Furgal, Chris

This thesis explores connection with creation/nature in Curve Lake First Nation, including the components of how this connection manifests and community concerns about and priorities for this connection. Influenced by existing psychological theories and frameworks about how humans connect with the natural world, this research implements novel Indigenist methodologies that are responsive to community interests and desires. Seven knowledge contributors (participants) participated in three research sharing circles to explore the research topic. The research revealed unique concerns and priorities in the community about connection with creation, such as the impacts of treaties and the need for the reclamation of critical natural sites. This thesis also reports on critical aspects of connection with creation through the elements of the Medicine Wheel, as well as the Anishinaabe concept of mino bimaadiziwin. Results are presented in thematic analyses and informed the preliminary steps in creating a connection with creation scale for the community.

Author Keywords: Anishinaabe, Indigenist methodologies, Indigenous methods, Medicine Wheel, Nature connection, Nature relatedness

The ᐃᓕᓕᐗᔅᑭᔾ | Ililiwaskiy (Moose Cree First Nation Territory) in Ontario's James Bay region has long faced industrial impacts on its ecosystems. Community concerns about mercury in culturally important fish prompted an interdisciplinary study bringing together chemical analysis and community knowledge. Researchers partnered with Moose Cree members through workshops, training, and interviews, while sampling over 180 fish across six sites. Walleye showed the highest mercury levels, often exceeding Health Canada's 0.5 ppm guideline for large fish and the 0.2 ppm guideline for subsistence consumers, women, and children. Community input highlighted fish as both a cultural cornerstone and food source, while noting how land-based changes have impacted fishing practices. Findings reveal elevated mercury in traditional foods and broader impacts on land-based practices and food security. The project underscores the importance of rethinking risk assessments, mitigating risks from resource extraction, water management, and supporting Moose Cree leadership in stewardship.

Author Keywords: Consumption, Cumulative effects, Fish, Indigenous knowledge, Mercury, Risk

This study examined how to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit [Inuit knowledge] into elementary life science teaching in Nunavut. Interviews were conducted with Kivalliq teachers and elders to understand what teachers have done to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into their practice and interviewed elders to understand what Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is, how it was shared, and used prior to the introduction of schools. The researcher used critical narrative inquiry to interrogate their practice in relation to the narratives of the elders and teachers. This research argues that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be incorporated by Indigenizing science learning through content, processes, values, and Inuktut language of instruction; and decolonized by challenging the influences of standard Canadian curriculum. Sharing stories to construct elementary life science curriculum is a viable method for enabling culturally responsive and culture-based science education.

Author Keywords: decolonize, elementary science, Indigenous knowledge, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuit science learning, life science education

Addressing the issue of food insecurity effectively within a region in a way where interventions reflect the variability of food insecurity levels across subgroups of the population is important. It is a unique challenge and requires specific data. This study took in this direction by conducting an exploratory statistical analysis of a community-representative dataset of Inuit Seniors' food (in)security. The analysis was theoretically sensitive as well as knowledge-user-directed.Results show that 52.7% of all Seniors in Nain and Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, are food insecure, and that food (in)security is associated with age group, education status, health status, mobility status and household financial situation. Further, younger Seniors aged 55-64 are more likely to be food insecure than their older peers. This study is among the first to provide an analysis of quantitative associations between variables that characterize food (in)security among a specific subgroup in the Inuit population.

Author Keywords: Arctic, Case study, Food security, Inuit health, Seniors, Vulnerability

This thesis is about the ways in which Indigenous dance serves as a social determinant of Indigenous health and well-being. Utilizing both contemporary and traditional versions of the Medicine Wheel for the framework, analysis and organization of the thesis allows for a holistic perspective which includes the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental aspects. The importance of Indigenous dance for Indigenous health and well-being is confirmed through: existing literature; interviews with Indigenous choreographers, dancers, theatre artists, and performers; Indigenous exponents of the forms; and Indigenous Elders. In order to contextualize current practices of Indigenous dance, the history of Indigenous dance in relation to colonization is presented. The research and experiences of co-researchers show the need for Indigenous dance and culture to be supported as a social determinant of health and well-being.

The primary research question of this study was to explore the key factors influencing Indigenous health through an investigation of Inuit health in Nunavik.

This research used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. The qualitative phase of this project employed interviews with Inuit health experts in Nunavik. The quantitative phase involved an analysis of the regional Inuit health dataset to identify predictors of Inuit self-rated health.

Qualitative results identified a number of key social, cultural, environmental, and individual determinants of health in the region. Analysis of the quantitative data identified significant associations between variables such as age, physical activity, and peacefulness of the community and self-rated health.

Considered in combination, the qualitative and quantitative results of this study indicate the potential value of determinants such as food security, education, and connection to land as important to Indigenous health. The analysis demonstrates that our understanding of health in an Indigenous context has to expand to include determinants beyond physical health.

Author Keywords: determinants of health, Indigenous, Inuit, Nunavik, self-rated health

This thesis explored the contribution of mixed methods approaches to marine mammal science through the use of concurrent and sequential designs to study distribution and feeding ecology of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Arctic region of Nunavik, Quebec, Canada. The study combines Inuit knowledge (IK), collected through semi-directed interviews with Inuit harvesters, and analyses of stable isotopes and trace elements (SI/TE) in baleen plates. A systematic literature review found that mixed methods are increasingly used in marine mammal ecology studies in remote locations, yet are still relatively rare and face a number of challenges. Both IK and SI/TE, indicated that bowhead whales have a seasonal pattern in their distribution and feeding ecology. They are most commonly present in productive nearshore areas in summertime, feeding in areas of great prey diversity, and moving to offshore areas in winter to fast. Mixed methods approaches used in this case study enabled the collection of complementary knowledge about bowhead whale ecology important for local management in a changing climate. This study also shows the value of mixed methods approaches for future marine mammal studies in Nunavik and elsewhere.

Author Keywords: Arctic, bowhead whale, distribution, feeding ecology, mixed methods, traditional ecological knowledge

This project examines the factors for success of alternative energy initiatives in remote northern Indigenous communities, and the link between northern community energy and resilience. The case study, in the Gwich'in village of Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories, focuses upon a biomass boiler district heating project that provides renewable heat fuelled by local wood chips, and the willow harvesting initiative that supports it. Data was collected by interviews and participant observation in Fort McPherson and Yellowknife, and by analysis of resilience, community energy, and biomass literature. Success factors identified include the importance of aligning energy systems with local cultural identity, traditional values and connection to landscape, values often under-represented in financially-driven energy decisions. Autonomy and self-reliance are shown to be critical factors in northern community energy decisions, related to well-being, pride in place and enhanced resilience. Community resilience is revealed as a key component of northern community energy success.

Author Keywords: Energy, Indigenous, Northern, Renewable, Resilience, Sustainable

This thesis sought to explore and evaluate perceptions of food needs and the role of a community freezer in addressing those needs, among Inuit in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador). Research was carried out through an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Phase 1 employed qualitative interviews with community members in Hopedale to explore the perceptions of food needs from an Inuit perspective. Results from Phase 1 identified a series personal, physical, cultural, and social food needs that informed the development of a series of questions that were integrated into a community-wide survey that was implemented in Phase 2. Results from Phase 2 identified a series of cultural, household and individual characteristics that significantly impact perceived ability to meet needs among community members in Hopedale. Findings from this research contribute to our understanding of food needs, and may potentially influence estimates of levels of needs that are protected in Inuit land claims, and inform the development or improvement of community methods for food support.

Author Keywords: Food Needs, Food Programs, Food Security, Indigenous, Inuit, Mixed-Methods

Arctic ecosystems are increasingly altered by climate change, and some wildlife species, like moose, are adapting to these new conditions. Indigenous knowledge and values, such as those held by Inuit, can provide insight into adaptive wildlife management and may improve ecosystem resiliency. This thesis seeks to address the following question: What is the potential role of Indigenous knowledge in managing wildlife under climate change? This thesis follows a qualitative exploratory design involving 1) a systematic literature review of the peer-reviewed literature and 2) a case study on moose in Nunatsiavut in which 35 interviews and participatory mapping were conducted with Inuit beneficiaries. The results demonstrate a range of potential roles for Indigenous knowledge and values in managing species impacted by climate change. The case study of moose in Nunatsiavut has applicability across the Canadian Arctic where the sustainability of harvested species is at risk.

Author Keywords: Arctic, climate change, Indigenous knowledge, moose, Nunatsiavut, wildlife management