Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessment: Insights from Examining Case Studies

Transcription

1 Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessment: Insights from Examining Case Studies Presenter: Carolyn Dunn Supported by: Meagan Graham & Valeria Trendafilova Page 1

2 Introduction: Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in Canadian Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Many definitions and terms for this knowledge exist, recognizing the diversity of the knowledge and its holders. For the purposes of IK in Canadian EIA, we use this definition: Generally, IK is considered as a body of knowledge built up by a group of people through generations of living in close contact with nature. IK is cumulative and dynamic. It builds upon the historic experiences of a people and adapts to social, economic, environmental, spiritual and political change. Page 2

3 Examples of Principles IK is unique to each Indigenous group; Seek consent from Indigenous Peoples; Collaborate on the approach and methods of co-applying IK; Respect intellectual property rights; and Bring Indigenous and Western knowledge together. Page 3

4 Examples of Protocols Many Indigenous groups have developed their own protocols that must be followed for the co-application of IK. For example, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board has the: Guidelines for Incorporating Traditional Knowledge into the Environmental Impact Assessment Process, Individual groups may also have their own protocols. Page 4

5 Examples of Processes and Best Practices Engage early; Develop approach and methods together; Be flexible; Community to identify knowledge holders; seek crosssection of community; Provide capacity to Indigenous groups; Use participatory research; Use techniques that are appropriate for oral history; Continuous engagement throughout lifecycle of project. Page 5

6 IK in EIA: for Traditional Resource Use and Much More The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 requires the assessment of effects to Indigenous people s traditional use of lands and resources. This tends to be the focus of the part of EIA as it relates to Indigenous peoples. It has also been demonstrated that IK is valuable for assessing many environmental effects beyond resource use; the following slides provide case studies of this. Page 6

7 Case Studies Project Year EIA began Location Project type Keeyask km from Thompson, Manitoba 695-megawatt hydroelectric generating station Blackwater Gold kilometres from Vanderhoof, British Columbia Open-pit gold and silver mine Frontier 2012 Back River km from Fort McMurray, Alberta West Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut Oil sands surface mine Gold mine Murray River km from Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia Underground coal mine Page 7

8 IK for Scoping Back River mine: IK contributed to the selection of valued components, e.g., raptors. IK also contributed to the identification of spatial and temporal boundaries, e.g., for furbearers. Frontier oil sands: IK about bison led Government scientists to do studies and alter conclusions about the genetically distinct nature and disease-free status of the affected herd; which changed how bison were assessed in the EIA. Page 8

9 IK for Baseline Data Collection Keeyask Hydro project: IK provided insights on: The presence of caribou in the area; and Lake Sturgeon move up and down throughout the River system. Back River mine: IK from the Inuit was used for baseline understanding of climate and climate change. Page 9

10 IK and Project Design Keeyask Hydro: the routes of electricity transmission lines were changed based on a collaborative process to coapply IK of four Nations. Blackwater mine: due to IK, the tailings facility was sited outside of the important Blackwater River watershed, and the transmission line routed to avoid key wildlife habitat. Page 10

11 IK for Effects Assessment Back River mine: IK from the Inuit was used for effects assessment related to climate change. IK was used for assessing effects to raptors. Keeyask Hydro: IK was used for many part of effects assessment, e.g., for fish and wildlife. Page 11

12 IK for Significance Determination Keeyask hydro: the Cree IK was used extensively in significance determinations. Murray River coal mine: IK informed the Agency s conclusion that the project has the potential to affect the traditional use of caribou. Page 12

13 IK and Decision Making Keeyask hydro: Several components of the project cannot be changed without an agreement from the Cree Nation Partners Page 13

14 Overall Findings from these Case Studies The body of knowledge built up over generations of Indigenous peoples can contribute to every stage of an EIA. When available, IK should be co-applied with science during an EIA: with a view to bringing forward IK, science and other evidence to decision making. Page 14

15 Overall Findings from these Case Studies IK may support broad or specific understanding of potential impacts on various components of the environment. Relationships are key to the co-application of IK: Early and frequent engagement; Before, during and after an EIA. Page 15