The Application of Geographic Information Systems by First Nations and Government in Northern Canada

• Published in: Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization
• Main Authors: Duerden, Frank, Kuhn, Richard
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress) 1996
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; First Nations; Northwest Territories; Yukon
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/7013-6h87-2376-8qjk; https://utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/7013-6H87-2376-8QJK

As a result of planning and resource development initiatives and the settlement of Native land claims in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, the need for Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was identified by numerous government and First Nation organizations. This paper will examine the pattern of GIS acquisition in the Canadian North and will identify and critically comment on recent GIS applications. It also focuses attention on the sources and types of information used by various groups. Detailed interviews were conducted in July and August 1993 with all First Nation and government GIS users. Three themes were focused on: the process of GIS acquisition, GIS applications to land management, and the extent to which First Nations' perspectives on land and environment were integrated into GIS applications. Despite the widespread adoption of GIS technology, its potential is far from being realized. None of the systems are being used in major decision-support roles to facilitate scenario-building or the evaluation of alternative land-use scenarios. Barriers to effective use include the absence of skilled operators and training programs, particularly for First Nations peoples, and a failure by many organizations to develop clear and appropriate goals for GIS applications. Another factor limiting the use of GIS relates to the availability and compatibility of data sets. Despite these shortcomings, GIS can play a major role in northern planning and resource management processes.