"This paper outlines the results of a study undertaken to assess the impact of Traditional Land Use and Occupancy Studies (TLUOS)
on resource management policies and practices in the province of Alberta. The focus of this paper is policy-making bodies in indus-
try and government; subsequent research is planned to explore the perceptions of First Nations' communities regarding the impact of
TLUOS. Specifically, this study focussed on two TLUOS undertaken by two First Nations communities (Fort McKay First Nation and
Dene Tha' First Nation) in partnership with the Arctic Institute of North America, and co-sponsored by industry and government. The
paper situates the results of this particular study in a larger framework of current theory, understandings and discussions of Fi t Nations'
views of sustainable land use, traditional knowledge and collaboration. In analyzing the results from thirty interviews with academics
and personnel from government agencies and industry, the researchers found that the application of the data from TLUOS was con-
strained by a number of interactive factors, both internal and external to the studies. Briefly, these include methodological and tech-
nical issues, accessibility of the data, the larger political context, the need for government leadership, differing expectations and agen-
das, and the need for a coordinated system for the conduct of TLUOS. In concluding, the authors note that in order for TLUOS to be
effective in documenting traditional knowledge and influencing resource management policies and practices the following issues must
be addressed: 1) the Alberta government should address the larger, unresolved issues between First Nations and the province; 2) appro-
priate mechanisms to blend traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge in resource management should be developed; and 3) a
collaborative problem-solving process between First Nations, government and industry should be initiated by the Alberta government
to address issues and create a coordinated system for the organization and implementation of TLUOS and their application to
resource management policy and practice.