(July 9, 2012 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today officially launched a new bumper sticker to help inform Nunavummiut, southern Canadians, and the international audience about the healthy polar bear populations in Nunavut.
For many years, scientists have used incomplete science to predict that the impact of climate change on polar bear populations would force a decline in populations in Nunavut. Data from recent Government of Nunavut aerial surveys show that polar bear populations are healthy and that previous scientific predictions are flawed.
“NTI intends to carry this message to the world. It is very important that Nunavummiut, all Canadians, and the international audience know and understand that what Inuit have said for decades is true: we are on the land and water with these bears year round, and we know that their populations have increased, and in some cases are posing a threat to Inuit and other animals,” said Towtongie.
Towtongie said NTI’s new bumper sticker depicts a polar bear with her cub on sea ice under the words Qanuinngittugut, We’re ok! The image and slogan are meant to convey to the audience that polar bear populations in Nunavut are stable, healthy, and can sustain responsible harvesting due to an exceptionally well-managed quota system.
“Polar bears are essential to Inuit culturally, socially and economically. It is very important that the world understands this, and understands we are responsibly managing the harvest,” said Towtongie.
NTI representatives will deliver this message to the countries that attend the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting in Thailand next year. The bumper stickers were mailed to all Nunavut residents, and will be further distributed in coming months. Towtongie officially launched the item at the Nunavut Day festivities in Iqaluit.
