There may be several organizations or groups of relevance to a research project that
would be important to contact before developing firm research proposals, field work
plans, or even preliminary research visits.The following organizations are often the most
important points of local contact for any research project (after having made contact
with regional organizations):
– Hamlet or Community Council representatives (usually the Senior Administrative Officer, or equivalent)
– Land claims organization(s) representative(s)
– Inuit Association(s) representative(s)
– Territorial government departments (local or regional) (e.g. sustainable
development, lands and resources, economic development, health, social
services, etc.)
– Federal Government Field Offices (e.g. local Parks Canada, Fisheries and
Oceans (DFO), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Environment Canada
officers)
– Schools (elementary, high school, and/or college)
– Visitor’s centre/local tourist information
– Local Health Centre
– Local Radio Society
Depending on the type of project, and the desired level of community involvement,
other potential local contacts of importance may include:
– Co-management board(s)
– Craft/arts centre/shop
– Elders Group
– Hunters and Trappers Organization (usually secretary-manager or president/
chairperson)
– Local Search and Rescue Committee
– Outfitting/tour companies
– RCMP detachment
– Women’s groups
– Youth Committees
– Local retail store managers (Co-op, Northern Stores)
As suggested earlier, written and then verbal communication is strongly recommended with these types of organizations, and should be made only once you are quite
sure about the community(ies) where you wish to pursue a research relationship. Of
course the types, and number, of northern organizations to contact will depend on the
community(ies) involved and the research being proposed.
A G UIDE F OR R ESEARCHERS
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