Grant: Discovery Horizons

Indigenous people the world over are disproportionately affected by industry-related environmental degradation. Hydro dams have long been recognized as having adverse effects on environments and communities alike, yet global interest in this industry has increased over the last decade because of its central role in renewable energy. Since 2014, over 3,700 hydro dams have been constructed around the world including Site C, Muskrat Falls and Keeyask in Canada. Community-based environmental monitoring (CBM) programs represents a proactive response to such impacts. Yet, they are generally still solely science-driven and exclude local input. Our project goal is to assess how western science related to environmental monitoring might be adapted to better reflect Indigenous science and local community priorities. Using the Mi’kmaq concept of Etuaptmumk or “two-eyed seeing”, this work will be conducted in close collaboration with O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba and Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Ontario amongst others. Indigenous communities and organizations will take the lead when shaping the priorities and methods in this emerging regional network. Local data will be collected using the ‘Our Data Indigenous’ App, to be owned and controlled by each community. Changes in local water levels and quality, fisheries production, and the integrity of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), moose (Alces alces), and wild rice (Zizania palustris) as keystone species will be documented. Changes in trace elements, including methylmercury, and xenobiotics will be assessed along with the quality and consumption of traditional foods. Complementary interviews will be conducted with Elders and knowledge keepers to document local stories and the social and cultural importance of these systems, any changes that have occurred, any underlying factors and ways to mitigate any impacts. University students will work closely with community members alongside local youth in designing CBM programs, in addressing any such declines, and in evaluating project outcomes. Project outcomes will be shared with other communities, governments, industry, and the public through our cross-cultural regional network. Grounded in both Indigenous and western science, this community-led and interdisciplinary program will be a critical way for communities and allies to address dam-related impacts but also as related to other CBM programs around the world.