Narwhal Tusk Research

An interdisciplinary, multicultural High Arctic investigation discovering and describing narwhal tusk sensory abilities. The team links myriad scientists and Inuit and Inughuit

hunters and elders to better understand the ecology, behavior and evolutionary signification of the narwhal and its extraordinary tusk.

Nine years in operation in High Arctic communities of northeastern

Nunavut and northwestern Greenland. since 2002.

PI: Martin T. Nweeia, DMD, DDS

Frederick Eichmiller, DDS

The most successful initiative of this research program has been the combined efforts of scientists using scientific methodology and Inuit hunters using traditional knowledge to solve a 500 year mystery of science; namely, what does the narwhal use its tusk for?

International partnerships in both Canada and Greenland were essential to the process and most particularly to the 55 elders and hunters from the High Arctic communities of Nunavut, Canada and Greenland. Over 100 organizations and institutions internationally have been involved in this work.

Many impediments to successful international partnership were encountered during this research and the most successful manner to resolve them was through ongoing communication and establishment of a trust with community leaders and hunters. In every facet of this research, we have maintained a deep respect for those who share and help with our work. Many elders and hunters have been included as authors on scientific papers, spokespeople at international conferences and workshops and acknowledged in films, articles and new releases about the work.

The future of international arctic science looks bright. Continued sensitivity to our neighbors and friends in the Arctic is essential in renewing trust for the

value and importance of good science. We must continue to integrate and acknowledge traditional knowledge as a full partner in science. Inuit

insights and observations are essential to a full understanding of the Arctic natural ecology and environment.