Reclaiming Inuit governance: planning for a sustainable future in Nunatakavut

Hudson, Amy (2020) Reclaiming Inuit governance: planning for a sustainable future in Nunatakavut. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

In a global world, systems of governance remain integral to establishing and ensuring order. In Canada, the nature of our governance systems often reflects the values, perspectives and will of Western European society. Throughout history, colonists have played a dominant role in decision making with respect to law and order and as a result, governance has reflected the values and perspectives of colonists themselves. This has oppressed, marginalized, and negated Indigenous peoples’ knowledges and values and, by extension, their very systems of governing themselves. This study affirms the collective desire and will of NunatuKavut Inuit to govern on their lands as they engage in self-determined efforts to ensure the sustainability of their communities and culture by privileging local knowledge and expertise throughout the research. This dissertation explores the multifaceted interconnections between research and Inuit community sustainability planning and governance. Best practices in Inuit research governance guided a community governance and sustainability initiative (CGSI) in three pilot communities in NunatuKavut. The CGSI illustrates relationships between local knowledge holders and their expertise in planning for a self-determined and sustainable future. Further, this research study identifies key Inuit governance priorities and practices that reflect the values, perspectives and interests of NunatuKavut Inuit themselves. As a result, this study offers an alternative discussion to state led governance methods in Canada, while critically analysing the colonial legacy of the Canadian state on Inuit still today. Finally, the role of Inuit in this study illustrates continued adaptation to an ever-changing world, with continued resolve to reclaim and rebuild Inuit pathways to sustainable self-determination grounded in Inuit knowledge and tradition.

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