A Beaufort Delta-wide research network will oversee and support research across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR.)
Officially announced on May 22 by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC,) the Inuvialuit Community Research Network is the first of its kind in Inuit Nunangat. The overarching network will improve communication between research projects and provide employment opportunities in the six ISR communities.
"The Network will be a part of the Innovation, Inuvialuit Science and Climate Change (ISCC) Division and consist of six Inuvialuit Community Research Administrators (CRA) managed by the Community Research Manager," said the IRC in a press release. "There will be one CRA based in each ISR community. The CRAs will serve as the point of contact for research matters in their home communities, and support the implementation of IRC’s climate change, energy, marine, Inuvialuit Knowledge, sociocultural and environmental research programs. CRAs will be provided ongoing training and skill development opportunities to support professional development that aligns with their roles and interests. Training opportunities may include mentorship, job shadowing, courses, and training workshops.
"The ISCC Division would like to thank all Inuvialuit Beneficiaries and community stakeholders who continue contributing to IRC’s research values and principles as we actualize Inuvialuit-led research in the ISR. We would also like to thank the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA) and the Canadian Coast Guard for supporting the Inuvialuit Community Research Network through various funding programs from their departments. IRC encourages community members and Inuvialuit Beneficiaries to utilize this innovative Network to propel our research capabilities."
With the underlying goal of building research capacity in the Beaufort Delta, the research network has an main goal of expanding access to research data for Inuvialuit beneficiaries, as well as communicating opportunities to participate in research projects to community members. The network would also serve as a guardian of Inuvialuit interests, making sure research projects match up with the goals of community members. It will mentor the next generation of Inuvialuit scientists and researchers and strengthen the capacity to lead research projects in the ISR. The network also has a goal of ensuring western science and traditional Inuvialuit knowledge hold equal foot in future policy decisions in ISR communities.
Inuvialuit participation is vital for many research projects throughout the Beaufort Delta, ranging from studies on food security to answering critical questions about permafrost, biology and water flow. Hunters, gatherers and fishers guide researchers to their fields of study and often collect data for the scientists themselves.