The Nunavik Sentinels research and education program is aimed at Indigenous youth from all communities north of the 52nd parallel. Both practical and theoretical, it introduces them to entomology through expeditions into as-yet unexplored northern habitats.
Contributing to knowledge of northern territories
This teamwork with young people allows for an inventory of the entomological biodiversity of this little-known territory, while also incorporating traditional knowledge into the discoveries.
By participating in scientific expeditions, young people become active members of their community and contribute to expanding biological knowledge of their environment. The data collected helps assess the pace of climate change, enabling better predictions of its impacts on the territory.
The program also gives young people the opportunity to develop an interest in natural sciences and empowers communities to conduct their own entomological research.
Four components to introduce northern biodiversity to Indigenous youth
1. A training camp
For one week, Nunavik Sentinels offers a training camp to groups of about a dozen young people from each community. Over the summer, these youth, on average aged 12 to 19, are introduced to capture and observation methods on their own territory, using tools developed specifically for the project. The guides and entomological equipment used to inventory arthropods are designed expressly for this region.
The young participants gain knowledge about the morphology and ecological roles of different insect groups, as well as skills such as scientific rigor.
All program activities are conducted in language adapted as much as possible to their native language.
2. A summer job
The second component of the program is a summer job offered to youth aged 15 to 30. This position supports the study of northern insects by collecting data in the field and introduces young people to the working world.
This program operates on multiple levels, serving as:
A socio-economic driver for the community.
A preparation for young people entering the workforce.
A significant contribution to expanding young people’s entomological knowledge of their ancestral lands.
3. An educational kit
The third component of the Nunavik Sentinels program is educational. Designed for schools and science camps in the North, it consists of a turnkey kit that integrates entomology into school curricula or camp activities.
4. A contribution to science
The information collected in collaboration with northern communities helps to enrich data on the distribution of species in the region. It not only allows for the potential identification of new species, but also provides insights into environmental phenomena that impact biodiversity.
The urgency of documenting insect biodiversity in the North
Northern territories boast a rich diversity of entomological species. Insects play essential ecological roles in sustaining the region’s ecosystems: pollination, decomposition, food for certain animals and birds, biological control, among others. These functions are vital to preserving the traditional culture of Indigenous communities, supporting activities central to their way of life, such as hunting, fishing, and berry picking.
In addition to the hundreds of varieties of delicate-winged butterflies, brightly colored flies, and industrious bumble bees, there are countless other insects that work in the shadows. Yet, our understanding of this entomological fauna remains limited.
The Nunavik Sentinels program aims to fill this gap by documenting the poorly understood distribution of certain species. It also seeks to contribute to science by discovering and describing new species.
Insects and climate change
Insects have a very short life cycle that is closely linked to factors such as temperature and snow depth. As a result, they respond quickly to even the slightest climate variations. This sensitivity to environmental changes makes insects and other arthropods key indicators of the effects of climate change.
Scientists know that the limited knowledge of northern entomological fauna hinders their ability to measure the impact of global warming on the environment and biodiversity.
It is therefore urgent to collect data specific to this territory. This information, gathered in collaboration with local communities, will help improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on this fragile fauna. The results will aid in developing strategies to support northern residents in adapting to climate change challenges.