NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: social sciences, traditional food, hunting, language, cultural sustainability, traditional activities

Objective(s): Given the current development context in the NWT and the call for improved data collection pertaining to social and cultural well-being, project objectives are three fold: (1) Assess current Aboriginal cultural practices with respect to Aboriginal language use, country food harvest, and other practices; (2) Compare current levels of Aboriginal cultural practices with earlier research (e.g., Fort Liard country food study in 1995 conducted by Natural Resource Canada); (3) Using comparative case study methods, anticipate future impacts on Aboriginal cultural practices from industrial development.

Project Description: Given the current development context in the NWT and the call for improved data collection pertaining to social and cultural well-being, project objectives are three fold: (1) Assess current Aboriginal cultural practices with respect to Aboriginal language use, country food harvest, and other practices; (2) Compare current levels of Aboriginal cultural practices with earlier research (e.g., Fort Liard country food study in 1995 conducted by Natural Resource Canada); (3) Using comparative case study methods, anticipate future impacts on Aboriginal cultural practices from industrial development. How will communities maintain their traditional cultural activities and their use of the land as more people are affected by industrial development? The NWT Environmental Audit 2005 identifies a need to monitor changes in Aboriginal language, changes in Aboriginal cultural practices, and other traditional activities. The Dehcho Land Use Plan also notes that "protection of Dene culture and traditional land use is the highest priority of Dehcho First Nations members.” In order to understand the relationship between resource development, wage employment, and the protection of Dene culture and traditional land use, research is needed to establish baseline levels of cultural practice and land use. Where baseline information already exists, on-going research can help us understand key trends. Methods involve a household survey within three Dehcho First Nations. Before the survey is administered, a workshop will be held in each community, where community members will confirm and agree to the content of the questionnaire. If communities agree to participate in the research, workshops will be held in the spring of 2007. Where possible, a census of all households will be undertaken. If a census is not feasible, an appropriate household sampling technique will be used to ensure consistent coverage of households in the survey. The survey will take place in the summer and fall of 2007 and will involve members of the community to assist with the household survey. Part of the research plan is to tabulate results of the survey and return this preliminary information to the communities. Community members will assist in the interpretation of survey results before a final project report is prepared. Presentations to the communities will be in written and oral formats. Before fieldwork begins, communities will be involved with researchers in workshops to confirm the primary research questions and to agree on the content of the household questionnaire. The researchers expect this activity to assist with local skills development and community capacity. Fieldwork will be conducted from May 25 to December 31, 2007 in the communities of Fort Liard (Acho Koe), Fort Simpson (Liidlii Kue) and Trout Lake (Sambaa K'e).