SELECTED THESES ON THE CIRCUMPOLAR ARCTIC

This study analyzes the technological choices in the transfer and adaptation of new electronic communication technologies, particularly telephone, radio and television, into Inuit communities in the Northwest Territories of Canada and assesses the sociocultural impacts and implications of the technology transfer for policy formation and Inuit self-government. It is based both on field research (interviews and observations) and secondary literature. The study compares transfer mechanisms in the Eastern and Western Arctic to evaluate which technology and policy choices for improved communication capacity have enhanced sociocultural development. It argues that the Inuit have been successful in adapting new communication technologies only when structural arrangements enabled them to participate in policy formation and implementation of communication applications, and to pace and direct the technology transfer.
The study further argues that underlying value systems have influenced technological choices and consequently the rate of adaptation. It concludes that the Inuit have gained some benefits from the transfer of communication technologies in expanding telecommunication and broadcasting services to locations not previously served. Yet the achievements have been moderate. In the telecommunications sector the institutional structures of service provision, both public and private, did not allow the realisation of the full potential of the highly demanded, integrated, interactive network of high frequency radio and satellite supported telephone. Public ownership of the telephone system did not lead to provision of more socially-responsive service. The official treatment of socioeconomic benefits as peripheral externalities led to underinvestment in provision of service and a price structure that resulted in reduced usage.
The achievements in native language radio and television have been substantial because of strong community involvement and the provision of special government support programs. However, insufficiencies in production funding, training monies and distribution arrangements have hindered full realisation of the federal government's and the Inuit's stated objectives of promoting Inuit culture and self-development. Government support has been crucial in establishing native communications. Because it is based on national cultural objective rather than the need for services, aboriginal communications are marginalised from general communications as a special cultural pursuit.
The study points to the lack of Inuit participation in policy formation and implementation, and resulting sociocultural costs. It recommends the control over communication service delivery be transferred to the north, that the social role of telecommunications be considered in government communication policies, and that native language broadcasting rights be guaranteed in the Broadcasting Act to strengthen native initiatives in expanding production, distribution and ongoing training. Communication policies should not be based on the rationale of cultural preservation but on general rights to native language services and self-government.