Learning and insights from a participatory photography project with Cree and Inuit about the land (Nunavik, Canada)

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the Arctic, participatory researches that build bridges between Western academics and indigenous communities are increasing and are necessary to promote what Raheja [2007. Reading nanook’s smile: Visual sovereignty, indigenous revisions of ethnography, and atanarjuat (The Fast Runner). American Quarterly, 59(4), 1159–1185.] called ‘visual sovereignty’ and narrative sovereignty of the people of the North. This research project was carried out with Cree and Inuit communities in Nunavik, Canada on their perception of the land particularly in the context of the creation of the Tursujuq National Park. This paper presents and discusses the benefits and challenges regarding the participatory research design of the project and the methods employed with a special focus on participatory photography. It highlights the importance of using participatory methods in the cultural dynamics and practices of the communities. The paper illustrates and analyses some learnings and insights that emerged from developing participatory research in this intercultural context between indigenous and non-indigenous partners by focusing on rapport-building and community engagement.