Year: 2000
Abstract:
The purpose of this Traditional Land Use Study was to ensure that information on traditional land use in the surrounding region (JACOS Hanging stone project located approximately 50 kilometres south-southwest of Fort McMurray in Twp 84 Rge 11 W4M) was current and relevant so that potential impacts from the JACOS Hangingstone project to traditional land use could be reduced or effectively mitigated. The objectives were to document the traditional environmental and historical knowledge of the FMFN; identify and map significant sites such as important medicinal plant and berry-harvesting areas, historical gathering places, graves, cabins, traplines, sweat lodges, salt licks, etc.; to identify any concerns that people have about the existing developments, the proposed development, and the potential cumulative impacts; to produce a report and a series of maps that display the JACOS Hangingstone project and the traditional uses in the TLUS study area; to identify potential ways to reduce or mitigate the possible impacts of the proposed JACOS Hangingstone project; and to protect confidential or sensitive, site specific information. The body of this report describes the communities in the region; the participants involved in the TLUS, and review other relevant TLU studies. It summarizes information on hunting, trapping, berry and medicinal plant collecting in the study area, as well as information on historical and cultural sites. A list of concerns is presented and recommendations are made on ways to alleviate potential conflicts between traditional users and the oil and gas industry. Appendix A presents the full results of the interviews, including historical and cultural material, ecological knowledge, and the concerns of the participants. Appendix B summarizes information (obtained from published literature) on plants used by the aboriginal people of Northern Alberta for food, medicine, ceremonies and construction. Appendix C is a list of terms referring to aboriginal people. Appendix D lists locations of specific features in the study area, such as salt licks, cabins, spiritual sites, and medicinal plant sites. To protect the locations of these sensitive sites, Appendix D is not issued with this report but is available upon request from the FMFN No. 468. Copies of Appendix D have been issued to the FMFN, JACOS Ltd., and AXYS Environmental Consulting.
