Kitikmeot, Nunavut, January 2020 • Qikiqtani, Nunavut, November 2022 • Kivalliq, Nunavut, November 2022 • Kitikmeot, Nunavut, November 2022
Four regional search and rescue roundtables – the Kitikmeot (held in January 2020 and November 2022), the Qikiqtani (November 2022), and the Kivalliq (November 2022) – brought together almost 100 Inuit responders and over 60 representatives from territorial, federal, non-profit, and Inuit agencies and organizations to discuss the territory’s SAR system. Together, participants:
- Evaluated current SAR policies and plans.
- Examined the SAR risks facing communities.
- Assessed current SAR capabilities.
- Identified strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.
- Documented best practices and lessons.
- Discussed solutions and new approaches.
The roundtables also provided an opportunity for community responders to learn from one another and develop a community of practice, while asking their government partners for clarity on policy, procedural, and operational issues. Most importantly, the roundtables offered an opportunity to strengthen the collaborative relationships required for SAR operations in the region. Given that relationship building was a primary objective, the roundtables prioritized the personal conversations shared over coffee and meals as much as the broader discussions involving the entire group.
Perhaps most importantly, the roundtables strengthened the relationships that make effective SAR operations possible. SAR in Nunavut often requires close collaboration, communication, and joint coordination between local, territorial, and federal responders. Opportunities to meet face-to-face are rare and the roundtables allowed SAR partners to get to know one another through discussions and personal conversations over coffee and meals.
Using information collected at the roundtable and follow-up interviews with key participants, a report was produced on the State of Search and Rescue in Nunavut (PDF).
