Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà Environmental Monitoring Work-to-Learn

20 October, 2017

From Aug 31-Sep 15, 2017 the Tłı̨chǫ Government Lands Protection, in collaboration with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Contaminants and Remediation Division, sent 5 Tłı̨chǫ student/workers to Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà - the old Rayrock mine - for environmental hands–on learning/work. With Job Shadow, Lisa Marie Zoe (Whatì), and students Damon Grosco (Behchokǫ̀), Nikita Mantla (Behchokǫ̀), Alex Williah (Behchokǫ̀) and Ryan Mackenzie (Behchokǫ̀), everyone was building on their previous learning including the 3-week BEAHR (Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources) Contaminated Sites Training from 2016. The student/workers did many things while on site such as sediment sampling, water sampling, wildlife tissue prep and travelling with canoe to follow drainage paths. Tłı̨chǫ Government is happy to assist with building partnerships between students and industry, which may open doors for future employment for graduates of Tłı̨chǫ environmental monitoring programs.

Over 8-days of hydrology study from Gamma Lake to Marian River, we worked as a team and the nature of this complex and rushed program developed a special bond between us. We learned how to learn from each other. We shared our skills and made a great team based on respect, compassion, and effectiveness. They learned the basics of hydrology, measuring velocity and how to calculate the discharge of a flow. They also learned how to obtain surface water and sediment samples from ponds, lakes, and rivers. I learned a lot about their land, how to properly paddle a canoe and safely fall a tree. I would like to take this opportunity to say, “Great Job Guys” and “Thank You” for your hard work and enthusiasm. - Matt Pourabadehei, Hydrologist (Arcadis Canada)

For more information, please contact:

Tyanna Steinwand

Lands Regulator

Department of Culture and Lands Protection
Tłı̨chǫ Ndek'àowo / Tłı̨chǫ Government
Box 412, Behchokǫ̀, NT X0E 0Y0
Phone: 867-392-6381 Ext 1357