Promote traditional knowledge, says Curley

Tagak Curley, the MLA for Rankin North, came out swinging last week in defence of traditional knowledge.

First, he asked Olayuk Akesuk, the minister of environment, to call a climate change conference for elders “who were born when the weather was extremely cold.”

“We should invite them while they are still alive to get their knowledge.”

Curley said this would give more voice to Inuit knowledge and concerns.

Then, in a later address to the legislature, Curley urged scientists to listen more to Inuit traditional knowledge and work more closely with Inuit, particularly in light of International Polar Year from 2007-08.

“I think this government needs Inuit support to encourage that scientists work with us because, according to the information I read, all scientific theories are made to be overturned,” he said. “Not just by dismissing them, but by the knowledge of other people who have better understanding of what the region or the nature of the wildlife really are.”