How are Wëdzey adapting to climate change?
Aidan Burghardt, Alice McCulley, Hilary Cooke, Crystal Fraser, Fiona Schmiegelow
University of Alberta, Yukon University, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
Background
This project was created in response to community observations and concerns about how Wëdzey are responding to climate change. Our work is grounded in the enduring ancestral relationship between Wëdzey and Dënezhu, including a recognition of their knowledge, strength, and resilience. The objectives, methods, and outcomes of this project have been co-developed with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to ensure the research provides meaningful benefits to Wëdzey and community.
Guiding Questions
Q1: How do we conduct a collaborative research project that upholds Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in sovereignty?
Q2: How are Wëdzey adapting to climate change, and what are the primary concerns for each population?
Q3: How is Wëdzey habitat changing now and in the future?
Featured: Midnight Migrations: Wëdzey Tąy
We co-created an animated film with Darcy Tara McDiarmid and Chantal Rousseau to communicate findings from our research. Midnight Migrations focuses on the resilience and adaptability of Wedzey, featuring Hän narration by Angie Joseph-Rear. The film is offered in gratitude to all Wëdzey and human knowledge holders and to future generations in support of the enduring ancestral relationship with Wëdzey.
Upholding Dënezhu values in our research
One of the first questions we asked when this project began was, “How can we do this work in a good way?” In response, we grounded this project in community priorities and interests, with our approach fundamentally guided by Dënezhu values and the enduring relationship between Wëdzey and Dënezhu
Respect
We respect the history of this Land and the responsibilities established by Tsà’ Wëzhè that guide us towards living in a good way
Reciprocity
We achieve relational sustainability and mututal benefit by uplifting one another through our respective strength
Responsibility
We take responsibility for our actions and consider how they affect others and how they influence our ability to do this work in a good way
Humility
The Land is our greatest teacher. We understand that Wëdzey are knowledgable and resilient and that we have much to learn from them
Journeying and adapting
We learn from the past so we can move forward in a good way. Our work is focused on strength, resilience and reconnection
Gratitude
We acknowledge the gifts that we recieve and take nothing for granted. We give thanks to Wëdzey, the community, and our partners
Infographics: How are Wëdzey adapting to climate change?
We undertook a review of Dënezhu Knowledge (oral history interviews), scientific reports, and over 120 research articles from across the continent to learn about seasonal drivers of change influencing how Wëdzey are adapting to climate change in Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory. We worked with Fuse Consulting Ltd to bring this review to life in plain language infographics to support Wëdzey stewardship, including education, biocultural and scientific monitoring, land use plan implementation, and future research.
Northern Systems Conservation Co-Lab 