On the shores of Lake Tiktalik in Canada’s Western Arctic, the landscape is dramatically changing as large sections of permafrost give way, triggering immense landslides and exposing the harsh reality of a warming climate. The Indigenous residents of Tuktoyaktuk, including community leaders like William Dillon, have witnessed firsthand the rapid retreat of the permafrost that has supported their way of life for centuries. As Dillon and his team record the alarming incidents of “thaw slumps”—massive craters several hundred feet wide formed by thawing soil—the question of their future looms large.
For residents, the urgency is palpable. The once-stable permafrost now lies precariously beneath their community, with some areas at risk of sinking completely into the restless waters of the Beaufort Sea. These alarming changes not only threaten their homes but also their culture and identity as Inuvialuit people. As Dillon emphasizes, their ancestral knowledge and connection to the land are crucial as they move forward.
Amidst the uncertainty, a divide forms within the community regarding when and how to relocate—the most pressing decision they may face. While some advocate for immediate action, others are hesitant, hoping to stay with their roots in Tuktoyaktuk for as long as possible. In the shadow of melting ice and shifting earth, the members of this Arctic community are navigating the challenges of climate change, striving to preserve their way of life while confronted with the rising tide of environmental realities.
As Tuktoyaktuk stands on the brink of transformation due to climate change, it has become a symbol of the broader struggles faced by Indigenous populations in Canada and beyond—highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions and support in the face of an uncertain and rapidly changing climate landscape.
