Maori visitors from New Zealand spent a week in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., exploring Inuvialuit-led wildlife conservation and cultural exchange initiatives.
International Cultural Exchange Highlights Shared Stewardship
A group of eight Maori from New Zealand recently completed a week-long visit to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, as part of a cultural and environmental exchange focused on Indigenous-led wildlife management. The exchange, rooted in mutual learning, emphasized the Inuvialuit’s long-established beluga monitoring system and its relevance to global conservation efforts.
Learning from 40 Years of Inuvialuit Monitoring
Organized by University of Alberta researcher Krista Tremblett, the initiative aimed to connect Indigenous communities with shared values around ecological responsibility. Tremblett highlighted that the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) has led harvest-based wildlife monitoring for over four decades, offering a strong model for nations like the Maori, who harvest titi (muttonbirds) each spring.
Hendrickson Island Offers Hands-On Insight
During their stay, the Maori delegation toured Hendrickson Island, a traditional Inuvialuit whaling camp now used as a base for beluga research. This hands-on visit allowed the group to observe how local monitors balance cultural tradition with scientific stewardship.
Building Bonds Through Shared Experience
Darrel Nasogaluak, chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and a member of the Hunters and Trappers Committee, helped coordinate the visit. He emphasized the deep similarities between the Inuvialuit and Maori approaches to wildlife. “Both cultures prioritize maintaining healthy populations and avoiding overharvesting,” said Nasogaluak.
Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange
Among the visitors was Lania Davis, who brought her eldest son, Winiata Edwards. For Edwards, observing local fish preparation sparked interest in adapting similar techniques back home on Stewart Island. “We smoke salmon too, but not like this,” he said. “I want to try dry-aging it like they do here.”
A Two-Way Bridge: Future Visit Planned for 2026
The exchange will continue in 2026 when six Inuvialuit are scheduled to visit New Zealand to learn about Maori titi harvesting practices. The collaboration between the Tuk HTC and the Rakiura Titi Committee marks a long-term commitment to Indigenous knowledge-sharing.
Farewell Celebrated with Feast and Drum Dance
The week concluded with a community feast and traditional drum dance in Tuktoyaktuk, offering a heartfelt send-off for the Maori guests. Participants on both sides said the experience strengthened cultural ties and offered valuable insights for managing natural resources with respect and responsibility.
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