Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program project descriptions 2024 to 2025

Conservation Planning for the Porcupine Caribou Herd: Mobilization, Synthesis, and Application of Existing Traditional Knowledge Data

Funding to activate, use and build upon existing information related to Porcupine caribou traditional knowledge already held by First Nation and Inuvialuit agencies, and implementing a coordinated data management and sharing system that will allow the Porcupine Caribou Management Board to develop a conservation plan for the herd covering its entire range.

Yukon First Nations Wildfire

Funding to conduct research on how to include traditional land management practices in fire prevention practices. Research to be conducted includes information on invasive species and vegetation management, controlled burns and Indigenous land management, and research related to community-led, place-based wildfire response.

Traditional Food Security Strategy: Wild Taku River Harvesting and Climate Change Vulnerability

Funding to support a muti-faceted effort to increase food security and conservation of salmon along the Taku River. This project would build off of a project submitted by TRTFN in November 2020 focused on sharing knowledge concerning harvesting, preparation & preservation of traditional foods. The effort would begin this summer and include a salmon and climate change vulnerability assessment focusing on each of the five salmon runs at the sub-watershed scale. This process will help identify culturally appropriate management actions to reduce impacts.

Restoring Coffee Lake road assessment and restoration

Funding to provide a quick evaluation of the permafrost and surficial hydrological conditions along the Coffee Lake Road that links the Campbell Highway to site of cultural interest for Ross River Community. The information collected during the survey aims to assist the community to use best practices during the reconstruction of the road.

Understanding ice formation needs and adapting SmartIce ice monitoring for safe travel on Kluane Lake

Kluane Lake ice is critical infrastructure supporting hunting, harvesting and trapping for Lhù'ààn Mân Ku Dań. It is part of KFN's culture and economy. Due to climate change, and especially the recent re-routing of the Slims river drainage, KFN is increasingly concerned about travel safety and the impacts that declining ice conditions are having on community health and wellbeing. In partnership with Smartice, KFN will initiate and evaluate both community-based ice monitoring and Indigenous knowledge-based travel safety messaging to reduce travel risk and promote awareness of and adaptation action on safe ice travel.

Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy Implementation: FireSmart Program Development for the City of Whitehorse

By creating a FireSmart Coordination Program at the City of Whitehorse, the City will be better equipped to assist Whitehorse residents in undertaking FireSmart activities around their homes and businesses thereby reducing the risks posed by wildfire

Flood Control Project

The Project is the construction of permanent flood and erosion control structures along Teslin Lake within riparian zone and ordinary high-water mark (OHWM). The Project is in the Village of Teslin (VoT) within the Traditional Territory of Teslin Tlingit Council.

Yukon Flood Mapping Program

Funding to expand flood mapping programming in the North and build on the investment territorial governments receive from FHIMP. Funding will support LiDAR acquisitions, ground control points and flood mapping analysis and map production for Yukon communities.

Permaculture principles: a key to food security and climate change preparedness in the North

Funding to expand food production at the CTFN Farm, by expanding farm infrastructure (including irrigation system, a northern climate type greenhouse and a root cellar for roots storage during winter), applying permaculture principles, and offering community engagement, training and programming tied to mental health.

Design Phase of the SAHS Housing project

Funding to support an energy efficient and climate resilient design for the Safe at Home Society (SAHS)'s High Country Inn supportive housing project.

Daylu Dena Council Historical Trails Surveys

Funding to GPS the historic trails that pass through or originate in Daylu Dena Lower Post, BC. community. Notations will be made along the trails for restoration needs and any cultural features such as remnants of camping places or cultural use, such as culturally modified trees.

Yukon climate change mental health initiative: Ecoanxiety

Funding to develop and offer programs to support individuals and communities living with the mental health impacts of climate change in the North. The project will consist of a research and program development phase followed by a series of information sessions and groups for youth and adults.

2023-2028 Territorial funding

Funding to support climate change adaptation within the territorial government and deliver projects for building climate change adaptation capacity across the territory.

Taku River Tlingit Traditional Food Security Program: Addressing moose conservation concerns through harvester support pilot programming

Funding to support moose monitoring and stewardship efforts to inform a long-term co-management plan, as well as to support moose harvesting in remote regions by facilitating access, harvest, and processing.

Building on Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation farm project to include community participation in food and wellness activities

Funding to expand on a previously funded project. The LSCFN will undertake farm upgrades to Improve Food Security, Health and Wellness. The LSCFN is also looking to expand the greenhouse to include the creation of 2 smaller community gardens in the community. 

Development of Land Use Guidelines and Implementation tools for Selkirk First Nation

Funding to developing a water stewardship strategy. SFN is looking to better understand how the watersheds within their Traditional territory are influenced by climate change, in order to develop a management strategy for protection and preservation for future generations. This project will involve training of SFN citizens in the collection of water data and interpretation as well as the installation of hydrometric stations.

Climate Change Community Liaison

Funding for the Climate Change Community Coordinator to work with First Nations government, municipalities, the Government of Yukon, and other stakeholders to identify priorities for climate change adaptation in the Yukon, and to support climate change adaptation.

Dagoo Taii "Over the Mountain People Trail: Gwinch'in

Funding for leadership and backcountry training, cultural connections, and practices for safe travel and resilience in the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin. It will support all 15 students in the Vuntut Gwich'in school (grade 8 to 12). The program will train youth with backcountry safety and mapping skills, mentor youth guides and trip leaders, and complete a trip from Teechik (Old Crow) to Teetl'it Zzeh (Ft. McPherson) during the winter season, to reconnect with family, culture and traditional places.

Application of Indigenous-led Tools and Approaches to support Climate Change Vulnerable Freshwater Fisheries

Funding for freshwater fish that are often forgotten or underrepresented in land-use or other fish and wildlife related planning processes. This project seeks to identify and address freshwater fishery gaps, support monitoring and provide implementation support to strengthen the consideration of freshwater fish and climate change adaptation in KDFN's lands and heritage work.

Daylu Dena Council Ancestral Trails Project

Funding for the Daylu Dena community in Lower Post was the hub of northern BC and the Yukon before the building of the Alaska Highway. All the trade and travel routes in the area passed though the Daylu Dena community. The Ancestral Trails are historically significant to the revitalization of the Kaska culture. The trails have been poorly maintained and the trail locations are sketches. The proposal includes GPS of the trails and notation of the trail quality, cultural features and needs for restoration. Another importance to document is the history and stories community members have or were told to them by their ancestors.

Building our community resilience by exploring the development of a Food Hub in Haines Junction

Funding for the Sha Shaw Development Corporation is seeking funding to explore the feasibility of a Food Hub in Haines Junction that could include a grocery store and enhanced food growing, storing, and processing capacity to strengthen food security, reduce the commute from Haines Junction to Whitehorse, and contribute to climate resilience.

Climate Change Adaptation: Fire Mitigation and Preparedness

Funding for C/TFN looking to improve wildfire preparedness and adaptation across the Traditional Territory. Our current priority is the development of the Choutla Firebreak as well as creating and implementing a Carcross Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The CWPP will be funded by YG. Through this grant we are looking for support to expand our existing FireSmart program, support community members in firesmarting around their homes and educate on fire prevention.

Top-up 2023 2024: Government of Yukon projects CCS

Funding to support climate change adaptation within the territorial government and deliver projects for building climate change adaptation capacity across the territory.

Critical Infrastructure Resiliency Assessment Project

The goals of this project are: (1) to identify which City services and external assets are critical during a climate-related emergency, specifically a wildfire or freezing rain event;
(2) to identify infrastructure vulnerability and gaps, and (3) to development plan or a strategy to address the City's gaps and vulnerability. Project costs will pay for salaries, professional fees, trainings, and updates to databases and decision-support tools and plans.

Watson Lake WIU Preparedness and Training

Funding to the Town of Watson Lake in fire preparedness and training. This project focuses on vegetation management work (hiring Liard First Nation crew members to complete FireSmart activities), incident management training for the region around Watson Lake, and radio equipment purchases for the Watson Lake fire department.

Táakw Hít (Winter House) Research Project

Funding to build a cultural heritage inventory for ancestral landscapes (villages, burial places, harvesting areas) in the Taku River basin that are at high risk of erosion from increased flooding in the Taku watershed due to climate change. This suite of research, spread over three years, will enable the TRTFN Heritage Department to create an up-to-date heritage database, which will enhance our ability to make informed decisions.

Permafrost restoration at Sree Vyaa

Funding to restore the permafrost surrounding Sree Vyàa (the Old Crow Solar plant) by actively reducing the amount of water accumulation at site. The permafrost deterioration is causing multiple structural and electrical safety issues. Drainage ditches and a protective berm will be constructed, and the permafrost and active layer will be monitored for 3 years with temperature probes.

Implementing an Action Plan for Slope Stabilization

Funding to evaluate the options and opportunities to slow down bank collapse along the river in the community of Fort McPherson from last year study that was conducted in phase roman numeral 1I of this project. Costs and options for the recommendations to adapt to the slumping risk will also be determined.

Climate Change Adaptation Through Ice Monitoring and Data Sharing in the Tłı̨chǫ region

Funding to acquire SmartIce mobile and stationary ice monitoring equipment (SmartQAMUTIK and SmartBUOY) for 4Tłı̨chǫ communities: Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti and Whati. They will develop an ice monitoring program using Tłı̨chǫ traditional and scientific knowledge and train operators in each community to monitor ice conditions and run all aspects of the program.

Strengthening Knowledge on Flooding and Slope Stability Risks and Mitigation Options

Funding to document 2022 high-water levels to inform risk mapping and hazard assessments, revise flood modelling and slope stability mitigation options and develop a mitigation plan with community members.

Assessing and mobilizing knowledge: Climate Change Effects on Housing Infrastructure

Funding to consolidate knowledge and communicate with homeowners about risks of slope instability and collect additional knowledge about flooding. Project activities include, meetings with residents, leadership, and experts to discuss hazards, communicating slope stability knowledge to affected private homeowners, creating a partnership with University of Alberta permafrost scientists  and conducting a survey of Fort Good Hope's 2021 high water marks based on local knowledge.

Fort Smith Slope Monitoring

Funding to use a variety of techniques to monitor and collect data to better understand the landslide area along the river. This work will help quantify the risk to critical infrastructure and support the development of mitigation plans.

Risk Tables to Support Communities Working Together on Shared Climate Change Risks

Funding to staff the facilitation and secretariat function for the various risk tables so that the tables are well prepared to take advantage of future funding programs.

Flood Mapping for at-risk Northwest Territories Communities

Funding to support continued advancement of technical and non-technical work towards the completion of flood maps within the Northwest Territories.

Surficial Geology Mapping for NWT Communities

Funding to support the creation of surficial geology maps for 3 NWT communities at a scale of 1:25,000 or higher. The surficial geology maps will include geomorphic processes and symbols relevant to geohazards (landslides, thermokarst).

Young Leaders' Summit on Northern Climate Change

Funding to support the Young Leaders' Summit on Northern Climate Change which brings young leaders, aged 18 to 30, together to learn about the effects of climate change in northern Canada.

Adaptation Capacity Initiatives 2023-2026

Funding to staff the climate change community liaison position to help communities in the region identify and put forward proposals that respond to the impacts of climate change using adaptation measures.

NWTAC Climate Change Community Liaison

Funding to staff the climate change community liaison position to help communities in the region identify and put forward proposals that respond to the impacts of climate change using adaptation measures.

NWT Climate Change Adaptation Committee Compensation Fees

Funding compensation fees to support the  NWT Climate Change Adaptation Committee for their participation.

Proposal Seed Funding: Assessing Climate Change Hazards and Mitigation Measures at the Thebacha Recreation Area

Funding to develop a full proposal to assess flood, fire and erosion hazards at the Thebacha Recreation Area, as well as seek recommendations from specialists on mitigation measures to protect this important site.

Future Tuk: Cross-border coastal community knowledge-sharing to supporter location planning

Funding to create a community-based Relocation Planning Steering Committee and Relocation Coordinator role to develop a Tuk Relocation Planning Strategy to ensure that decision-making is centered around supporting and sustaining Inuvialuit ways of knowing, culture and livelihoods.

Whatì groundwater vulnerability assessment

Funding to assess how the groundwater underlying Whatì will be impacted by climate change and how this will affect the safety and sustainability of the community drinking water supply.

Building Climate Change into All that We Do: Our People

Funding to build leadership and climate change adaptation skills within Jean Marie River First Nation's Chief and Council, and staff.

Tłıchǫ Climate Change Knowledge Center

Funding to establish a Climate Change Knowledge Centre that addresses concerns Tłıchǫ community members have about climate change. The centre will serve as a forum for discussions on various issues of concern community members have regarding the implications of climate change to the local environment, and future socio-economic wellbeing of Tłıchǫ communities.

Understanding the Past and Planning for the Future

Funding to document traditional and local knowledge of climate change impacts on the environment and to restructure the traditional knowledge database. By the end of this project, NSMA and their Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will have a better understanding of how changes to the land have impacted their member's lives, livelihoods and relationship with the land. This will allow them to make informed decision.

Dempster Highway

Funding to implement 3 initiatives,

Initiative 1:

Dumpster Highway Function Plan: Funding to develop a functional plan for Dempster Highway to integrate climate change and geohazards research together with transportation planning and make up part of a larger climate-resilient plan for the Dempster Highway corridor in the NWT.

Initiative 2:

Initiating the Update of the North Slave Resiliency Study: Funding to start the review and validate to review, validate, and update previous findings and update hydrology projection from the 2016 North Slave Resiliency study.

Initiative 3:

Initiate the Mackenzie Water Depth for MTS Operations Project: Funding to collect continuous sounding (single line bathymetry) along the routes transited by the MTS vessels up and down the Mackenzie.

Data and mapping Gap Analysis

Funding to conduct a gap analysis of the data and mapping needs of Northwest Territories communities and develop a plan to close those gaps. The resulting action plan will point the way towards next steps and will support future funding applications to continue to close the gap.

Wildland Fire and Caribou Workshop

Funding to host a workshop that brings together Indigenous experts and western scientists to exchange observations, experience, and ideas on the impact of wildfire on caribou and how best to preserve the existing herds in the Northwest Territories. The workshop will help inform plans of action for a caribou management plan, monitoring effects and could inform wildfire hazard mapping.

Northern Agriculture Futures – Adapting to a Changing Climate in the NWT through Agriculture (Part roman numeral 2II)

Funding to support on-going work and relationships in communities across the Dehcho and South Slave regions to enable communities to adapt to climate change by establishing novel policies, projects and research that fosters sustainable agriculture across community and regional scales.

Tsiigehtchic Church Hill Slope Stability Monitoring and Decision Making

Funding to advance efforts to address slope stability and erosion issues threatening the cemetery and churches in Tsiigehtchic.

Community Cooler and Cleaner Air Spaces Initiative – Funding Outline – Office of Chief Public Health Officer

Funding to set up cleaner and cooler air space (CCCAS) in every Northwest Territories community.

Thebacha Recreation Area-Proposal

Funding to assess the flood, wildfire, and riverbank erosion risks at the Thebacha Recreation Site to support the development of a comprehensive mitigation plan and undertake immediate mitigation needs. Additionally, this project will prepare a forward-looking site plan that outlines a ten-year growth and development vision.

Bridge Feasibility Study

Funding to assess consideration for a new bridge crossing over the Liard River. This initiative includes both Western Science and Traditional knowledge that considers the impacts of climate change (such as later freeze up and earlier break up) and access in and out of the community during freeze up and break up (especially as an enhanced transportation route during emergency situations such as wildfires).

Investing in the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road to mitigate the impacts of barge cancelation in the Sahtu region

Funding to support the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) to accelerate and upgrade the construction of the winter road to the Northwest Territories' Sahtu communities to help maximize the potential to move the high volumes of traffic needed for essential resupply. This is needed because the essential barge transportation of goods including fuel to the Sahtu communities has been cancelled for the past 2 summers due to low water levels in the Mackenzie River. With no guarantee that the water level in the Mackenzie River will be high enough to allow barging next summer, the pressure on the 2024-2025 winter road season will be at maximum to optimize its use

West Point First Nation Flood and Drainage Assessment and Mitigation

Funding to support the West Point First Nation Flood and Drainage Assessment and Mitigation project which aims to assess and mitigate flood risks from stormwater and ice jams, particularly those affecting community infrastructure and housing. The project will develop flood mitigation designs and a stormwater drainage plan, enhancing the community's resilience to flooding and climate change. Additionally, it will support capacity building within the community through staff training and community engagement to address ongoing flood management challenges. The project will ultimately help create safer conditions for future housing development on West Point First Nation lands. / Additional funding to include a geotechnical site investigation in the planning for a new subdivision in the community of West Point First Nation for 2024/25.

Integrating Earth Observation Data and AI for Enhancing Winter Road Resilience to Climate Change in Northern Communities

Funding to support a case study in the Tłı̨chǫ region, and if data is available, also the Sahtu region, of the Northwest Territories. It aims to integrate existing datasets, incorporate new data sources such as earth observation imagery, leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, and deliver insights to stakeholders through user-friendly tools, platforms, and methods.

Risk-Based Approach to Community Planning Pilot Project

Funding to pilot the Risk-Based Approach to Community Planning in Northern Regions Standard in the Charter Community of K'asho Got'ine

Surficial Geology Mapping for NWT Communities (Phase II) and Ground-Surface Temperature Monitoring

Funding to continue supporting the creation of surficial geology maps for NWT communities at a scale of 1:25,000 or higher (Tulita, Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, etc.) The surficial geology maps will include geomorphic processes and symbols relevant to geohazards (landslides, thermokarst, etc.).This funding will also support the installation of ground-surface temperature monitoring equipment to simulate permafrost thaw sensitivity across the region.

Nunavut

Climate Change Risk Assessment and Capacity Position

Funding to conduct a Nunavut-wide climate change risk assessment (CCRA). A CCRA is necessary for Nunavut as climate-related risks and consequences have not yet been adequately studied. The Government of Nunavut's Climate Change Secretariat is intending to work with other Government of Nunavut departments, Inuit organizations, and community groups to conduct this project.

NIQIHAQUT: Country Food Services, Monitoring, and Sustainable Harvest Planning Improving Food Access and Climate Resiliency in Taloyoak, Nunavut

Funding to address the problem of country food access under climate change through the development of new country food services with the goal of improving food access. A Sustainable Harvest Plan based off traditional values and monitoring data will be developed to ensure the sustainability of access to country foods. The project will also create training opportunities through intergenerational exchanges to pass on knowledge on sustainable harvesting. Niqihaqut will result in an adaptive country food-based economy anchored in the sustainable harvesting of wildlife and will contribute to the community's health and well-being for generations to come.

Coastal risk mapping in the High Arctic (Aujuittuq), Ellesmere Island

Funding to support the second phase of the project, which is focused on integrating both the hazard and vulnerability components of the risk assessment in Grise Fiord as the community is coping with increasing erosion events and needs to prevent further damage to coastal infrastructure.

Towards Adaptation Solutions: Monitoring coastal dynamics, permafrost and hydrodynamics in Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

Funding to conduct a quantitative assessment of long-term (1950 to 2026) shoreline change, and continue the analysis for Kugluktuk (2023 to 2026) by:

• Acquiring all available historical imagery and topographic data for the 2 areas.
• Gather local and scientific knowledge to develop innovative mapping products that can help improve community planning related to coastal erosion.
• Analyze sea ice, waves, tides, and estuarine dynamics to better understand the controlling factors coastal changes around Coronation Gulf.

Time-lapse stations will also be installed in areas of ship-wake hotspots to:

• Analyze the effect of marine traffic on coastal change.
• Analyze the ground thermal regime from new automated stations and horizontal thermal rods to better understand the thermal and mechanical dynamics (stabilization, aggradation, degradation) of coastal permafrost.
• Characterize the permafrost conditions.
• Establish a coastal hazard map for coastal erosion based on numerical and empirical models.

Sanirajak Drainage Plan Implementation

Funding for the implementation of drainage works in accordance with recommendations provided in the Sanirajak Drainage Plan.

Digital Elevation Models Flood Mapping

Funding for aerial drone imaging and digital elevation modelling for Nunavut communities. The resultant drone data will contribute to community climate change adaption through use in community base mapping, floodplain mapping, drainage planning, land-use planning and infrastructure planning.

Climate Adaptive Revegetation

Funding to implement an innovative climate adaptive revegetation program on the property that will be designed to use local plants of cultural importance to mitigate permafrost degradation, control melt water, drainage and run-off, and enhance the resiliency of the Kuugalak cultural campus facility foundations and surrounding property.

Wastewater Network and CCTV Assessment

The City has been experiencing several operation issues in its linear wastewater network including:

1. Effects of Climate Change – Permafrost, soil movement leading to breaks in the sewer lines
2. Blockages/breaks related to freezing wastewater in some sections.

The City is proposing the use of CCTV technology to provide an accurate and detailed condition assessment of its sewer network.

Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) Climate Change Sessions for NAM Annual General Meeting 2023

Funding to Nunavut Association of Municipalities Annual General Meeting was held in Iqaluit November 27-30, 2023. A session about climate change was held on November 29th. The session was filmed and became part of the Municipal Training Package for Councils that was distributed in 2024 so that all Councils can make decisions with a Climate Change lens and create respective policies. There was a follow-up meeting in Spring 2024 with a select group of municipal leaders to further explore what climate impacts communities are experiencing, and how to strategize response solutions to this.

Bursting the Banks

Funding for investigations research that aims to better characterize the hydrology of Pangnirtung, especially the role of snow regime and its impact on flash flooding and drainage in the Duval River watershed and the community of Pangnirtung as climate changes. The project also seeks to learn more about the ground thermal/hydraulic regime at select points near the river and bridge. It builds on an existing NRC- funded project, which involves water flow and quality monitoring of the Duval River.

NIQIHAQUT II Climate, Caribou, and Sustainable Harvest in Taloyoak, Nunavut

Funding to conduct a geological survey for the pre-planning of the Food Processing Centre.

Wastewater Network and CCTV Assessment: Phase 2

Funding to extend this project to other subdivisions due to successful completion of the first phase of the assessment program and the comprehensive reporting for Lower Iqaluit.

The City has been experiencing several operation issues in its linear wastewater network including:

1. effects of climate change: Permafrost, soil movement leading to breaks in the sewer lines
2. blockages/breaks related to freezing wastewater in some sections

The City is proposing the use of CCTV technology to provide an accurate and detailed condition assessment of its sewer network.

Enhancing travel safety near Sanirajak with real-time weather monitoring

Set-up and maintain 5 new weather stations around Sanirajak for the benefit of travelers in the community. Additionally, project leads will train local technicians so they have the skills to maintain the stations in perpetuity. The project will work to improve the visualization of weather data in a culturally appropriate way, so that people are able to easily grasp the meaning and implications of this information

Elder and Youth Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Camp

Funding to host a Elder-Youth IQ Camp to help bridge the gap between Elders and youth to help the transfer of invaluable traditional knowledge to the next generation. By aligning this transfer with practical training in modern scientific and multimedia disciplines, the project equips our youth with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to thrive in a changing environment

Qamani'tuaq and Taloyoak addressing climate impacts and adaptations on fish habitats

Funding to finish a previously funded CCPN project by completing a Fish Habitat Adaptation Plan for Qamani'tuaq and implementing adaptation measures in Talyoak in order to protect fish habitat that is vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Cambridge Bay Solar Geotechnical Assessment

Funding to complete an analysis of permafrost conditions and climate sensitivity on the site of the proposed solar farm to fully understand the subsurface environment and inform on the foundation design. Objectives include: 1. Collect additional geotechnical and climate data to inform the design of the solar array foundations, and, 2. Install permafrost monitoring stations to capture pre-construction baseline data and to assess permafrost degradation resulting from the installation of the solar infrastructure, if any.

Analyzing the 2024 storm impacts on the coast of Grise Fiord (Workplan update on the project entitled Coastal risk mapping in the High Arctic (Ausuittuq), Ellesmere Island)

After the 2024 field season, a series of storm events were observed and generated damages along the shore, which motivated local partners to conduct drone surveys pre- and post-storm events. These storms generated coastal erosion that were not seen before. With this research plan update, we propose 2 steps; 1) processing and analyzing the drone imagery together with local partners in Grise Fiord to quantify the erosion impacts of these storms, and 2) to test a recently developed tool to predict storm impacts on the Grise Fiord beach on these extreme events that occurred in October 2024.

Angunasuktiit: Full-time land programming and environmental monitoring at Clyde River, Nunavut

Angunasuktiit ("Hunters") is a full-time hunting-instruction land-based program that runs all year round out of Ittaq. Five full-time hunter-instructors work one-on-one with participants, teaching and learning all aspects of being on the land and harvesting. Participants range in age from 14 all the way up to 60+ and there are over 50 participants registered in the program. Most participants are between ages 18-25 and are not in school. This proposal aims to expand and enhance the capabilities of the Angunasuktiit program.

Co-Executive Director - Nunavut Association of Municipalities

Capacity Support for climate change adaptation initiatives and advocacy for Nunavut municipalities under the Co-Director of the NAM.

Pilot Project to Implement a Risk-Based Approach for Community Planning in Northern Regions

The Hamlet will undertake a phased approach to define a scope of study, and subsequent investigations and assessments towards the implementation of the community planning standard held under the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) entitled Risk-Based Approach for Community Planning in Northern Regions.

Managing Climate Risks to Living Heritage at Talluruti (Morin Point), Nunavut

Funding to attend to immediate urgencies of site preservation (i.e., the salvage of a partially excavated dwelling near the eroding coastal bluff face) at Morin Point while taking a community-oriented approach that acknowledges the necessity of taking time to get to know the interests, desires, and needs of partnering communities. The approach will focus on the development of strategies for community-led monitoring of Morin Point, that will serve as a conceptual and methodological framework for the management of other archaeological sites in Nunavut.

LNUK of Umiujaq Trail Marking project

The LNUK of Umiujaq wants to mark trails leading to Lake Minto which is at least 160 km from the community. The community no longer use the ice trail during the winter due to climate change that affect ice condition. They travel on the land and need to properly build and mark those trails in order to make them safe. With this project, the LNUK will purchase equipment to install poles, customized signs, hire locals to do the physical work and planning, and mark these trails leading up to various places and hunting grounds

Community Monitoring of Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) Migration in the Kuujjuarusiq Watershed

This project will utilize historical data gathered since 1999 to model anadromous Arctic charr migration through the Nepihjee River (Kuujjuarusiq) watershed. This model will then be validated with past and future field collected data from the annual Kuujjuarusiq Arctic charr monitoring program, as well as with interviews with knowledge keepers. Future field collected data will assist in reducing knowledge gaps associated with the availability of regionally specific data examining anadromous Arctic charr metabolic and physiological status during their annual migration before the impact of climate change on anadromous Arctic charr migration through the Kuujjuarusiq is forecasted using climate change predictive modelling

Kangiqsualujjuaq

Kangiqsualujjuaq Greenhouse Project

Funding to adapt the NV greenhouse to arctic conditions, research food and traditional medicinal and sustenance plants production, demonstrate commercial viability, and to train people in agriculture. Specifically, funding will be used to support a staff position at the greenhouse to train gardeners, conduct market research, monitor greenhouse climate and conduct outdoor local plant research.

LNUK of Umiujaq - River enhancement and beaver management project

Funding to continue doing river enhancement for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. This project is building on previous work supported by this committee "Char Stream Restoration, Beaver Monitoring and Youth Camp" funded by CCPN in 2022/23 and 23/24. The goal is to clear off beaver dams and branches to keep the river/streams open to fish, and try to bring back chars.

Food Hub Phase Two: Understanding past agricultural research practices at the historic Pine Creek Experimental Farm to enhance food security and adapt to a changing climate in Haines Junction

Funding to assist Sha Shaw Development Corporation in integrating past practices into modern strategies for climate adaptation through archival research and elder engagement. This will help reduce the impacts of climate change on their food systems, while supporting community resilience and healing by preserving traditional knowledge. The project will also further integrate and advance key findings from Phase One key of their Food Hub project.

Building capacity for emergency response through Reliable Radio system and training for Old Crow.

Funding to assist in the purchase and set up hand held VHF radios, one in-town repeater tower and one mobile repeater tower in Old Crow. The radios and repeater towers will provide for VHF radio communications among emergency management team members throughout town and on the land in areas surrounding the townsite. This will provide improved safety of responders, better organization and coordination, and faster and more accurate directing of resources which are all critical for effective response to emerging and ongoing emergencies.

Inuit Stewardship of Eastern Hudson Bay Belugas

Funding to document Inuit knowledge of Eastern Hudson Bay (EHB) beluga, particularly stewardship practices, to support meaningful integration of Inuit knowledge into the management of this population.

SIKU Phase 2

Funding for the project will build on the progress achieved to date by the RNUK in collaboration with the Arctic Eider Society (AES) to develop a community-led approach to climate change monitoring and environmental stewardship across the region, supported by SIKU: the Indigenous Knowledge Social Network as a tool for data collection, knowledge sharing and project management. Under Phase 1 of the project, a Regional Project Coordinator was hired and harvesters across Nunavik received training and contributed year-round data about ice conditions, invasive species and wildlife movements and health to the RNUK/LNUK Monitoring project. In Phase 2, the project will shift towards long-term stability, receiving contributions from harvesters in all Nunavik communities and refining project management tools and approaches to support Inuit-led projects across the region. Data generated during Phase 2 of this project (and data from the 2020-2023 period), and enhanced project management skills will support monitoring key climate change priorities and decision-making for the region.

Inuit Perspective on Wildlife

Funding for creating short educational videos to build capacity for climate change monitoring, action, and awareness across Nunavik. Documenting Inuit knowledge, promoting culturally-appropriate environmentally-sustainable attitudes and action, and showcasing Inuit-led monitoring and research projects

Meteo Station Network

Funding for local hunting practices in Nunavik are forced to change due to current climate conditions and new technologies are increasingly relied upon. Nunavummiut residents need real-time weather data to ensure safe travel. Having access to more reliable data from weather stations located along the traditional travel routes will provide crucial information to make travel decisions. In this proposal, we are requesting $340,000 to purchase and install weather stations that are capable of providing real-time weather data to support travel between Nunavik communities. Each weather stations will be placed on selected locations between two neighboring communities, on a frequently used travel route connecting the communities.

Mitigating climate change risks for sea ice-based travel in the Nunatsiavut communities of Hopedale and Rigolet

This project will develop community-based sea ice monitoring services in the communities of Hopedale and Rigolet by supporting the deployment of remote sensing technology; the training of local community operators; the engagement of local youth in monitoring activities; and the communication of sea ice data and information to sea ice users. Data and information communicated to sea ice users will help to inform decision making related to travel safety while engagement, training and employment of community members will ensure services are locally directed and contextualized.

Mapping slush and rough ice final

Funding to demonstrate the latest technology capable of mapping increasingly dangerous ice conditions, namely rough ice and slush. to reduce winter/spring travel risk for Nunatsiavut communities. SmartICE staff in Nain will be trained to operate these komatik- and drone-mountable ice mapping sensors and generate data on rough ice and slush occurrence for their Community Ice Travel Safety Maps. By the end of the project, the technology and map products will be demonstrated and assessed for operational applicability in the other 4 Nunatsiavut communities.

Hopedale Avalanche Awareness and Response Training - Phase 2

Funding to administer a second phase of more advanced avalanche awareness training and early response program to support the residents of Hopedale. The first phase of this project took place in 2022-23 and 2023-24. With increasing climate variability in temperature and precipitation, Hopedale residents have experienced unstable and unpredictable snowpack areas across the community, and as a result, the threat of avalanches in the community has increased (and has recently been experienced in the past).

The training would review a large part of Avalanche Canada's established curriculum (Avalanche Skills Training 1) but would be tailored for Hopedale. Time would be spent in the field, learning how to recognize avalanche terrain and assess the safety of routes. The group could head out to areas that are often travelled in the winter, to learn how to assess and better navigate the challenges. Time would also be spent practicing companion rescue. Classroom time is spent understanding the dynamics of weather, snowpack and avalanche formation, and learning how to critically assess the variables to determine the safety of riding in a particular place, on a given day.

Nunatsiavut Inuit Community Government Customized Facilitated Course: CSA S503:20, Community drainage system planning, design, and maintenance in northern communities

Funding to support the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop and deliver a drainage maintenance training course to Nain Inuit Community Government staff, and other Nunatsiavut Inuit Community Government Town Managers. The purpose of this course is to equip local public works staff (including maintenance managers, municipal staff, engineers, public works foremen, and utility workers) with the knowledge and skills, based on CSA S503, to help improve surface drainage systems in their communities across changing seasons in the northern territories of Canada. CSA S503 is the requisite standard for "Community drainage system planning, design, and maintenance in northern communities".

Rigolet Inuit Community Government - Winter Trail Maintenance

Lack of snowfall, shorter winter seasons has required more maintenance activities on the groomed trail. Community residents use the trail as a highway to access their cabins, traditional foods, and other communities.

Supporting Indigenous and northern travel to and engagement in the ArcticNet Arctic Change 2024 International Conference (AC2024)

Funding to support the travel and participation of approximately 22 individuals to the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting taking place in Ottawa, Ontario from December 9-12, 2024.

TBD CNG Project

Funding to support the Eeyou Istchee Climate Resilience Plan, an initiative to enhance climate resilience across Cree communities through monitoring, adaptation, and education.

NCC's Climate Change Proposal: Spring 2024

Funding to support two internal capacity positions within NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC). One Climate Change Policy Funding Analyst and one Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Liaison will be hired to support the creation of a living NCC Climate Change Strategy document and priority action road map.

Mitigating climate change Risks for sea ice-based travel in the community of Natuashish

Funding to extend a SmartICE project started last year with funds from this program. This application seeks to extend these efforts for three more years and supports building resiliency against the impacts of climate change on sea ice travel. The project will aim to accomplish this goal through community engagement, the continued use of the SmartBUOY and SmartQAMUTIK, including necessary equipment and staff to support this work.