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TitleDenesoline (Chipewyan) knowledge of Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) movements
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsKendrick, A., & Lyver P.
Corporate AuthorsLutsel K e Dene First Nation
Volume 58
Issue 2
Pagination 175-191
Publisher Arctic
Place Published Ann Arbor: Univeristy Microfilms
Publication Language en
ISBN Number 0004-0843
KeywordsAboriginal perspectives, caribou, Chipewyan, Denesoline, elders, First Nations, hunter-gatherers, migration corridors, mining development, rangifer tarandus, semi-directed interviews, subarctic, traditional knowledge, traditional migration, water crossings, wildlife management
Abstract

Semi-directed interviews relating to thetraditional knowledge (TK) of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) movements were conducted with elders and hunters from the Denesoline (Chipewyan) community of Luts'l K', Northwest Territories, Canada. The objective was to document Denesoline knowledge of past and present caribou migration patterns and record their explanations for perceived changes in movements. Elders recognized expected and unusual levels of variation in caribou movements. Local narratives show that Denesoline communities have a fundamental awareness of caribou migration cycles. Most elders thought fire frequency and intensity had increased over their lifetimes and that caribou numbers and distribution had been affected. The majority of Lutsel K'e elders thought mining development was affecting caribou movements in some way. Elders believe that disturbance around traditional migration corridors and water crossings and disturbance of "vanguard" animals might be forcing caribou to use less optimal routes and influencing where they overwinter. Elders also believe that a lack of respect for caribou will cause the animals to deviate from their "traditional" migration routes and become unavailable to the people for a period of time. Wildlife management practices may need to further accommodate aboriginal perspectives in the future.

Topics

Traditional knowledge, caribou, Rangifer tarandus, elders, First Nations

Locational Keywords

northern Alberta, Lake Athabasca

Active Link

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/109455368

Group

CEMA

Citation Key22104

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