Year: 2005
Abstract:
The objective of this section of the Kearl Lake Project Environmental Impact Assessment was to record concerns about how development has affected, and how the Kearl project specifically will further affect, the land, air, water, and traditional lifestyles of Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Mikisew Cree First Nation. The assessment hoped "to capture the complex relationship between community well-being, cultural identity and the land, as perceived by three Aboriginal communities affected by development in the oil sands region." Each community was invited to identify participants for discussion sessions. Fort McKay First Nation was represented by ten Elders and one trapline holder family at meetings; Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation was represented by 35 members at an initial meeting, and 12 Elders and one trapline holder at subsequent meetings; and Mikisew Cree First Nation was represented by 53 Elders at an initial meeting, and 42 Elders at subsequent meetings. A literature review, including previous traditional land use studies, was also conducted. The report is separated by community. Each community section documents the observations and concerns of community members about the project on traditional land use, as well as suggestions for mitigation, monitoring, and follow-up. Community sections are organized around the following broad themes: development issues, such as the Aboriginal consultation process, land access management, and reclamation; landscape-level effects, such as landscape integrity, power of place, and respect for animals; ecosystem health, such as medicinal plants, water resources, and various types of pollution; and human health and community well-being, such as employment, education, and physical, psychological, and spiritual health. Details within each broad theme differ for each community. Where consent was provided, the location of traditional land use sites, features, and areas of importance are also enumerated and mapped for each Nation. Each community section also includes a summarized table of project-related issues and concerns, as well as Imperial Oil's responses to those concerns.
