Advocating for Inuit Globally

Sheila Watt-Cloutier, along with many other Inuit leaders, have spent their careers working at local, territorial government, Inuit representative organizations and circumpolar councils, since the 1970's to today, to ensure the Arctic, Inuit and Northern residents are protected in global policy development in our own respective countries, as well as with the United Nations globally.

Developing the communication skills to share the Inuit connection to land, ice, culture and tradition, which adapting to the global impacts on Inuit homelands, is vital to working in the field of climate change.  Presenting complex often emotional concepts to scientists, business people, government officials and others who may not be influenced, or even care, about the requirements to change current greenhouse gas producing industries or activities, can be frustrating and challenging.  

Within this course we hear from internationally recognized Elders and leaders including Piita (Peter) Irniq and Sheila Watt-Cloutier, while there are many more who can rightfully termed as some of the early environmentalists, advocating for the Arctic and ingenious Inuit culture that is being impacted by historical and current changes.

As you watch these leaders, listen to their messages of coping, resiliency and the power of connection and identity, how youth and our communities can be the problem solvers for today and tomorrow.

As a model of professional communications, as we think back to the foundational competencies required for Climate Change officers and professionals, we must understand how to frame the issue and message to balance both the science, the economics, the social impacts to connect our common human needs from climate trauma.

For ongoing reading, see Sheila Watt-Cloutier's book The Right to Be Cold as an example of Inuit leadership, advocacy, communications and passion on the issue of climate change.