NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: environmental impact, knowledge transfer, traditional knowledge, cumulative effects, industrial development, community consultation, public participation, environment, socio-cultural, Mackenzie Gas Project, social impact, Inuvialuit, environmental protection plan

Objective(s): Imperial Oil Resources Ltd., Aboriginal Pipeline Group, ConocoPhillips Canada (North) Ltd., Shell Canada Limited, and ExxonMobil Canada is continuing a number of baseline studies begun in 2001 as part of the Mackenzie Gas Project. Local knowledge and technical/scientific research, in combination with a synthesis of existing technical information, is being used to develop a suitable knowledge base for planning, assessment of impacts and development of environmental protection plans. The traditional knowledge study will involve gathering documented and new knowledge and producing a report that will provide for the specific information needs of the Mackenzie Gas Project, facilitate meaningful community participation and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for the use of traditional knowledge in the environmental assessment. A Traditional Knowledge Working Group that includes community representation has determined the boundaries of the study area within the communities' traditional lands that are anticipated to be susceptible to the effects of the Mackenzie Gas Project.

Project Description: This project is a continuation of traditional knowledge (TK) studies in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), which were initiated in 2002 as part of the baseline studies and assessment for the Mackenzie Gas Project. The Community Corporations in each of Aklavik, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk will be a sub-contractor to the MGP and be responsible for collecting and documenting TK during the project. The study will proceed under the guidance of an Inuvialuit Traditional Knowledge Working Group which includes representatives from each of the Community Corporations, Hunters and Trappers Committees, and Elders Committees from Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, and representation from the Mackenzie Gas Producers/Mackenzie Project Environment Group. The Working Group will provide overall guidance for the study (develop a framework, determine content, establish a schedule, etc.). The study will involve gathering and reviewing documented and new knowledge related to wildlife, birds, fish, vegetation, historical/cultural/spiritual sites, climate, water, soil, human health, cumulative effects, and other relevant social, cultural, and environmental issues. Secondary sources will be used to identify TK information. A data gap assessment will be conducted after relevant secondary source information has been identified. If necessary, interviews with holders of TK (identified by the Working Group) will be conducted to fill data gaps. Confidentiality of all interviewees will be maintained and informed consent will be obtained. All data collected will be stored by Inuvialuit organizations and, in some cases, may be stored in the Calgary offices of MPEG and Imperial Oil Resources. Non-technical summaries, regular reporting, and a copy of the final report will be provided to the Community Corporations, Elders Committees, and Hunters and Trappers Committees.