Within Inuit cosmologies and epistemologies, uncertainty, unpredictability, and change are foundational. The world is understood to be ambiguous and to elude full comprehension and thus change is both expected and accepted.

However, not changed by man. The term ‘climate change’ in Inuktut is ‘silaup asijjiqpallianinga,’ and it directly translates to “Sila being made to change.”

Inuit recognize that our homelands play a central role in regulating the Earth’s climate system. Our relationship with our environment has already been profoundly altered. We are deeply concerned about these impacts on our youth — their ability to safely engage in harvesting activities and to learn from our Elders about our way of life is increasingly compromised. Most of our Elders were born on the Land, and they have seen the creation of permanent settlements in their lifetimes. For us, sea ice is a fundamental source of food, learning, memories, knowledge and wisdom.

Sedna warns of the effects of climate change on the ecology of the Arctic are inextricably entwined with the lives of those who have lived on the land for thousands of years. For centuries, Inuit have maintained a close relationship with ice (siku), land (nuna), sky (qilak), and wildlife (uumajut). We have cared, respected and honoured all life.

Until, we couldn’t. Our new neighbours didn’t value Sila and Nuna how we did. So, in the midst of humanity’s collective climate crisis, Inuit lives in the arctic are increasingly visually vulnerable.

Reoccurring observations from Inuit elders, hunters and community members show us that our aniuvat (permanent snow patches) are decreasing in size. Sea ice conditions have changed. Temperature has increased. The length and timing of the traditional Inuit seasons have changed. Inuit perspectives on climate change are built on lifetimes of observing the environment. Climate change impacts the way we live, interact and know the world.

Sedna warns “we are on thin ice”.