2022 ICCE Virtual Conference: Save the Date!
Cumulative Effects: A Health and Well-Being Perspective
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ICCE Conference Secretariat
Micheline BÃĐlanger
How Cumulative Effects Impact the North
Every ecosystem is special, beautiful and fragile in their own way. From the eastern and western coastal climates, to the lush abundance of great plains, to the remarkably rugged shorelines of the Great Lakes region â there is so much to celebrate and appreciate. We are also reminded that there is so much to protect.
Those who live in more temperate climates in the south have experienced significant growth and industrial development that has had generational impacts on the environment, the people, and the activities of local First Nations and MÃĐtis. In the north, the ecosystem is now vulnerable from the effects of climate change and human impacts, while the landscape has remained relatively untouched and has flourished for millennia. Inuit, in particular, have a vested interest in understanding and playing a role in addressing cumulative effects.Â
Cumulative effects are the changes caused by multiple interactions among human activities and natural processes over time. Cumulative effects have an impact on the ecosystem, the flora and fauna, as well as health, culture and traditional land use of Indigenous peoples.
For Inuit, cumulative effects may have a lasting impact for generations. As growth, resource development and industrial land use come to the north, it is important to consider how Inuit can better assess, manage and monitor cumulative effects on the local and regional ecosystem.
The following is a list of how cumulative effects could impact the north:
1. Land Uses That Have a Permanent Impact
While there are substantial economic benefits from growth, new jobs and resource development, there are also cumulative effects. Increasing populations means further expansion of residential areas and community infrastructure. More people means more waste. More people also means the need for more transportation both over the land, in water and through the air.
Mining and exploration, for example, are far too often seen as temporary. In reality, long after exploration activities cease and mines are closed, they continue to have a lasting impact on the environment. Buildings and infrastructure and pollutants have great impacts on the landscape, the permafrost, and the wildlife.
2. Environment, Wildlife, Bird and Marine Mammals
Cumulative effects can be found throughout the food chain. Toxic substances may be absorbed by terrestrial wildlife, birds, marine mammals, through a process of bioaccumulation, and interfere with basic biological functions such as reproduction. Inevitably, this may result in fewer animals, more challenging harvests and country foods that may no longer be safe. Certain land uses may drive away and alter migration patterns of herd animals and birdlife.
3. Traditional Land Use and Well-Being
The greatest concern of cumulative effects lies with its impacts to Indigenous peoples and traditional land use. This is an important part of Inuit culture and ways of life. Expansion of resource development and industrial land use have far-reaching impacts to those who use the land regularly as a means of survival and sustenance.
Indigenous peoples may not be able to use lands and resources or practice traditions that are proximate to development. For Inuit who continue to live off the land, these impacts can be a risk to the well-being of families.
As we have seen recently in Iqaluit, even the city water sources and distribution system can be greatly impacted by pollutants. A spill of hydrocarbons into fresh water, through a fueling accident or improper storage, can result in great harm to the environment and community health.
ICCE Brings Cumulative Effects Dialogue to Nunavut
The Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) is working to enhance awareness of cumulative effects among Inuit communities in the far north. ICCE is scheduled to make a presentation to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) annual general meeting with the intent of bringing further awareness of cumulative effects, and how Inuit communities and organizations can help address these concerns.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) is holding its annual general meeting in Iqaluit, NU from November 8 to 10, 2021. NAM is meeting to discuss important municipal issues, collaboration amongst governments and of course, discuss Covid-19 and other health issues.Â
For ICCE, and Indigenous peoples, cumulative effects are very much about health and well-being. From the health of a fragile ecosystem to the health of the Inuit food supply, the organization will begin a dialogue on how to better involve Inuit into cumulative effects action.
At the NAM meeting, ICCE will host the first of a number of regional focused dialogues that will inform a national needs assessment that will help understand and focus the needs of Indigenous communities with respect to cumulative effects.
The choice to begin these focussed dialogues in the north was quite deliberate. The organization hopes that the presentation to NAM as well as the follow-up dialogue will build on the network of Indigenous cumulative impacts practitioners and knowledge holders across Canada.Â
~ Leea Litzgus, Executive Director
ICCE also hopes to gain an appreciation for the needs of Inuit communities in the areas of training and awareness of cumulative effects, how communities can better assess, manage and monitor cumulative effects.
We truly want to understand what more needs to be done. ICCE can play an important role in providing the tools to better understand and address cumulative effects.Â
~ Leea Litzgus, Executive Director
Over the course of the year, these regional focussed dialogues will take place to better understand the overall picture with respect to cumulative effects. These will include invited environmental staff, indigenous and western science and knowledge holders, ICCE partners and those who have had projects funded by ICCE Community Funding Program. Following these regional focussed dialogues, ICCE will be engaging First Nation, MÃĐtis and Inuit communities across Canada to seek out direct input and advice from those who are living with, and most impacted by, cumulative effects.
ICCE Launches New 3-Year Strategic Plan
The ICCE Strategic Plan 2021 – 2024 was developed based on a series of roundtables from 2018 to 2019, and on discussions held at the Indigenous Forum on Cumulative Effects in February 2020.
This new three-year Strategic Plan was also informed through consultations with the ICCE Board of Directors and ICCE National Office.
ICCE Strategic Plan 2021-24
Vision: Indigenous peoples have the capacity and the ability to assess, monitor and manage the cumulative effects occurring in their lands, waters and communities.
The ICCE mission is to create networks, and develop and share knowledge to empower community-based approaches to culturally relevant cumulative effects assessment, monitoring and management to support Indigenous well-being and decision-making.
Strategic Pillar 1: Capacity Building and Training
- Support the development of tools, protocols, and frameworks for cumulative effects assessment, monitoring and management.
- Identify gaps and community needs and how the Centre can better equip communities to meaningfully participate in programs, initiatives and specific cumulative effects assessment, management and monitoring processes undertaken by governments and project proponents.
Priorities 2021-2022
- Community Funding Program
- Development of guidance materials
- Analysis of existing capacity and gaps
- Assessment of needs
- TAC-generated list of priority guidance materials
Priorities 2022-2023
- Community Funding Program
- Development of guidance materials
- Additional targeted research
- Development of training tools including webinar
Priorities 2023-2024
- Community Funding Program
- On-line training program
- Possible certification program
Strategic Pillar 2: Networking, Provision of Expert Advice and Information-Sharing
- Fill existing gaps and build bridges between existing initiatives surrounding cumulative effects.
- Act as a resource for Indigenous communities to access information, resources, and best practices around cumulative effects assessment, monitoring and management.
- Raise awareness of ICCE activities and achievements among Indigenous communities, government agencies and project proponents.
Priorities 2021-2022
- Website
- National conference
- National and regional engagement plan
- Communications, marketing and social media strategy
- Regional events in targeted areas
Priorities 2022-2023
- National Conference
- Regional workshops
- Mapping tool
- Peer-to-peer learning
Priorities 2023-2024
- National Conference
- Regional workshops
- Website re-design and update
Strategic Pillar 3: Strengthening of ICCE Governance to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability
- Put in place a governance structure for ICCE that is inclusive, promotes collaboration and enables a distinction-based approach to ICCE operations.
- Develop financial partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations sharing ICCEâs values and principles to advance ICCEâs objectives.
- Develop and implement operational and human resources policies and strategies for the National Office.
Priorities 2021-2022
- Creation and consolidation of committees (TAC, Elders/youth)
- Governance policies
- Recruitment strategy for Board and committees
Priorities 2022-2023
- creation of a Communications Committee
- Strategy to secure longer-term funding of ICCE
- Recruitment strategy for young Indigenous professionals
Priorities 2023-2024
- Strategic planning for the next 3-year period
- Rebranding
- Partnerships with academic institutions for potential scholarship program
Corporate Management and Leadership
- Administrative and financial management
- Human resources management and recruitment
Priorities 2021-2022
- Consolidate and expand core team (hiring employees)
- Administrative management tools (software)
- Sound financial and corporate management practices to ensure compliance with legal requirements
Priorities 2022-2023
- Operational procedures manual to support staff, contractors, committees and volunteers
- Succession plan for leadership positions
- Sound financial and corporate management practices to ensure compliance with legal requirements
Priorities 2023-2024
- Logistical considerations for longer term (physical office, regional hubs, etc)
- Sound financial and corporate management practices to ensure compliance with legal requirements
Western Science Catching Up With Indigenous Worldview: Paivi Abernethy
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) welcomed Dr. Paivi Abernethy, Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo, to the 2021 Virtual Indigenous Conference on Cumulative Effects held on March 23 and 24, 2021. Ms Abernethy shared that addressing cumulative effects begins with Indigenous worldview and what matters to the community.Â
The 2021 virtual conference brought together experts and delegates from around the world to share wise practices and experiences of Indigenous communities experiencing cumulative effects. Key presenters included Dr Deborah McGregor (Anishinaabe, York University), with a welcoming from Chairperson Leona Irons (Anishinaabe, National Aboriginal Lands Management Association).
View the complete video of Paivi Abernethy speaking at the conference web page >
Keynote Speaker Deborah McGregor Shares the Importance of Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) welcomed Dr. Deborah McGregor, Anishinaabe, Associate Professor â Osgoode Hall/York University, to the 2021 Virtual Indigenous Conference on Cumulative Effects, held on March 23 and 24, 2021. Dr McGregor speaks about the importance of Indigenous knowledge and its role in support of decision-making at the community-level.
The 2021 virtual conference brought together experts and delegates from around the world to share wise practices and experiences of Indigenous communities experiencing cumulative effects. Key presenters included Dr Paivi Abernethy (University of Waterloo), with a welcoming from Chairperson Leona Irons (Anishinaabe, National Aboriginal Lands Management Association).
View the complete video of Deborah McGregor speaking at the conference web page >
ICCE Chairperson Leona Irons Shares Purpose with Conference Delegates
Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) Interim Chair Leona Irons provided the official welcome to the 2021 Virtual Indigenous Conference on Cumulative Effects held on March 23 and 24, 2021. Ms Irons is also the Executive Director for that National Aboriginal Lands Management Association.Â
The 2021 virtual conference brought together experts and delegates from around the world to share wise practices and experiences of Indigenous communities experiencing cumulative effects. Key presenters included Dr Deborah McGregor (Anishinaabe, York University), Dr Paivi Abernethy (University of Waterloo), and many others.
View the complete video of Leona Irons speaking at the conference web page >
2020 Indigenous Forum on Cumulative Effects
Westin Calgary, Calgary AB
DAY 1: Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Opening and Host Nations’ Welcome
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Alvine and Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Blackfoot Confederacy SingersAlvine
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Leona Irons, ICCE Interim Chair
Dr Kelley Blanchette, Assistant Deputy Minister, Lands and Environmental Management Branch, Indigenous Services Canada
Tiara Jung, Drawing Change
Message from the Minister
Hon Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada
Opening Keynote: Big Thinking and Rethinking – Blackfoot Science Metaphysics
Dr Leroy Little Bear, Kainai First Nation
Download Slides >
Mobilization of Pekuakamiulnuatsh Knowledge in the Assessment of Cumulative Effects on Nitassinan
Paul-Antoine Cardin, PhD Candidate, UniversitÃĐ Laval, QuÃĐbec; ICCE Technical and Policy AdvisorÂ
David Cleary, Wildlife Management and Environmental Advisor,
Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, Mashteuiatsh
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Adams Lake Indian Band
David Nordquist, Title and Rights, TUS and Special Projects, Adams Lake Indian BandÂ
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Nunavut Impact Review Board and Qiqitqni
Heather Rasmussen, Policy Advisor Nanavut Impact Review Board
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McMurray MÃĐtis Freshwater Clam Study Team
Leonard Hansen Sr, Debra Hopkins, Tara Joly and Russell Noseworthy
Download Slides >
Smithâs Landing First Nation
Becky Kosta, Lands and Resource Manager, Smithâs Landing First Nation Chief Gary Cheezie, Smithâs Landing First Nation
Download Slides >
View Video: What’s Left? >
View Video: Open Water >
The Confederacy of Mainland Mikâmaq
Angeline Gillis, Senior Director, Department of Environment and Natural Resources The Confederacy of Mainland Miâkmaq
Download Slides >
Closing
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Alvine and Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Blackfoot Confederacy Singers
Day 2: Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Opening and Host Nations’ WelcomeÂ
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Alvine and Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Blackfoot Confederacy Singers
Keynote: Everything is Connected: Environment, Economy, Foreign Policy, Sustainability,Human Rights and Leadership in the 21st Century
Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Environmental, Cultural, and Human Rights Advocate
Armchair Discussion on Key Issues Related to Cumulative Effects
Barry Wilson, Systems Ecologist, CE Analytic Ltd
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Dr Suzanne Fluharty, PhD, Community and Ecosystems Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
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Nicole Kapell, Land Use Research Program Coordinator, Ktunaxa Nation Council
Download Slides >Â
Metlakatla Cumulative Effects Management Program: Stories and Lessons from the Metlakatla Experience | How Indigenous Communities in Canada are Addressing Cumulative Effects
Councillor Robert Nelson, Metlakatia
Katerina Kwon, PhD candidate in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at SFU
Ross Wilson, Executive Director of the Metlakatla Stewardship Society (MSS)
Fanny Nelson, Elder Metlakatla
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NWT Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program
Lorraine Brekke, A/Manager, NWT Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program
Tim Heron, Northwest Territory Metis Nation
Download Slides >Â
Building and Effective Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects
Luke Lenny and Marcia Dawson
Download Slides >
Drawing Change: Live Graphic Recording
TiarÃĐ Jung
DAY 3: Thursday, February 6, 2020
Opening and Host Nations’ WelcomeÂ
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Alvine and Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Blackfoot Confederacy Singers
Closing Keynote
Understanding Cumulative Effects from Indigenous Perspectives
Florence Catholique, Lutsel kâe Dene First Nation
Download Slides >
Elders’ Teachings
Florence Catholique, Lutselkâe Dene First Nation
Albert Marshall Sr, Eskasoni
Alvine Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Closing
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Alvine and Norton (Spike) Eagle Speaker, Siksika
Blackfoot Confederacy Singers
2021 Virtual Indigenous Conference on Cumulative Effects
DAY 1: Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Welcome
Leea Litzgus, ICCE Executive DirectorÂ
Opening Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda, Algonquin Anishinabe, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
Introduction
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Introductory Remarks
Leona Irons, ICCE Interim Chair, Executive Director, National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association
ICCE Evolution and Governance: An Introduction to ICCE
Leea Litzgus, ICCE Executive Director
Introducing the ICCE Board
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
The Importance of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Indigenous Involvement in the Protection of the Environment and Cumulative Effects
Deborah McGregor, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Justice, Osgoode Hall Law Faculty, York University
Break and Musical Presentation
Lonely Boy by Midnight Shine
ICCE Community Funding Program
Paul-Antoine Cardinal, ICCE Technical and Policy Advisor
Expanding the Metlakatla Cumulative Effects Management Program and Data Managment Strategy
Katerina Kwon, PhD Candidate, Conservation Policy Group, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University
Ross Wilson, Executive Director, Metlakatla Stewardship Society
Cumulative Effects in the Lower Athabaska River
Gillian Donald, Founder, Donald Functional & Applied Ecology Inc
Elder Harvey Sykes, Project Lead, McMurray MÃĐtis
Russell Noseworthy
Timothy Clark
Day 1 Recap
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
DAY 2: Wednesday, March 24 2021
Welcome
Patrick Kelly, Conference Chair, Senior Associate, First Peoples Group
Putting Cumulative Expertise on ICCE: Our Inventory Game Plan
Pamela Perreault, Director, The Firelight Group
Break and Musical Presentation
Plainsong by Twin Flames
Cumulative Environmental Impacts, Climate Change and Indigenous Child Health
Paivi Abernethy, TAC Member, ICCE, Research Fellow, Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria
Understanding Health Impacts from a First Nation Perspective
Diana Lewis, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Environment/Indigenous Studies Program, Western University
Break and Musical Presentation
Orange Blossom Special by Asham Stompers
Competing Land Use in Northern Sweden: The Sami Land is Shrinking and Shrinking Fast
Jonas Vannar, Reindeer Herder, Sirges Reindeer Herder Community, Sweden
Traditional Knowledge Bathurst Caribou Monitoring Program
Tyanna Steinwand, Manager, Research Operations, Tlicho Government
Q&A Session
Jonas Vannar, Reindeer Herder, Sirges Reindeer Herder Community, Sweden
Tyanna Steinwand, Manager, Research Operations, Tlicho Government
Closing Remarks
Leea Litzgus, ICCE Executive Director
Closing Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda, Algonquin Anishinabe, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation