Wall wants institute to be proactive
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Nov 10/00) - Involving community members is key for the manager of scientific services at the Aurora Research Institute (ARI).
Jim Wall, originally from Nova Scotia, assumed his new post in August. His job mainly involves scientific licencing.
"The ARI is responsible for administering the NWT Scientist Act. All research in the NWT must be licenced, whether it's by us or by, say, an outfit like RWED," Wall explained.
"The whole concept is that people just don't come and do research and not involve the communities.
"If the communities do not consent to a particular research project taking place, the researcher is not granted a licence, and research doesn't happen."
The ARI may not be that well known in town, but Wall wants it to be known as a community resource.
"I've been working on scientific training and educational initiatives for the last two months," Wall said.
"We want to ensure every opportunity for Northern people to not only participate in scientific programs, but to have the economic benefits that research brings," he said.
For example, Wall said, "We can get people trained in environmental monitoring, in taking samples, working in the communities."
Wall said he also wants to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific studies.
"There's thousands of years of knowledge here,: he said.
Wall said one way elders could help is in understanding the effects of global warming in the Mackenzie Delta.
Wall doesn't have what could be called a 'typical' day.
"We're going absolutely flat out seeking funding on opportunities, developing programs, trying to really be proactive," he said.
He said the ARI's whole focus is on excellence.
"Excellence in academic training, excellence in facilitating our relationships with the communities."
