Plastic pollution is upending Indigenous ways of life

A growing plastic pollution crisis is threatening food security, human health and marine ecosystems in Indigenous communities across the Arctic. JUSTIN LANGAN sees it as a call to action for Indigenous Peoples of his generation.

Growing up on the cusp of the Canadian Arctic as an Indigenous youth in the rural community of Swan River, Manitoba, I experienced firsthand the deep connection between our people and the land and sea. The Arctic is not just our home as Indigenous Peoples—it’s an integral part of our identity and way of life. However, this pristine environment faces an insidious peril that knows no borders: plastic pollution.

This crisis intersects profoundly with our traditional livelihoods, affecting not only our food security and health, but the ability to preserve our cultures. It is now up to the next generation—my generation—to confront these challenges head-on and ensure a sustainable future for our communities.

A hazard on the move

Carried by ocean currents from distant parts of the world, plastic waste finds its way into the Arctic, contaminating our waters and coastlines. This pollution directly affects marine life, which Indigenous communities rely on for sustenance and cultural practices. Seals, fish and marine mammals can mistake plastic debris for food and ingest it. This leads to malnutrition, poisoning and often death, disrupting the delicate balance of our ecosystems and threatening the primary food sources for many Arctic communities.

The health of our communities is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment. For centuries, the Inuit, Métis and First Nations Peoples of the Arctic have thrived on the sea’s bounty for nutrition and as a cornerstone of our cultural identity. Hunting and fishing are more than survival tactics—they are sacred traditions that connect us to our ancestors and teach us invaluable lessons about respect for nature. Every piece of plastic found in a seal’s stomach or caught in a fishing net is a stark reminder of how modern waste encroaches on these traditional practices, endangering our cultural heritage.

Food security in the Arctic is already a complex issue due to our remote geography and harsh climate. Traditional hunting and fishing practices help mitigate these challenges by providing reliable, nutritious, locally available food sources. However, as plastic pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, these food sources are becoming less dependable, forcing communities to rely more on expensive, imported goods. This strains our limited financial resources and distances us from cultural practices and traditional knowledge.

Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, encompasses sustainable practices that have allowed Indigenous communities to thrive in the Arctic for millennia. My generation is facing the daunting task of preserving our heritage amid an ever-changing and increasingly polluted environment.

A threat and an opportunity

I believe this crisis is both a challenge and an opportunity for young people living in the Arctic nations. Although the impacts of plastic pollution on traditional Indigenous livelihoods are immediate and severe, I also see significant potential for innovative solutions. We are at a critical juncture where we can advocate for policies and practices that reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives. This involves both local action and global cooperation to address the root causes of plastic pollution.

Education and awareness are pivotal. Indigenous youth must be empowered with knowledge about the impacts of plastic pollution and equipped with the tools to engage in environmental stewardship. This involves integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific understanding to create a holistic approach to conservation. Initiatives like beach clean-ups, plastic waste reduction programmes, and policy advocacy are just a few of the ways in which youth can actively contribute to mitigating the problem.

But in addition, the voices of Indigenous youth must be amplified in national and international forums. Our unique perspectives on environmental stewardship and cultural preservation offer valuable insights into sustainable living. By participating in global discussions of climate change and pollution, we can ensure that our communities are represented and our solutions heard.

The relationship between the Arctic and Indigenous Peoples is symbiotic. Respecting the land means respecting our communities. As a Métis youth, I see this as a challenge and a call to action for my generation. By embracing our roles as stewards of the land and advocates for sustainable change, we may still be able to protect the Arctic and its people for generations. The urgency of these issues demands our attention, innovation and unwavering commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.