Climate Change 24
This theme was evident in the initial narratives when participants noted that their ability
to visit others was being curtailed, but here we get a sense of the importance of
connectedness. Thus, a revised set of cultural premises become prominent and are as
follows: Part of living in this place is about connectedness. Connectedness is facilitated
through certain types of travel, particularly going “on the land.” Connectedness is related
as well to traditional practices associated with subsistence (i.e. hunting and fishing).
Travel is impacted by global climate change. Thus, connectedness and identity are
impacted by global climate change.
Here we start to see illustrated a cultural pattern linking premises of relations to
actions to a way of dwelling in the land. Furthermore, this pattern invokes a sense of
cultural identity regarding what it means to be Inuit. This comes more clearly into view
when we ask the question, “what motivates an identity expression that is heard as
sensible? In other words, who is and can be heard as Inuit and not Qallunaat? Again, the
interview data show that in order to engage in certain activities, one must be Inuit.
So, when Levi says “I took a walrus here.” One hears the propositional content, but also
there is a statement that hunting (an action) is a part of what it means to be Inuit.
Likewise, when Levi notes that they can no longer travel to Pang as frequently, there is a
statement that that travel is a form of relating to one another that is important. Thus, to
dwell in this place is to engage in certain actions that facilitate connectedness; all of
which forms a uniquely Inuit way of being.
Implications
A cultural discourse analysis approach allows for analysts to understand the
deeply felt cultural premises which underlie and make sense of particular communication
Convention