with natural hazards, mental health, air quality, infectious diseases, food safety and security, water safety and security, and health systems. Risks are discussed in the context of existing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples’ health inequities and the unique sensitivities of Indigenous Peoples to climate change. Examples of Indigenous adaptation projects and initiatives from across Canada in response to climate change are also provided.
Natural Hazards First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples are uniquely sensitive to the health impacts of climaterelated events, given their close reliance on the environment for their sustenance, livelihoods, and cultural practices (Ford, 2012; Kipp et al., 2019b). The related health impacts are experienced both directly and indirectly. In the Arctic, rising temperatures
are affecting permafrost stability, ground snow cover, sea ice extent and thickness, sea levels, and weather patterns (Ford et al., 2014; Durkalec et al., 2015; ITK, 2016). These changes are exacerbating the loss of knowledge and land skills related to weather prediction, transportation to hunting grounds, and wildlife patterns, leading to increased risk of injuries and fatalities, more
“The sea ice has really changed. I used to travel both by dog team and skidoo to and from Pond Inlet. In my recent trip, the snow has changed. The snow on top and snow condition on top has changed. Normally, in the spring, the snow on the top will freeze at night. This process is called qiqqsuqqaqtuq. This frozen layer can be seen when the day just starts getting daylight; it is sparkling because of the recent freeze up on top. I noticed it wasn’t like that anymore. This process, the freezing, isn’t happening anymore.” 9 © Credit: iStockPhoto.com, ID 475767636
9
Palluq (2007) as quoted in Dowsley et al. (2010, p. 156).
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