Title: Technical Services Advisory Group Climate Change Adaptation Program
Citation: First Nations (AB) Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG). (2015). Technical Services Advisory Group Climate Change Adaptation Program. NWT Discovery Portal. https://nwtdiscoveryportal.enr.gov.nt.ca/geoportal/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7B15A758C8-8457-4870-B9CE-F5D888B9EAE4%7D
Study Site: Fort McMurray, Siksika, and Hobbema in Alberta
Purpose: Water has cultural and spiritual importance for First Nation communities. Climate change will alter the amount and distribution of water in Alberta, thus impacting First Nations. Fort McMurray First Nation (FMFN) is situated in the boreal forest of northeastern Alberta, surrounded by peatlands and lakes; the effect of changes to water on this Nation was the focus of the project. Peatlands are critical for maintaining biodiversity, providing natural water purification and filtration, and buffering the surrounding environment against extreme weather such as droughts and floods. Climate models project that many peatlands in Alberta will be subject to drying. Drying and decaying peatlands will affect First Nation traditional ways of life by reducing access to traditional foods and medicines, and threatening community safety. FMFN is concerned over the environmental changes observed in their area as seen through drying peatlands, declining water quality and quantity, shifting distributions of wildlife and fish, and the resulting effects these changes have on the people. The purpose of the study was to document the changes that have occurred to the peatlands and other bodies of water that are important to FMFN traditional way of life. The information was then used to assess which areas are most vulnerable to climate change and other changes in land use.
Abstract: The project assessed the vulnerabilities and risks associated with climate change impacts on surface water quantity, distribution and quality in Fort McMurray First Nation and shared the knowledge with other Alberta First Nation communities. A community-based approach involving working groups with representation from TSAG and First Nation community departments was used to complete the assessments, develop adaptation plans, transfer knowledge and build capacity within First Nations. To begin, a two-day Elder-youth event was held at important peat land areas. Traditional knowledge interviews and a map survey were then conducted. The project also enabled the start-up of FMFN's Geographic Information System (GIS) Department. Training for water quantity, distribution and quality impact assessment methodologies was provided by TSAG staff to technicians from each participating First Nation. Layers of surface water to illustrate changes in water extent and distribution over time were made with GIS. Elder interviews enabled the assessment of historic, current, and future impacts of changes in surface water on First Nation communities. Results of phase 1 were shared with the community in a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment report, a summary pamphlet and a documentary film. Phase 2 produced a lessons-learned guidebook on how to successfully conduct a climate change vulnerability assessments on First Nations reserves in Alberta.
Supplemental Information Summary:
Research:
Further Info:
Status: Complete
Keywords:
traditional knowledge,
vegetation,
hydrology,
effects of disturbance,
land-use,
Climate change,
water quality,
Geographical coordinates: North: 56, South: 50 East: -112 West: -113
Bounding Temporal Extent: Start Date: , End
Date:
