Welcome back to Charlotte Buttle!

In Fall 2020, Charlotte worked with Gita Ljubicic to complete her Independent Study Exploring how the Social Determinants of Inuit Health are addressed through Community-led Programming in Nunavut. Her interest in food security challenges in Nunavut continued to grow through that research, and now she is back for summer 2021 having secured a McMaster Undergraduate Student Research Award.  

Her research is driven by concerns identified by the Arviat Aqqiumavvik Society surrounding the gaps and restrictions in international, federal, and territorial policies that impact Inuit food sovereignty and security. Through previous research in the Kangut project, community priorities highlight an interest in increasing the light goose harvest to address food insecurity in Nunavut. Guided by Shirley Tagalik of the Aqqiumavvik Society, and supported by Natalie Carter and Gita Ljubicic, Charlotte is undertaking a policy analysis to understand the current status of legislation that would regulate or restrict a proposed community harvest of the overabundant light goose population around Arviat. 

As Charlotte begins her research, she said:

“I’m eager to work on this project to develop skills as a community-engaged researcher, and to contribute to Aqqiumavvik goals of understanding the legislation that impacts Inuit rights to harvest, share and sell light geese in Nunavut.”