NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region

Tags: petroleum industry, traditional knowledge, infrastructure planning, ecology, land use

Objective(s): To inventory the historical and ecological resources in the area including past, present and future uses of the area by community members; and to identify the potential impacts of use of the land use areas supporting access and maintenance (i.e. camps, trails, buffer areas and work areas).

Project Description: The objectives of this project are: a) Inventory of historical and ecological resources in the area; b) past, present and future uses of the area by community residents; c) identification of potential impacts of use of the land use areas supporting access and maintenance (i.e. camps, trails, buffer areas and work areas); and d) provide follow-up mechanism for on-going communication of issues identified. This year will consist of TEK information gathering in addition to the data collected in 2012 (Under ARI Licence 15149). The communities will be reviewing and collecting the TEK wherever possible. MWH will only conduct interviews and face to face meetings if the community indicates this is desired. The research team will be using an interpreter so that people can speak using their language. This year’s program will allow for additional land use features to be assessed. Local communities are aware and have been participating in the study. There will be continued opportunities for the local communities to be able to collect information from elders and other communities that have a very good knowledge of the areas used under Enbridge's Land Use Permit. Interpreters will be needed where appropriate. The research team will provide reports to community organizations when there is a final copy. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 21, 2013 to August 31, 2013.