Abstract 163 - Indigenous Knowledge of Human-Polar Bear Coexistence in Churchill,Manitoba, Canada
KT Miller and Georgina Berg, Royal Roads University StudentHall C
Katharina M. Miller, Georgina Berg, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers of Churchill (as
a collective) Michael Lickers, Dominique A. Henri
Polar bears (wapusk; nanuq; sas; loor blaan; Ursus maritimus) and people have shared northern
coastlines for time immemorial, yet concerns about polar bears coming into communities is
increasing. As the Arctic warms and sea ice habitat declines due to climate warming,
coexistence strategies between people and polar bears have become increasingly important.
This study uses community-based participatory research; coproduction of knowledge; hands
back, hands forward; and storytelling to document Indigenous knowledge of human–polar bear
coexistence with Swampy Cree, Sayisi Dene, Caribou Inuit, and Métis people of Churchill,
Manitoba, Canada. By coupling deductive time-based themes with inductive thematic analysis,
this research documents Indigenous knowledge and provides recommendations as future
visions for human–polar bear coexistence in Churchill, Manitoba: protect tourism as an
important industry and economy, support proactive management and less invasive research,
elevate Indigenous knowledge, improve education and safety awareness, and cultivate a
culture of coexistence.
Funding for this research was provided by Polar Bears International and Environment and
Climate Change Canada.
