This research paired Inuit and scientific knowledge of sympatric populations of
anadromous Arctic char, Iqalukpik (Salvelinus alpinus) in the Amundsen Gulf in the western
Canadian Arctic to examine fish appearance, origin, movement, and health. Sixteen Elders
and fishers from Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories were engaged through semi-structured
interviews and workshops, during which they shared some of their knowledge of local
anadromous Arctic char populations and co-interpreted the results of morphometric,
telemetry, and health analyses on those same populations. Analysis of these discussions
revealed points of alignment and divergence between Inuit and scientific knowledge, and
gaps in our collective understanding of the species. Inuit participants confidently identified a
fish’s lake-of-origin based on appearance alone, indicating differences in Arctic char
morphology among lakes, contradicting the findings of scientific morphometric analysis.
Participants confirmed two primary marine migration pathways for Arctic char also
documented by telemetry, and a third pathway not captured by telemetry. Finally, a
comparison of body condition factors (weight-length ratio) and participants’ assessments of
fish health showed strong agreement, though participants employed a wider range of
indicators, including stamina, skin and flesh colour, girth, and gill condition. By pairing Inuit
and scientific knowledge, this research offers an enriched understanding of Arctic char,
which is crucial for the effective monitoring and co-management of this species of
significance to Inuit
