Working Together to Save Working Together to Save Arctic SpeciesArctic Species

Importance of Partnerships in Engaging Canadians

EECOM 2011

National National Parks in Parks in NunavutNunavut

Quttinirpaaq National Park of CanadaSirmilik National

Park of Canada

Auyuittuq National Park of Canada

Ukkusiksalik National Park of Canada

2010 – the International2010 – the International Year of Biodiversity Year of Biodiversity

• IUCN – Commission on Education and Communication

• Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans are mandated through Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity

OurArctic.ca – Project OurArctic.ca – Project PartnersPartners

• CAZA – Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums

• CWF – Canadian Wildlife Federation

• Polar Bears International

• Parks Canada Agency – including Nunavut Field Unit (NFU)

• National Office of Parks Canada has a Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums

• Also has agreements with other zoos and aquariums on case-by-case basis

Nunavut – Canada’s newest Nunavut – Canada’s newest TerritoryTerritory• Created in 1999

• Inuit make up 85% of the population

• Inuktitut –Inuit language, widely spoken

• Nunavut’s economy includes traditional Inuit harvesting activities

• Inuit seek to sustain traditional lifestyle - through Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and Inuit Impact Benefit Agreements

Nunavut Land Claims Nunavut Land Claims AgreementAgreement

• Creation of Nunavut– Nunavummiut rights are protected

• Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement created for organizations in Nunavut– This ensures Nunavummiut receives

benefits from other organizations

How does it work?How does it work?• Every National Park in Nunavut is co-managed

through board members and Parks Canada• Board members are appointed by federal

government and Inuit Organizations in Nunavut• Nunavut Field Unit needs their approval and

input in new and existing projects• Comprise of community members who usually

reports back to the local community• Board members are involved in community

meetings, announcements and educational activities

Communicating (between) Communicating (between) culturescultures

• Arctic Biodiversity – Seen as alive and thriving by many Inuit

in Nunavut– Seen as threatened and at risk by

southern Canadians

• Protecting Life

Communicating cultures - Communicating cultures - BiodiversityBiodiversity• Studying it in the south

– Qaluunaat base understanding on information received and knowledge assumed

• Living it in the Arctic– Inuit (who are close to the land)

understand based on experience and on first hand evidence

Biodiversity IllustratedBiodiversity Illustrated

• Baffin Island – is the size of .......– more than 360 plant species identified

on this island– More than 60 insects known to exist– Extremely diverse marine life – from the

kelp and other vegetation right up to the polar bear

– Polar bear is a marine mammal

Beginning the conversationBeginning the conversation

• Weekly conference calls – CAZA and all its partners

• CAZA focused on its campaign

• Parks Canada providing the Nunavut/Arctic perspective

Extending the conversationExtending the conversation

While remaining engaged in discussions with its primary partner – CAZA – Parks Canada’s Nunavut Field Unit extended the conversation to include its Joint Park Management Committees (JPMC and UPMC) and to include individual parks and zoos

Extending the conversationExtending the conversation

• Reporting back to JPMC and UPMC– Input sought from committees– Concerns raised by Inuit committee members– CAZA campaign objectives shared– Parks Canada’s interests explained: to

develop a public awareness and understanding of Canada’s National Parks in three key target audiences: urban, new Canadians, and youth

Engaging partners furtherEngaging partners further

• CAZA – a continuing relationship, connecting Parks Canada to some of its members:– Vancouver Aquarium - and its Arctic

Exhibit– Toronto Zoo – an Arctic exhibit– Assiniboine Park Zoo – re-developing its

Polar Bear exhibits

Importance, to NFU, in Importance, to NFU, in maintaining CAZA relationshipsmaintaining CAZA relationships

• Reaching urban audiences through southern partners – a key strategy when resources and budgets are limited

• Create opportunities for CAZA members – e.g. Connecting Vancouver Aquarium to Arctic College students in Pond Inlet; assist in development of messages and approaches

Building networks and creating Building networks and creating opportunityopportunity

• CAZA - a model for development of other organizational relationships – for example, perhaps a stronger connection to EECOM?

• Network model relevant in the north as well – Environmental Educators North –www.eenorth.com

2012 Opportunity for You2012 Opportunity for You

• Parks Canada in Nunavut has been working closely with Canadian Wildlife Federation in bringing its 2011 Summer Learning Institute to Nunavut

• Parks Canada hopes/plans to follow this up with a 2012 Summer Institute for educators, seeking partners in Nunavut and beyond – hope to see you then!

Engaging Partners in Engaging Partners in NunavutNunavut

• Partnership is required under Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement

– Qikiqtaani Inuit Organization– participates in the Parks Canada interview process

– Inuit Heritage Trust- co-teaching their courses

Engaging Partners in Engaging Partners in NunavutNunavut

• Within Federal Organizations– Hiring an Intern person– Workshops- Species at Risk Workshop– Assignment positions– Federal council

Parks Canada in NunavutParks Canada in Nunavut

• How might you assist Parks Canada in Nunavut in developing an appreciation and understanding of Canada’s Arctic parks:– Canada’s youth?– Newcomers to Canada?– Citizens of Canada’s cities? – esp.MTV

Staying ConnectedStaying ConnectedGarry EnnsExternal Relations Manager, Parks Canada(867) 975 4660Garry.enns@pc.gc.ca