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Writer's pictureJamie Snook

Polar Bears and People. A research journey.



In this Co-management Commons podcast, I am talking with guest Dr. Dominique Henri. Dominique is an expert in the fields of environmental conservation and the social sciences and has extensive experience working with various stakeholders to develop sustainable management strategies. She is known for her innovative approaches and collaborative mindset, making her a valuable guest for this co-management conversation.

 

Dominique's dissertation, titled "Managing Nature, Producing Cultures: Inuit Participation, Science, and Policy in Wildlife Governance in the Nunavut Territory, Canada," focused on how Inuit knowledge and experiences are used in environmental governance, especially in Polar Bear co-management, and how it compares to knowledge produced by biologists and natural scientists. Dominique's journey has shifted from being an academic to working within the federal government's Wildlife Research division, where she aims to produce the best available knowledge in partnership with Inuit communities. She believes that incorporating Inuit knowledge and experiences is crucial for effective wildlife governance, as it provides a unique and timeless perspective of the local ecosystem.

 

The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships between different sources of knowledge and fostering mutual respect and trust to make progress in wildlife co-management. The podcast also discusses the significance of including female perspectives and youth involvement in research and co-management efforts and the evolving role of social sciences in promoting inclusive decision-making processes.

 

Key highlights in the video:

00:44 Discussion about PhD perspectives

03:50 Career transition to the Federal Government

06:30 Developing expertise in creating spaces

08:04 The line between researching and advocating

10:45 Picking a network

13:10 Transformative polar bear hunt

20:35 Discussion about recent Inuit knowledge study about Nanuk

27:48 Dialogue about female contributions to the Inuit knowledge report

32:22 Topics of transmitting Inuit knowledge and public safety

35:00 Engagement with youth

38:00 UN biodiversity conference in Montreal

40:44 Upcoming Range States Meeting

41:33 What are you excited about in the year ahead?

 
 

For some academic and open-access content that Dr. Henri has led or collaborated on enjoy these publications.


Tomaselli, M., Henri, D., Pangnirtung HTO, Mayukalik HTO, Akavak, N., Kanayuk, D., Kanayuk, R., Pitsiulak, P., Wong, P., Richardson, E., & Dyck, M. (2022). Nunavut Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit on the health of the Davis Strait polar bear population. [Final project report].


Dominique A. Henri, Natalie A. Carter, Aupaa Irkok, Shelton Nipisar, Lenny Emiktaut, Bobbie Saviakjuk, Salliq Project Management Committee, Arviat Project Management Committee, Gita J. Ljubicic, Paul A.Smith, and Vicky Johnston. 2020. Qanuq ukua kanguit sunialiqpitigu? (What should we do with all of these geese?) Collaborative research to support wildlife co-management and Inuit self-determination. Arctic Science. 6(3): 173-207

Henri, D. (2012). Managing nature, producing cultures: Inuit participation, science and policy in wildlife governance in the Nunavut Territory, Canada [PhD thesis]. Oxford University, UK. Managing nature, producing cultures: Inuit participation, science and policy in wildlife governance in the Nunavut Territory, Canada - ORA - Oxford University Research Archive.

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