Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #156:Comparison of the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Polaris and Nanisvik Mines on the Communities of Resolute and Arctic Bay: A Sustainable Development Case Study  (Comparison of the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Polaris and Nanisvik Mines on the Communities of Resolute and Arctic Bay: A Sustainable Development Case Study)

Outline
This project will compare the socio-economic impacts of mining on Inuit communities in the high Arctic. Specifically, the research will focus on the impacts of two mines, Polaris and Nanisivik, which operated close to Resolute and Arctic Bay respectively, for over 20 years. In 2002, these mines were shut down and are now at varying stages of reclamation. The experiences of Resolute and Arctic Bay had with their respective mine are very different. Nanisivik, the first high Arctic mine, received substantial government support as it was thought to be the best way to kick start the economy of northwestern Baffin Island. A mining community was built at Nanisivik, 21km away from the existing community of Arctic Bay. Though very close to one another, Arctic Bay saw little economic development during the years of mine operation except for the jobs held by the Inuit of the area. Now that the mine is shut down, the people living at Nanisivik have moved away and Arctic Bay is struggling to find other means of economic development. Polaris, is located approximately 100km NW of Resolute. A mining camp was set up where workers stayed for the extent of their rotation (on average 8 weeks) and would then be flown home for their break. All flights into Polaris originated from the Resolute airport. The presence of the mine led to some economic activity in the community, mainly at the airport and through several jobs for the local Inuit. With the creation of Nunavut, the Inuit now have greater control over the economic development of the territory. For communities to remain sustainable, various forms of economic development will have to be undertaken. Diversification is key to maintaining economic viability. Mining can provide a start for this diversification. The opportunity exists to develop secondary industries based in Nunavut that cater to mines operating in the area as well as provide much needed employment to people living in local communities. Furthermore, the royalties collected from mining companies operating on Inuit owned lands as well as the impact benefit agreements signed between local Inuit organisations and mining companies, provide the Inuit with a great opportunity to develop the economy of their communities. Studying the relationships between Inuit communities and mines can help communities and mining companies construct better mining operations that openly cooperate with communities and help them with their social and economic development.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
#2 Past mining operations in the high Arctic have often excluded the Inuit. Studying past mining practices involving the Inuit can lead to new ways by which mining companies can integrate the Inuit and their culture into their operations. #3 The issues relating to the treatment of indigenous populations by mining companies are similar around the world. Understanding Inuit adaptation to changing work environments and views on mining in general can help international mining companies work better with their indigenous workers. #6 Mining is one industry that can assist the Inuit in achieving a sustainable economy.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
There is no international collaboration involved in this project.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The project field work will focus on Resolute Bay and Arctic Bay, Nunavut.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 2004       2005      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No significant logistic support of facilities support will is required for this project.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
This project will not leave a legacy of infrastructure.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Other sources of support

Funding is provided by DIAND, C-NGO, both of the federal government, and NTI, an Inuit organization in Nunavut.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This project is funded by DIAND, a federal government department. This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Healthy and Sustainable Communities: Sustainable Communities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

This project is a new one and is not part of an existing planned activity.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Year 1 (2004) completed. Preliminary fieldwork was conducted in Resolute and Arctic Bay in preparation for main fieldwork to be undertaken in 2005. Year 2 (2005) Main fieldwork will be conducted in January and February. Analysis of data will be undertaken subsequently and final project report will be finished by December of same year.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This is a small scale project and there is no direct plan for addressing education, outreach or communication issues. However, interpreters will be employed from each community for interviews undertaken during fieldwork. It is hoped that the thesis will reach other communities in Nunavut for their use in dealing with mining companies. q3_4_Data : The interview data collected during the fieldwork will be compiled and appended to the thesis and copies of the thesis will be given to each community.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
In Year 1 (fiscal year 2003-2004) the project received $15000 DIAND and $5000 from NTI. For Year 2 (fiscal year 2004-2005) this project is funded by DIAND ($25000) and C-NGO (~$10000). Additional possible funding from NSTP-C/BAR.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Léa-Marie Bowes-Lyon
1-26 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB


T6G 2E3
Canada

Tel: 780 492-2992
Mobile: no
Fax: 780 492-2030
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation