In Paulatuk, N.W.T., small bridges are being installed to provide a safer passage for harvesters amidst the increasing dangers of land travel due to climate change. These flat bridges, constructed from lumber and plywood, are strategically placed over creeks that are prone to sudden flooding, allowing all-terrain vehicles to cross.
The initiative, led by the Paulatuk Community Corporation, received support from the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation’s Innovation, Science, and Climate Change department. The project, with a budget of approximately $32,000, was executed by a committee comprising representatives from the Community Corporation and Hunters and Trappers Committee.
Dianne Ruben, a former employee of the Paulatuk Community Corporation and one of the project leaders, highlighted the ancestral wisdom that foresaw the changing landscape and the necessity to adapt. The identification of bridge locations was a collaborative effort involving experienced local harvesters led by field leader Steve Illisiak.
Mayor Ray Ruben emphasized the significance of the mini-bridges during a community meeting, recounting a past incident where several bikes were swept into the ocean during a creek crossing. The mayor stressed the fortunate absence of fatalities in that event.
Diane Ruben elaborated on the evolving travel patterns around Paulatuk, pointing out the challenges posed by permafrost slumps along coastal routes, making inland paths a safer alternative. She shared a personal experience of a cliff collapse during a beach walk, underscoring the growing risks associated with coastal travel.
The installation of mini-bridges has been welcomed by the community, providing a safer means of accessing traditional lands. Ruben expressed hope for the expansion of the project to include more bridges and to serve as a model for other communities grappling with climate-related changes to the environment.
