Alexandra Langwieder

2021 Weston Family Awards in Northern Research recipient

Master’s student
McGill University

Alexandra is a master’s student at McGill University’s Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment. She is studying polar bear ecology in eastern James Bay with the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board, Cree Trappers Association and the coastal communities of Eeyou Istchee. The polar bears in James Bay are the world’s most southerly, and they face rapid environmental change. However, little is known about their ecology.

Through Cree Knowledge interviews, hair snares and camera traps, Alexandra is examining James Bay polar bear diet, habitat use and their possible genetic distinction from Hudson Bay bears. With this project, she hopes to advance the knowledge of polar bears at the southern edge of their range, answer community research questions and contribute to wildlife monitoring in Eeyou Istchee.

Learn more about the Weston Family Awards in Northern Research.