Marie Curatolo Assignment 3

ESRM 458 Page 1

Part I: Hypothesis Defense

It is often the case in popular culture and elsewhere that humans and nature are
two separate dichotomies that sometimes interact with each other but are distinguishably
separate categories. The hypothesis at hand- that the human dimension of endangered
species studies can include the loss of the traditions and culture of a tribe or people-
provides a challenge to this separation of nature and culture. In considering the case of
the Inuit Nunaat in Northern Canada, one finds support for this hypothesis. This paper
will examine two strong arguments supporting this claim from this case study.

First, the aspects of the culture can be viewed as a sort of endangered “species”
themselves. Endangered species management is a field specifically focused on
identifying at-risk species for conservation. This mindset is potentially useful in
preserving the traditions, culture, and heritage of indigenous culture due to their
similarities to endangered species. Identifying cultural aspects as endangered can perhaps
help them by aligning them with existing conservation frameworks. Endangered species
management has, in recent history, focused more on ecosystem management which aims
to incorporate the physical, biological, and geographic aspects of an ecosystem to
encourage more effective species and resource management, while reconciling such with
the associated social, economic, and political factors. Like other endangered species, the
linkages between land and livelihood are inextricable: “The traditional use of marine
resources, such as plants, whales, seals and other marine mammals, is vital to the survival
and welfare of Inuit and essential to the preservation of their identity and the continuation
of their way of life and culture” (Rompkey et al. 2009). For the conservation of any
endangered species under ecosystem management, its relationship with its environment is
examined extensively. The study of Inuit culture suggests that it is intimately connected
with the environment. Just as other Arctic species rely on continued availability of a
functioning ecosystem and its resources for their continued survival, the Inuit depend on
them in order to keep their culture alive. Ecosystem management also places considerable
emphasis on sustainability. For endangered species, substantial efforts are made in order
to ensure long-term survival; not only as they possess functioning roles in an ecosystem
that need to be maintained, but also because their survivorship could also be indicative of
the overall ecological health of the region. Because endangered species so often rely on
so many parts of an ecosystem, one indicator that the parts are working (and working
together) is that the species is able to survive. Such is arguably the case with the Inuit.
Their culture and traditions are so tied to the land and natural resources that their
disappearance would indicate substantial ecosystem change, as well as affect the
ecosystem itself. For example, consider the following:

Hunting continues to supply the principal elements of the Inuit diet

throughout Nunavut. A major worry amongst Inuit was the long-term
impacts that climate change might have on the availability of traditional
country foods, especially in remote communities where diets are more
dependent on the environment than on expensive store-bought food. The
changing climate and environment are also making it more difficult to
pass traditional knowledge and skills down to young people (Rompkey et
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al. 2009).

This passage demonstrates an ecological relationship between Inuit

livelihood (diet) and the environment’s resources (food). The decline of food
availability is a threat to Inuit life as well as an indicator of a significant change in
the ecosystem that could affect other species, natural processes, or other aspects
of the ecosystem. This passage also notes how a changing ecosystem is making it
more difficult to pass down traditional knowledge to the next generation. These
examples highlight the need for sustainability- an integral part of ecosystem
management- in Inuit culture. This serves to further align Inuit Nunaat with other
endangered species.

Additionally, the human dimension of endangered species management includes

the loss of traditions and culture insofar as it would care about any other resource or
political structure currently in place that benefits endangered species. The presence of the
Inuit in Northern Canada provides a powerful human connection to the area:

While an essential aspect of the Canadian national identity, the Arctic is

first and foremost the homeland of Inuit who have been using the region
and its resources for countless generations. Their presence and continued
use and stewardship of its resources anchor Canada’s sovereignty claims
(Rompkey et al. 2009).

Their presence helps determine sovereignty for the region, which determines who makes
decisions that affect the ecosystem. Political power is a crucial element of the human
dimension of endangered species management. Furthermore, indigenous people can offer
unique insight into the ecosystem which has had the benefit of being passed down for
generations: “Indigenous people engage in a form of science when they are involved in
the annual cycle of subsistence activities. They have studied and know a great deal about
the flora and fauna, and they have their own classification systems and versions of
meteorology, physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, botany, pharmacology, [and]
psychology” (Barnhardt 2005). This sort of knowledge can be a valuable asset to
endangered species management, especially in an environment as unique as the arctic.
Another example of indigenous knowledge being instrumentally valuable is that of the
Alaska Natives:
Alaska Natives have been at the forefront in bringing Indigenous
perspectives into a variety of policy arenas through a wide range of
research and development initiatives. In the past two years alone, the
National Science Foundation has funded projects incorporating Indigenous
knowledge in the study of climate change, the development of Indigenous-
based math curriculum, the effects of contaminants on subsistence foods,
observations of the aurora, and alternative technology for waste disposal
(Barnhardt 2005).

This passage illustrates the potential for indigenous knowledge to be a useful tool in a
variety of management and knowledge acquisition practices. The Inuit Nunaat can be a
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valuable asset to endangered species management because they not only root Canada’s
claim to sovereignty of the Northern Passage, but they also possess traditional
environmental knowledge useful in conservation within the region.

The value of the Inuit to conservation may be reason enough to consider them as
candidates for considered as an endangered species analog. However, their intrinsic and
instrumental value to the region is tremendous beyond the scope of this paper. In terms of
endangered species management, the human dimension can include traditions and
culture. In the case of the Inuit Nunaat, their inclusion is possible, as they may be
considered (and thus managed) as an endangered species fitting into a framework of
ecosystem management, as well as for their potential value to endangered species
management in the entire region.

Part II: Insignia Presentation

Figure 1: A New Three-Part System. The objective in creating these three sets of aspects
is to broaden the scope of the original “three circles” presented in class, while still
retaining their elements (italicized below) due to their recognized importance in rare
species management. The increased scope of the new aspect sets system will hopefully be
able not only to accommodate rare species management, but also nearly any
environmental issue, perhaps even extending into geopolitics. In this case, each circle is
related to the protection of Inuit Nunaat traditions and culture.

Ecological Aspects: In this case, this may more accurately refer to the historical,
social, and anthropological data and understanding of Inuit Nunaat traditions and
culture. This circle involves the identification of the Inuit role in the ecosystem.
This circle may also be used to contain information linking Inuit heritage to the
region and solidifying Canadian claims to sovereignty.

Economic Aspects: This circle addresses the human and institutional actions that
affect the region: It ranges from local land use activities, to shipping, to minerals
management and geopolitics, to anthropogenic causes of climate change.

Social Aspects: This circle concerns the people and institutions themselves. It
examines the ethical issues surrounding sovereignty, human rights, as well as the
relationships between nations, tribes, and other entities.
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Ecological Aspects:
In addition to accounting for the biological attributes
of the rare species at hand, this sphere also takes
into account ecosystem ecology; which deviates
from a protective focus on a single species to a
perspective focusing on the flow of energy through
an environmental system (often represented by
trophic pyramids/systems). Ecosystem ecology
incorporates the relationships between species and
their surrounding environments, including
the living and nonliving
physical aspects.
Economic Aspects:
This includes institutions and people
insofar as they are concerned with
conservation for the sake of resource
extraction for the sake of economic value.
This is often tracked by monetary value
assigned to various resources and their
markets.

Social Aspects:
Very closely related to economic aspects, these
concern the political, moral, and ethical issues often
associated with viability, justice, beliefs, and
interests of various social groups. These aspects are
also often expressed by people and institutions.

References
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Barhardt, R. (2005). Indigenous knowledge systems and alaska native ways of

knowing. Anthropology and Education Quarterly, 36, 8-23.

Rompkey, W., & Cochrane, E. M. (2009). Rising to the arctic challenge: Report on the

canadian coast guard: Report of the standing senate committee on fisheries and

oceans