Exploratory Research Assessing the Relationship of Inuit Communities with Wildlife Trade and Use of Arctic Species

• In Event: Offender Decision-Making within the Context of Environmental Crimes

Abstract

Extremely limited research has been conducted exploring the relationship of the Inuit Peoples of the High Arctic and Canada with wildlife trade. Thus far, this research has been undertaken primarily from the perspective of sustainable use and has not considered the growing complexities of tourism, climate change, and wildlife trafficking. The current project delves into the use and trade of arctic species through interviews conducted with local Inuit community members of Arctic Canada. Themes extracted from these interviews included those of community control, shaming, cultural knowledge, respect, subsistence, and the role of social media. These concepts were found to echo the criminological theories of social control and reintegrate shaming as a means by which to manage local hunting and fishing. Resulting discussions are hoped to inform community-based efforts to regarding the control of natural resource-related extractive practices.

Author

• Monique Sosnowski, Farmingdale State College SUNY