Fort Nelson First Nation

Purpose of study was to identify barriers to filing and benefit uptake. Conducted 12 discussion groups with community and band council members in six Indigenous communities (Sunchild First Nation, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Cree Nation of Mistissini, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation); and 42 in-depth telephone interviews with intermediaries Final revision date: July 28, 2017.

Study involves five components: household interviews collecting information on dietary patterns, lifestyle and general health status, environmental concerns and food security; sampling traditional foods for contaminants; sampling water for trace metals; hair sampling for mercury; and surface water sampling for pharmaceuticals.

Statistics based on responses of 2,476 individuals from 36 First Nations.

Summary of results and findings. Sample consisted of 712 adults, 566 youth and 666 children.

Examines the successes and struggles of First Nations communities in economic development and summarizes the key findings identified by participant First Nations that are making progress toward building and attaining sustainable economies in their communities.

Includes four case studies: Tk’emlups te Secwepemc and the City of Kamloops; Tsleil Waututh Nation and the District of North Vancouver; : Musqueam and the City of Vancouver; : Cowichan Tribes and the City of Duncan; and Fort Nelson First Nation and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.

Discusses potential risks to wildlife, water, air, and human health in territories upstream from extraction sites.