Inuit knowledge

Parks Canada and Inuit communities collaborate closely to manage Ukkusiksalik National Park, ensuring that Inuit knowledge, culture, and perspectives are central to conservation efforts. The park's management is guided by the Nunavut Agreement and the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), emphasizing cooperative management, the continuation of Inuit harvesting rights, and the integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into park operations. This traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, provides insights into local wildlife behaviors and environmental changes, essential for effective monitoring and management.

The Ukkusiksalik Park Management Committee and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, along with Parks Canada staff and Inuit from nearby communities, have shaped the park's management plan. This ensures Inuit perspectives are reflected in the park's operations, balancing conservation efforts with the needs of Inuit communities. Inuit knowledge is vital in identifying trends and stressors within the park, such as climate change.

Incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit alongside scientific information helps establish benchmarks for the long-term monitoring of Ukkusiksalik’s natural and cultural resources. This combined approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the park's ecosystems and enhances existing ecological monitoring efforts.