Research licensing
Research in the Arctic is subject to a complex, and evolving, regulatory environment.
In each Inuit region, a different combination of federal, territorial and land claims agencies
have responsibility for screening and permitting various types of research activities. Permitting requirements are dictated by the nature and location of the project. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for example, all scientific research (excluding archaeology and
terrestrial wildlife studies) is licensable under the Scientists Act, a Territorial legislation
administered by the Aurora Research Institute (NWT) and the Nunavut Research
Institute (Nunavut) (Appendix A). A research protocol that will involve a research license
requirement is under development by the Nunatsiavut Government (NG), with anticipated
completion by Spring 2007. In the interim, NG asks all research proponents to follow the
Nunatsiavut Interim Research Process (dated June 2006). For up to date information on
the status of the research protocol visit the NG website at www.nunatsiavut.com.
Terrestrial wildlife studies in the NWT and Nunavut require permits under the Territorial Wildlife Act, and archeology under the NWT and Nunavut Archaeological Sites
Regulations. Permits for studies of fish, marine mammals, and fish habitat anywhere in the
CanadianArctic may be acquired through DFO under the FisheriesAct. Likewise, research on
migratory birds requires a permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) under the
Migratory Birds Convention Act. Wildlife research in the provincial and territorial North
on species listed under the new Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) will soon require a
special permit from the CWS. Refer to Appendix B for more details on relevant permitting agencies for all jurisdictions, and associated contact information.
Field studies taking place on Federal Crown, or Inuit Owned, Lands are treated like any
other land use activity. They must first be screened for environmental impact by the
appropriate authorities. INAC screens land use impacts for projects on Crown Lands.
Regulatory bodies established pursuant to the settlement of a comprehensive land claim
(e.g. Nunavut land use planning board, impact review board, and water board) may also
have jurisdiction to screen and review research activities on lands (both Crown and Inuit
Owned) and fresh waters in the settlement area. Research on Inuit Owned Land requires
special access permission from the appropriate Inuit association.
It is imperative that researchers identify the permitting requirements well in advance,
as it may influence the timelines for proposed studies.The northern research institutes are
good first points of contact for clarifying regulatory requirements and, making contact
with appropriate permitting and screening agencies (see Appendix A).
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N EGOTIATING R ESEARCH R ELATIONSHIPS W ITH I NUIT C OMMUNITIES