Lake Melville

10 Appendices
the middle back of the head (where it will be less
obvious), as close to the scalp as possible in order
to catch the most recent exposure to mercury. Each
sample was approximately 30 mm thick. With respect
to hair mercury analysis, the samples obtained in the
Spring phase represent an approximate 6% sample
of the Lake Melville Inuit population and the samples
obtained during the Summer/Fall phase represent 20%
of the Lake Melville Inuit population.
Community engagement and Inuit
knowledge integration
Survey and hair sampling work was carried out by
a total of 28 local (26 Inuit) Research Assistants,
who completed two days of training, and worked an
approximate total of 1566 person-hours.
Community information sessions were held at the
launch of the study in Rigolet, North West River
and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Additional community
updates were provided through: 1) a pamphlet (English
and Inuttitut) describing the research purpose and
activities, including frequently asked question on
the topic of mercury exposure; 2) a direct mail-out
to June 2014 participants summarizing work to date
and describing what to expect for fall survey/hair
sampling activities; 3) frequent updates on social
media, providing project updates. Posters circulated in
all communities (English and Inuktitut). Media releases
resulted in local and national coverage.
Focus group sessions were conducted with Community
Research Advisory Committees in all Upper Lake
Melville communities and Rigolet, to improve the
development of the food frequency survey. Changes
to survey and hair sampling dates and sample sizes
were made based on knowledge and advice provided.
Likewise, the addition of local terms to the survey,
and the assistance that the Community Research
Advisors provided the study team in understanding
local nuances related to country foods, how they are
eaten and where they are obtained were invaluable
to making this project a success. Informal contact
with Community Research Advisors also assisted with
participant recruitment, local transportation and
project promotion.
Table 10.3. Number of Food Frequency Surveys conducted (3-month, 1-month and 24-hour recall).
Survey Phase Total number of surveys Sample description
Winter 2014 231 10% random sample of Inuit population
Spring 2014 294
10% random sample of Inuit population,
plus 30 targeted surveys of “high seal consumers”
Summer/Fall 2014 1057 43% of Inuit population
Table 10.4. Number of hair samples taken
Month Total number of hair samples Sample description
Winter 2014 0
Spring 2014 157
6.4% random sample of Inuit population, plus 23
targeted hair samples from “high seal consumers”
Sum 2014 499 20% of Inuit population
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