NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: caribou, traditional knowledge, wildlife, resource management

Objective(s): The purpose of this study is to: a) document Katlodeeche First Nation's elders' and harvesters' observations, perceptions and experiences of woodland caribou in WBNP, and knowledge of caribou population dynamics and distribution; b) identify strategies for managing woodland caribou based on knowledge; c) identify opportunities for the participation of local Aboriginal people in the management of woodland caribou in WBNP; d) identify opportunities for further research with elders and harvesters about other species in WBNP.

Project Description: The purpose of this study is to: a) document Katlodeeche First Nation’s elders’ and harvesters’ observations, perceptions and experiences of woodland caribou in WBNP, and knowledge of caribou population dynamics and distribution; b) identify strategies for managing woodland caribou based on knowledge; c) identify opportunities for the participation of local Aboriginal people in the management of woodland caribou in WBNP; d) identify opportunities for further research with elders and harvesters about other species in WBNP. The Katlodeeche First Nation is planning and executing the Buffalo Lake Community Gathering in August, 2007, for 5 days. They are arranging to fly and boat participants to the base camp at the west end of Buffalo Lake. The researcher will be assisting in the documentation of cultural values by using a digital video camera with wireless mic to record as many of the interviews as possible. Elders who are physically able, and harvesters, will be taken to sites around the lake (identified by elders in earlier interviews or during the gathering). A translator will be provided when required. Interviews will be conducted on site. Audio recording equipment will be used in addition to video recording to ensure that audio recordings are good enough to be transcribed completely. Translators will translate questions and responses during the interview, but transcriptions will be considered the definitive translations. Additional interviews or informal discussions and storytelling will occur in the evening and the researcher will also videotape these. Approximately 30 people will be interviewed, with roughly half being elders and half being harvesters. A meeting will be set up before the event for the researcher to meet with the elders. After the gathering, the researcher will have access to the video and audio recordings and to the transcripts. She will be looking specifically for perceptions, stories and knowledge about woodland caribou and resource management. Use of knowledge in thesis will be according to terms of the consent form. The format in which the communities receive the results of the research will be discussed in initial meetings with Chief(s) and council(s) and/or their designates. The thesis, which is expected to be completed and approved by June 2008, will be a public document, and will be made available to the First Nation. A plain language summary of the research will also be provided. If requested, the researcher will also present a summary of the results to the Katlodeeche First Nation. Fieldwork will be conducted from August 13 to 31, 2007 at and around the Katlodeeche First Nation’s Buffalo Lake Community Gathering at the west end of Buffalo Lake.