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Inuit Knowledge of Beluga in Nunavik: 2025 Report
Prepared for the Anguvigaq (Nunavik Hunters and Trappers Association)
Cloudberry Connections is working with Anguvigaq, an Inuit-led research organization based in Nunavik, on a project focused on documenting Inuit knowledge of beluga whales and supporting Inuit-led approaches to beluga management. Beluga are a culturally vital species in Nunavik, connected to food sovereignty, community well-being, and longstanding stewardship practices. At the same time, concerns over harvesting restrictions, population health, and environmental change have made this an important moment to gather and share Inuit perspectives.
The project is designed to document Inuit knowledge and management perspectives through in-person, filmed interviews across three Nunavik communities. These interviews focus on local observations of beluga behavior, migration patterns, harvesting practices, and changes seen on the land and sea over time.
Cloudberry is supporting the project as a commissioned partner, bringing expertise in participatory media, qualitative research, and knowledge-sharing. Specifically, Cloudberry’s role has focused on:
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Project Coordination: Establishing project management structures and collaborative relationships between Cloudberry, Anguvigaq, and other project partners to support effective knowledge gathering and respectful information sharing.
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Filmed Interviews: Conducting in-person, video-recorded interviews with participants in three Nunavik communities, working with Elders, hunters, and knowledge holders to capture diverse perspectives about beluga and beluga management.
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Qualitative Coding and Analysis: Systematically coding the video interviews to identify key themes, insights, and management considerations based on Inuit knowledge and experience.
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Mapping and GIS Outputs: Creating visual mapping products based on information gathered through the project’s interviews and mapping activities, helping to reflect spatial knowledge of beluga habitat, harvesting areas, and observed changes.
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Beluga Knowledge Report: Drafting a report that synthesizes findings from the interviews, highlighting community-identified priorities and observations related to beluga stewardship in Nunavik.
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Video-Based Storytelling Outputs: Producing a series of video clips and short films based on the filmed interviews, helping to share Inuit voices and knowledge with wider audiences through visual storytelling.
Through this work, the project aims to strengthen the visibility and role of Inuit knowledge in ongoing discussions about beluga management in Nunavik. The approach is community-centered, working alongside Anguvigaq to support research and media outputs that reflect local priorities and contribute to Inuit-led stewardship efforts.
