the research being conducted and the issues being discussed at Trent University more accessible to the greater Peterborough community.” The photo exhibition, which tells a story of Inuit and their relationship with the environment, was part of the recent SPARK Photo Festival in Peterborough.
Importantly, the group has cultivated social relationships that go beyond the formal group sessions, and which strengthen their overall student experience. Ms. Nuesslein says “Meaningful friendships have been formed and a high level of care and reciprocity exists amongst members. Students are willing to help each other, and the success of one research group member is celebrated as the success of the entire group.”
This willingness to help others is important to new graduate students, says Emily Willson, who is in her first year in the Masters of Arts in Sustainability program. “As a newcomer to Peterborough, I didn’t know anyone, but the group was welcoming and inviting,” says Ms. Willson. “And as a new graduate student, I find the group is helpful as I develop my research proposal. It’s a different way of learning – interacting with people from other disciplines has taught me a whole different way of looking at things.”
As the activities of the group continue to expand, Dr. Furgal says they are at the point where they can put together a discussion paper series on topics related to their research. Ms. Nuesslein adds that a series of video podcasts is also in the works.
Long term, Dr. Furgal would like to expand the group into a research institute at Trent, bringing together researchers from business administration, Indigenous studies, environmental studies and sciences, along with individuals working on health and environment issues in psychology. “Trent has the business component, the environmental sciences component, and the cultural component for working with Indigenous communities effectively and appropriately,” says Dr. Furgal. “I see a great opportunity here at Trent to pull it all together in the formation of a unique research institute, involving other faculty members and other disciplines.”
Posted on Friday, April 19, 2013.
Link: http://www.trentu.ca/newsevents/newsDetail.php?newsID=4905
April 8th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on FOOD FOR THOUGHT – A photo exhibition about northern food systems)
The Health, Environment & Indigenous Communities Research Group at Trent University presents: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FOOD FOR THOUGHT is a photo exhibition bringing attention to the complex food systems that exist in Canada’s North by highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by northern communities as they work to ensure sustained access to sufficient, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Specifically, country or traditional foods from the local environment have always been a critical component of the household diet and this remains true today. Hunting seal, whale and caribou, as well as trapping, fishing and gathering are not simply means for providing food and for supporting local economies; they are essential elements in forming and sustaining cultural and social identity.
Exhibited works were photographed by members of the Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group based at Trent University during their fieldwork across Canada’s North. This group situates its’ research at the intersection of social and ecological relationships and seeks to work with and learn from communities about environment and health issues and advocate for the creation of equitable, sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions.
Exhibited work can be viewed throughout the month of April.
OPENING RECEPTION
A meet & greet with research group members
Wednesday, April 17
6:00 -8:00pm
Free event
Stickling’s Bakery & Bistro
Peterborough, Ontario
January 31st, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Research Group featured in Trent News)
A group of twenty-one researchers represented Trent University at the annual ArcticNet Scientific Meeting (ASM), Canada’s largest annual Arctic research conference, held in Vancouver, BC. Trent graduate students, researchers and faculty members participated in the conference, shedding light on their research through a large number of oral and poster presentations.
Trent upheld its six-year record of award-winning Arctic student research at the ASM, with Agata Durkalec placing second in the graduate student poster award category of human health. Ms. Durkalec is a recent graduate from the M.A. program in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies.
“I’m very pleased,” she said. “The award is very affirming of all the effort that went into this project, and forms a very positive note to end on for my thesis.” Ms. Agata defended her master’s thesis one week prior to the conference. It was entitled “Understanding the role of environment for Indigenous health: A case study of sea ice as a place of health and risk in the Inuit community of Nain, Nunatsiavut”.
Dr. Chris Furgal of Trent’s Indigenous Environmental Studies program had the honour of being among the collaborators recognized with one of the first annual Arctic Inspiration Prizes for “Inuit Qujimajatuqangitan – What Inuit Have Always Known to be True,” a comprehensive book project describing Inuit Culture and traditional knowledge. The book promises to be an extraordinary resource that will contribute to positive change in Inuit communities and beyond.
Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman, a Trent Ph.D. candidate in the Environment and Life Sciences program, encourages other Arctic student researchers to go to the ArcticNet ASM, saying “It’s at conferences such as these where you get to understand the bigger picture of northern research and to figure out where your research fits. It’s pretty special to get to learn from and be part of a dynamic group of people from universities, governments, organizations, northern communities and industry.”
Link: http://www.trentu.ca/newsevents/newsDetail.php?newsID=4300
January 31st, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on Glimpses of our photo display)
Here are some glimpses of our photo display here at Trent University! All photos were taken by members of the research group (our director, master’s and doctoral students, post-doctoral fellow and research assistants) during their fieldwork across Canada’s North.
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
- Research Group Photo Display at the Trent University library
January 30th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2012 – Videos)
Agata Durkalec at the ArcticNet 2012 in Vancouver (BC) presenting her research poster on “Investigating environmental influences on injury and trauma in the Canadian North”
Diana Kouril at the ArcticNet 2012 in Vancouver (BC) presenting her research poster on “A Systematic Review of Community-Based Monitoring: Definitions, Concepts and Lesson Learned”
Janet Knight at the ArcticNet 2012 in Vancouver (BC) presenting her research poster on “Dimensions of Socio-Cultural Sustainability: A literature Review and Concept Maps for Arctic Communities”
ArcticNet put together several videos from the Annual Scientific Meeting, all of which can be viewed here: http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/asm2012/media/videos.php
January 29th, 2013 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2012 – Photos)
Research group members at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, held from December 11-14, 2012, in Vancouver, BC.
- Dr. Rachel Hirsch (post-doctoral fellow) presenting on “Aullak, sangilivallianginnatuk (going off, growing strong): A community-led enhancement of the community freezer program for improved mental health, nutrition and intergenerational skills transmission in Nain, Nunatsiavut”
- Agata Durkalec placing second in the graduate student poster award category of human health
- Agata Durkalec presenting on “Environmental health risk management in Nunatsiavut: Negotiating climate change and health influences of sea ice use”
- Jennie Knopp (PhD candidate) presenting on “Inuvialuit and ecological knowledge to examine effects of lake environment on Arctic char growth and health”
- Research group members
- Dr. Cedric Juillet (post-doctoral fellow) presenting on “Arctic food security and climate changes: towards a quantitative integrated approach to enhance decision-making capacity”
- Meghan Buckham (M.A candidate) presenting on “Barriers and facilitators to indigenous knowledge integration in environmental decision-making: A case study of the Nunatsiavut government”
- Dr. Chris Furgal had the honour of being a co-recipient, along with other team members and leader of Inuit Qujimajatuaqangitan initiative, of one of the first annual Arctic Inspiration Prizes (www.arcticinspirationprize.ca), at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting
- Dr. Chris Furgal had the honour of being a co-recipient, along with other team members and leader of Inuit Qujimajatuaqangitan initiative, of one of the first annual Arctic Inspiration Prizes (www.arcticinspirationprize.ca), at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting
December 12th, 2012 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (Comments Off on )
Many of the research group members are currently enjoying the participation in the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place in Vancouver from December 10th – 14th. Follow the link for more information on the meeting: http://www.arcticnetmeetings.ca/asm2012/
November 18th, 2012 | Posted by in Uncategorized – (0 Comments)
