Base de données de recherche des TNO

Régions: North Slave Region

étiquettes: contaminants, mercury, water quality, environmental impact, health, sediment chemistry, dene culture, risk assessment, traditional knowledge, fish health, industrial development, environment, hydro-electric, traditional wildlife use

Objectif(s): Since the 1970's, the Yellowknives Dene First nation have avoided the area of Bluefish and Duncan Lakes, after being warned by their elders not to drink the water or eat the fish, because the area is contaminated. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation believe that dams constructed for the purpose of hydro power generation and storage on these two lakes may have resulted in elevated levels of mercury. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation understanding of the environment is expressed through traditional knowledge by their elders. Changes in the environment are noticeable both through traditional knowledge and science. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation want to confirm that science can be linked to traditional knowledge and answer the questions; are the fish safe to eat and is the water safe to drink? The objective of the study is to assess the concentration of mercury in fish, water and sediment in Bluefish and Duncan Lakes; to provide information to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to make decisions relating to the use of fish and water from these lakes; and to correlate traditional knowledge with scientific data. A third lake called Baptiste will be sampled as well. The data collected from Baptiste Lake will be used as a control.

Description du projet: The objective of the study is to assess the concentration of mercury in fish, water and sediment in Bluefish and Duncan Lakes; to provide information to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to make decisions relating to the use of fish and water from these lakes; and to correlate traditional knowledge with scientific data. Bluefish & Duncan Lakes are about 50 km to the northeast of Yellowknife. Transportation to lakes will be by float plane. Zodiac boats will be used at the lakes to collect water and sediment samples and to set nets for the collection of fish. Sampling is estimated to be completed in one week however a second week may be required if fish become difficult to catch. A research agreement is being negotiated with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation regarding the incorporation of traditional knowledge in the study design.