Wemindji Cree Observations and Interpretations of Climate Change: Documenting Vulnerability and Adaptability in the Sub-Arctic
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Wemindji Cree Observations and Interpretations of Climate Change: Documenting Vulnerability and Adaptability in the Sub-Arctic Andra Leona Syvänen The effects of climate change in polar regions of the planet are occurring thirty years ahead of predictions, triggering research on recent and likely future impacts on Arctic indigenous peoples and their response.Comparable research in the sub-Arctic is lacking and the relevance of Arctic research methodologies and findings to the sub-Arctic has not been adequately considered.Drawing on climate change related observations, interpretations, and responses of members of the James Bay Cree community of Wemindji, in northern Québec, this thesis applies established Arctic-based approaches to the study of human impacts and responses to the Wemindji case.The importance of understanding less tangible aspects of climate change, such as those that are tied to local beliefs, taboos, stories and legends, is highlighted confirming that local observations and interpretations of climate change are deeply embedded and implicated in local cosmology.An application of the Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions (CAVIAR) framework to determine current and future vulnerabilities of the Wemindji community to climate change is also included.Findings suggest further research in the sub-Arctic is needed to capture the complexities of increasing vulnerabilities and support the most relevant policy implications.Overall, climate change entails both challenges and opportunities for the Cree people of Wemindji.The strategies applied by Wemindji in response to these changes can inform the experience of other sub-Arctic indigenous communities, contributing to a future where northern communities are actively engaged in decisions and actions concerning climate change.
Author: Andra Leona Syvänen
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2137055797