Ice travel safety in a warming Arctic

Melting sea ice is affecting Indigenous communities in Canada that have always used the ice as a hunting platform and highway between communities. EMMA DALTON explains how new technology is providing adaptation tools that integrate Indigenous Knowledge of ice travel.

The climate crisis is transforming environments around the world, but nowhere are these changes happening faster than in the Arctic. The warming temperatures are causing the ice to melt at an alarming rate, and entire communities increasingly fear travel on ice roads.

Sea ice is a vital part of the traditional Indigenous way of life. Indigenous community members rely on it to hunt and gather food, to collect wood to heat their homes, to visit family and friends in neighbouring communities, and to practise cultural activities. These pursuits are essential to their ability to maintain their health and well-being. But due to the climate crisis and warmer winters, ice is forming later in the year and the ice seasons are becoming less predictable. These changes are jeopardizing the culture, identity and livelihoods of Inuit across northern Canada.

SmartICE, a Canadian community-based social enterprise, offers climate change adaptation tools and services that integrate Indigenous Knowledge of sea ice with monitoring technology that provides communities with data-driven insights into sea ice thickness and local ice conditions in near real-time.

Smart sensors

SmartBUOYs are stationary sensors (about 2.5 metres long) that are inserted into the ice. Each has 60 thermistors that measure the temperature of the air, snow, ice and water. From those readings, we can create a temperature profile of each section and determine the thickness of the ice. Data from the SmartBUOYs is transmitted by a satellite once or twice a day and made available to the community online at the Indigenous Knowledge Social Network (SIKU.org).

The SmartQAMUTIK is a sled-based sensor that is towed behind a snowmobile and provides real-time ice and snow thickness measurements to the operator, offering valuable information about sea ice conditions along community trails. It transmits electromagnetic signals through the snow and ice that induce electrical currents in the conductive salt water and return to the sensor, producing a measurement of ice and snow thickness. SmartQAMUTIK trips are completed at least once a week, and this data is also made available at SIKU.org.

One of SmartICE’s founding principles is to use advanced monitoring technology to augment—not replace—Indigenous Knowledge of safe ice travel. This approach helps communities make more informed decisions before travelling on ice. Ultimately, Indigenous Knowledge is what will keep people safe on the ice. SmartICE technology is another tool in their toolbox.

The impact of this project has been felt on many levels across Inuit Nunangat and the Northern Territories. SmartICE’s success is grounded in its founding principles, one of which is to empower Indigenous communities to lead in all aspects of our operation and decision-making. By providing northern communities the opportunity for self-determination in climate change adaptation activities, we are supporting Indigenous reconciliation.