Sydney Stenekes

Brenda Parlee – Supervisor

The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Understanding and Addressing Cumulative Impacts on Freshwater Systems in the Dehcho Region

There is growing concern amongst the Kátł‘odeeche First Nation regarding downstream impacts of oil and gas activity on the aquatic health of the Hay River Basin.  With an interest in contributing to the bilateral agreements between the Government of Alberta and the Government of the Northwest Territories, my research will lead to a better understanding of both the indicators of aquatic ecosystem change of importance to the First Nation, as well as the use and meaning of such indicators in local, regional and territorial processes of social learning.  It is anticipated that the outcomes of the research will be of practical use to the First Nation as well as inform the implementation of the bilateral agreement for the Hay River watershed between the Northwest Territories and Alberta governments. I look forward to working in collaboration with KFN, as they develop and implement a Traditional Knowledge-based community environmental monitoring program.