Investigation into the feasibility of increasing geoscience accessibility through existing web platforms and mobile applications, Nunavut

Accessibility and uptake of geoscience knowledge by First Nations and Inuit community members has traditionally been limited. This is, at least in part, due to the technical nature of geological maps and the expensive licensing requirements of the geographic information system software that is used to view and analyse geoscience data. During the Foundational Year of GEM GeoNorth, we investigated the potential of available apps and platforms, including NRCan Observer, Rockd and SIKU to broaden access and knowledge sharing of geoscience with non-specialists. Most prospective was SIKU - a mobile app developed by northerners for northerners that currently supports knowledge-gathering related to the natural world (currently mammals, birds, fish and sea-ice conditions). This report provides an overview of our investigation and presents detailed aspects of the feasibility and related costs of incorporating a geoscience component(s) into SIKU that could allow northerners the opportunity to calibrate geoscience through georeferenced photographs and structural trends for consideration and use on their terms.