Marine traffic across the Northwest Passage is reaching record levels, prompting regulators to seek greater involvement from Indigenous experts in shaping new Arctic shipping policies. Many northern leaders argue that traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is indispensable for understanding wildlife behavior, ice conditions, and coastal sensitivities—areas where scientific datasets remain limited.
At recent consultations, Indigenous representatives recommended stricter marine routing measures, noise mitigation to protect marine mammals, and enhanced community engagement for vessels entering Inuit homelands. Their proposals reflect decades of local experience and a commitment to safeguarding both cultural values and fragile Arctic ecosystems.
Transport Canada officials say TEK will play a central role in upcoming regulatory reforms, marking a significant shift toward co-managed northern governance.
