Changing perspectives on the high seas

Louisa Thomassie helps blend Western science with indigenous knowledge

Science is often about gathering information and data. But it's not all about numbers. Sometimes, it's about taking a look at things from a different point of view. During her voyage through the Arctic Ocean as part of the International Polar Year, Louisa Thomassie spent two weeks sharing her knowledge of Inuit culture and tradition with scientists studying climate change in the Arctic, helping bring a new perspective to their work.

In July and August of 2007, Louisa, who was born in Nunavut, traveled from Halifax all the way to Baffin Island and Resolute, Nunavut—the second most northern town in all of Canada. On the CCGS Louis S. St. Laurent icebreaker, she attended at least two scientific presentations a day. "I learned a lot," Louisa says. "For the whole two weeks we had meetings where we could transfer our knowledge to each other and share ideas. It was amazing!"

After her voyage, Louisa wrote a report for the Canadian government that mixes modern scientific research with traditional knowledge from the original (indigenous) peoples of the Far North. "For scientists working on climate change research, everything is based on Western ideas," she says. "There's no indigenous input on those reports."

Louisa believes including indigenous perspectives in scientific studies helps paint a complete picture of a very important issue. "There are some things scientists don't see that the Inuit will see. And there are some things the Inuit don't see that the scientists see. It's a two way street," she says.

But combining Inuit knowledge with Western science is a tough task. Even the definition of words can be an issue. Louisa uses the word 'Inuit' as an example.

"For Westerners, someone saying they're Inuit is like explaining their nationality. But for us, the deep meaning is one who has life and is capable of having brain stimulation. It's about being human."

On the front lines of climate change

Getting the Inuit point of view on climate change is important. The Inuit are outdoor people, always on the land. They hunt to feed the community. In springtime, Inuit families go out together to teach their children how to hunt and fish. But warmer weather is changing that.

"It's getting warmer sooner," Louisa explains, "so by April there is a possibility that there won't be any ice—and traditional activities can't happen."

Putting life experience to work

Before taking part in the International Polar Year project, Louisa spent 13 years teaching many different grades in the village of Kangirsuk, Nunavik, Quebec. That's where she collected much of the information that would be important to her work for the International Polar Year.

Louisa Thomassie on the bridge of the CCGS Louis S. St. Laurent icebreaker

"I did research on Inuit traditional knowledge, history, philosophy and literacy," Louisa says. "That background gave me a strong foundation for my Arctic work."

Louisa hopes her reports will help bring scientists and indigenous peoples closer together to help deal with climate change.

"It's important for Inuit to work with scientists," she says. "This kind of thing, it's not a one-man show, it's not a one-country issue. It's an international issue."