Arctic Wilderness – And Other Mythologies

Many Canadians still conceive the Arctic as a vast area of pristine wilderness, a concept not shared by its indigenous peoples, the Inuit. The eco-tourism industry promotes the vision of an unspoiled natural world to attract thousands of visitors northward by air or cruise ships. Environmentalists a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Canadian studies 1998-07, Vol.33 (2), p.27-42
Main Author: Grant, Shelagh D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activism
British & Irish literature
Business
Ecotourism
English literature
Environment
Environmental protection
Indigenous peoples
Inuit
Native North Americans
Native peoples
Perceptions
Race relations
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft (1797-1851)
Tourism
Traditions
Wilderness areas
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Summary:Many Canadians still conceive the Arctic as a vast area of pristine wilderness, a concept not shared by its indigenous peoples, the Inuit. The eco-tourism industry promotes the vision of an unspoiled natural world to attract thousands of visitors northward by air or cruise ships. Environmentalists argue that this wilderness must be protected against roads, mineral exploitation, trapping and hunting. The Inuit, who for centuries have relied upon their environment for sustenance and survival, argue the right to decide how best to utilize their lands and waters to sustain them, culturally and economically, through the next millennium. This paper explores the origins of these conflicting perceptions, their evolution and adaptation to changing times, to seek redefinition of the Arctic as a wilderness area.
ISSN:0021-9495
1911-0251
DOI:10.3138/jcs.33.2.27