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Welcome

Genomics Science + IQ to support environmental decision making

Genomics Science + IQ to support environmental stewardship and decision making

How would you work with other knowledge systems in large collaborative projects of the kind that span all of Canada and the Arctic?
Emily Angulalik, Executive Director of Kitikmeot Heritage Society and Arctic Genomics partner:

Kaaraq / Nerlernaq (Canada Goose)
The description of the flying formation of the Kaaraq is a metaphor. When we work together - across different cultures, languages, and knowledge systems - we are the geese, flying in formation together toward shared goals. The Elders speak of the benefit of working with southern scientists; they may take the lead in a collaborative project when their expertise moves us toward our goals. But when it comes to the guiding principles that are the foundation of working with animals and in the Inuit Nunangat environment, it is time for Inuit to lead at the front of the formation.

What is Genomics?

Language of DNA

Genetic information (DNA) has a language like Inuktitut or English.

English alphabet:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Genetic alphabet of DNA has only four ‘letters’: G, A, T and C

(Guanine, adenine, thymine, and cytosine)

Illustration of DNA strand and alphabet letters

Genomics vs. Genetics

Genomics

Holistic view: All the DNA, function, all traits.

Genomics example

E.g., Tall, white, female with blue eyes and curly hair.

Genetics

Limited view: One or few genes, specific traits.

Genetics example

E.g., TAS2R38 present or not > Broccoli bitter or not.

DNA Tracking of Wildlife Generation Variations

Genetic information (DNA) has a language like Inuktitut or English.

Variation exists in genes due to mutation producing nucleotide changes (SNPs). This may result in variable traits which we can see to preserve, harvest and manage.

Illustration of DNA variation tracking

Link Between DNA and Genomes

Diagram showing DNA to Genome relationship

Metagenomics

Analysis of DNA barcodes may identify multiple species at once and place them in a broader ecosystem context.

Metagenomics concept illustration

E.g., Dietary changes in Muskoxen may be monitored in response to climate-induced shifts in vegetation distributions.

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How is Genomics used for Inuit land and wildlife relationships?

Genomics helps Inuit land stewards track wildlife health, migration, and environmental changes, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices while respecting Inuit Knowledge and sovereignty over the land

Tracking Wildlife Health & Migration
➡Monitoring muskox, caribou, and Arctic Char for genetic changes and diseases.

Using Genomics to Support Inuit Stewardship
➡Research supports Inuit governance over land-based decision-making.

Climate Change & Its Impact on Wildlife Relationships
➡Inuit Knowledge + genomics together help predict future shifts in animal populations.

Researcher Susan Kutz's group describes the use of genomics science with community based monitoring to track muskoxen decline, and parasites and bacteria in country food

Observations from Inuit communities, through community based monitoring programs with genomics researchers, are a valuable resource for other Arctic communities that see the same changes in wildlife because of the effects of climate change.

Together, Inuit harvesters and southern researchers are documenting disease and migration in species that provide important information for safe harvesting of country food and to support Inuit sovereignty through traditional harvesting as a means of food security.

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How does Genomics Impact Food Sovereignty?

  • Monitors wildlife health
  • Adapts to climate change impacts
  • Ensures the safety and sustainability of traditional food sources
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What is the impact of these efforts on cultural preservation?

Excerpt from pdf about why the work matters.
Excerpt from pdf about what the researchers are doing.
Excerpt from pdf about what the researchers are finding, and why it matters.
Graphic demonstrating the complicated pathways of research to its impact on communities.

Access the Search for Resources like:

1. wildlife monitoring, quality of country food
2. pathogens, bacteria, and wildlife disease
3.harvesting sustainability for food security and cultural preservation