Cree Hunters’ Observations on Resources in the Landscape in the Context of Socio-Environmental Change in the Eastern James Bay

Abstract

This article examines the understanding of Cree hunters in relation to shifts in landscape resources and in particular the availability of two key subsistence wildlife species (i.e. Canada geese and woodland caribou) as a result of climatic and socio-environmental changes and their subsequent impacts on Cree subsistence activities and Cree culture. These results are based on questionnaires and interviews conducted among Cree hunters of the Eastern James Bay. Findings indicate that a number of Cree are concerned with changes in the physical landscape, in sociocultural and intergenerational dynamics as well as shifts in wildlife distribution, which are impacting their ability to use the land and to maintain traditional subsistence activities. This research provides a deeper understanding of current and future trends in the Cree's relationship with landscape resources in the context of continuing change, necessary to future development of appropriate adaptation and landscape planning strategies to cope with occurring changes.