Environmental Research and Monitoring Results Workshop
The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)’s NWT Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (CIMP) recently partnered together to host a regional Environmental Research and Monitoring Results workshop from January 31 to February 1, 2017.
Over 80 people participated in the 2-day workshop, held in the Kǫ̀ Gocho Centre (Sportsplex) in Behchokǫ̀. Welcome remarks were provided by Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus, with all four Tłı̨chǫ community chiefs attending the opening introductions. Workshop participants included Tłįchǫ elders, youth, government employees, regulators, researchers, traditional knowledge holders and environmental scientists. Many travelled long distances for the workshop: Tłı̨chǫ participants from Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì; CIMP Steering Committee members from Inuvik, Fort Smith and Yellowknife; and scientific researchers hailed from as far as Smithers BC, Waterloo and Ottawa, Ontario. All participants brought their knowledge and experience from one or more environmental research and monitoring projects in the Wek’èezhı̀i region.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Bring together researchers, northern decision-makers and communities to share results of environmental research and monitoring related to wildlife, fish and water in the Wek’èezhìı region
- Provide a forum for discussion between researchers, communities and northern decision-makers.
- Feedback from these discussions to be used to improve related projects and programs.
To celebrate the first day of the workshop, the Tłı̨chǫ Government hosted a Community Supper and Open House. The evening was open to all community members and welcomed youth, the Behchokǫ̀ sewing program and students from the Tłįchǫ Interpreter Course. Welcome remarks were provided by Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels, followed by a keynote address from Ted Blondin. In his remarks, Ted spoke about the future of environmental monitoring and how knowledge and experience can benefit the Tłı̨chǫ.
“Research and monitoring are important factors in better preparing the direction we take to better manage the change that is and will happen all around us. It will better prepare us to adapt and protect the 'Tłı̨chǫ way of life’ for generations to come.” – Ted Blondin, January 31, 2017
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Hum
Land Use Planner
Department of Culture and Lands Protection
Tłı̨chǫ Ndek'àowo / Tłı̨chǫ Government
Box 412, Behchokǫ̀, NT X0E 0Y0
Phone: 867-392-6381 Ext 1356
