Description: Search and rescue operations on the water, land, and ice of Inuit Nunangat/Canadian Arctic are challenging and complex. Yet, it’s not only the vast space and distances involved that define search and rescue in Inuit Nunangat, but also its intimacy. The burden of search and rescue in the region largely falls on the shoulders of community responders who usually know the people for whom they are searching. Almost all have found loved ones deceased – from the cold, from accidents, or from self-harm. The toll of this trauma and tragedy on the mental health of community responders is extreme. These responders form the cornerstone of search and rescue in the region – but cracks are forming in this foundation that require sustained attention, funding, and support. Various research initiatives have engaged with almost 200 Inuit and government responders involved in search and rescue in the Canadian Arctic/Inuit Nunangat over the last five years. This presentation will explain how the SAR system works in the region, assess recent initiatives aimed at bolstering the system, offer recommendations and identify broadly applicable best practices. It will also showcase practitioner-oriented tools and support.
Description: Environmental factors, such as the melting of permafrost and increased frequency of floods and landslides, are forcing a growing number of people in the Arctic to relocate. This presentation will, based on recent research and events, delve into the critical importance of governments designing relocation and evacuation policies in close cooperation with affected populations. Two separate cases will be presented, both which reflect the need of developing effective strategies that ensure community engagement and resilience in the face of Arctic emergencies.
Affiliation: University of Strathclyde
Bio: Ian has a background in law and psychology. His current work focuses on supporting decisions made under conditions of risk and uncertainty in organisational and institutional contexts including public safety, defence and security sectors. His research interests cover problem structuring, risk modelling and strategic foresight.
Affiliation: St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia
Bio: Dr. Peter Kikkert is a Professor and the academic lead for the Nunavut-Nunavik Search and Rescue (SAR) Projectis the co-creator and co-organizer of the Nunavik and Nunavut SAR Roundtables. Kikkert also serves as Team Leader and Trainer with Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue, which services the largest operational area in Nova Scotia.
Affiliation: Trent University, Ontario
Bio: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in the study of the Canadian North at Trent University. He is also the director of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network.
Affiliation: Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay Search and Rescue, Nunavut
Bio: Calvin Aivgak Pedersen is a volunteer with Cambridge Bay Search and Rescue, manager of search and rescue at Nunavut Emergency Management, a former member of the Nunavut legislative assembly, and has served as a Canadian Ranger for 22 years. He is from Kugluktuk, Nunavut.
Bio: John Quigley’s main research interests concern risk analysis, specifically developing models to support decision making under uncertainty. His approach is socio-technical, working directly with stakeholders to co-create models. He has much experience of collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams and industrial partners to produce high impact research, including the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, as well as working with remote communities.
Affiliation: Department of Civil Protection and Emergency management, Iceland
Bio: Andrea has a background in social work and disaster management. She has worked as a director for refugee resettlement programs and developed educational programs in disaster and crisis management. She is currently working as an expert on disaster recovery for the department of civil protection and emergency management in Iceland.
Affiliation: The Icelandic Met office