Inuvialuktun words for a changing climate

Abstract

I conducted a qualitative research study using collaborative storytelling and conversation, Indigenous Research Methodology and Grounded Theory, through the lens of decolonization and reconciliation, to answer the question: What Inuvialuktun words can be rediscovered or created to modernize the traditional Inuvialuit language to include terms of climate change, energy conservation and efficiency and renewable energy? An Inuvialuktun Language Development workshop was held in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Through the workshop, 10 Inuvialuit Elders developed 370 Inuvialuktun modern terms to describe energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. The findings show that Inuvialuktun is an ancient language rich with words with a strong connection to the environment. This study demonstrated the value and utility of the modernized terms in the Western Canadian Arctic and offers recommendations for future workshops to help improve environmental education and communication regarding energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.