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RANKIN INLET - A wildlife symposium in Rankin Inlet this past week brought science, elders, hunters and managers together to discuss a variety of issues.

The symposium was organized by a steering committee comprised of representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat (NIWS), Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) and Government of Nunavut (GN).

Hunters, elders, scientists and managers discussed issues and exchanged ideas and concerns at a wildlife symposium in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The event's focus was to look at ways to improve the co-operative management of wildlife in Nunavut.

The symposium featured at least two representatives from each community Hunters and Trappers Organization, Regional Wildlife Organization, NTI, NWMB and NIWS, as well as elders and federal government representatives.

Glenn Williams is an NTI advisor on Article 5 wildlife issues.

He said any opportunity to bring the perspectives of science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) together is a positive step in the right direction for co-operative management.

"The symposium gave researchers the chance to explain the reasons they do their science, and managers the opportunity to explain how the decision-making process is done," said Williams.

"It also gave Inuit from different regions and communities a chance to discuss the issues among themselves.

"They were also able to gather information, express concerns and table concepts they would like to see put into place in the management of our resources."

Williams said there was tremendous commitment and passion from all sides during the discussions.

He said the passion Inuit have for their wildlife is tied to them socially, economically and culturally.

"Inuit have a huge vested interest in wildlife in that respect, while the people who do research on wildlife have committed their lives to the work they do.

"Right now, Inuit have the chance to get together, collect their thoughts and ideas, and present them to the GN and management agencies.

"There's three partners in this process - resource users, scientists and resource managers - and I was impressed by the balance achieved among the three throughout the symposium.

"That's quite important because there's been a feeling among Inuit that there hasn't been a balanced approach until now."

Interim NWMB chairperson Harry Flaherty said one of the main organizational objectives of the symposium was to have those who attended come with an open mind.

He said the board came to hear what the elders and researchers had to say, and to continue its work on how to best amalgamate knowledge from science and IQ.

"The delegates were able to say what they felt needed to be said and their comments were taken well," said Flaherty.

"The main concern I heard from Inuit from all three regions during the symposium, was they don't like the handling of polar bears.

"That's a common theme through the Kitikmeot, Baffin and Kivalliq regions."

Flaherty said having regional managers at the symposium to hear what the elders, hunters and researchers had to say was a positive step in the right direction.

He said the gathering should help close the gap between research and IQ.

"The hunters are concerned about the drugging and handling of animals, while western science says this is how its conducted research for many, many years.

"Hunters are telling scientists there are different ways of doing it and, if they take their approach, they will help them.

"Their words made an impact, and that's very important because the elders and hunters left the conference feeling they were heard and that's very positive."

Dustin Fredlund is the GN's acting assistant director for wildlife.

Fredlund said bringing elders and scientists together shows everyone is trying to work together.

He said when two parties come to a table, they don't always agree.

"We heard some dissatisfaction on various issues the elders raised and a lot of it comes down to respect," said Fredlund.

"This venue, and the forum we provided for the elders and scientists, promoted that respect for the knowledge of the two, and that's very important in moving forward with co-operative management.

"Our guiding principles, such as IQ and piliriqatigiinniq (working together), are all related to the government's role in community consultations on wildlife issues.

"To get the job done right, we need to talk to people because we can't afford not to get this kind of information."