Expanding the mine, killing a lake: A case study of First Nations' environmental values, perceptions of risk and health.

• Other Authors: Place, Jessica (Author), Hanlon, Neil (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Northern British Columbia 2007
• Subjects: Environmental impact analysis > British Columbia > Thutade Lake Region > Case studies; Traditional ecological knowledge > British Columbia; Northern; Carrier Indians > Health and hygiene; Sekani Indians > Health and hygiene; Northgate Minerals Corporation. Kemess Mine; Gold mines and mining > Environmental aspects > British Columbia > Thutade Lake Region; Copper mines and mining > Environmental aspects > Thutade Lake Region; TD194.68.C22 B8 2007; First Nations
• Online Access: https://unbc.arcabc.ca/islandora/object/unbc:15907/datastream/PDF/download; https://unbc.arcabc.ca/islandora/object/unbc%3A15907; https://doi.org/10.24124/2007/bpgub497

In recent years, uncertainty concerning the long term future of British Columbia's forest industry has led to renewed interest in the mining sector as a means of generating economic growth. However, the development of new operations has raised concerns around the impacts of mining activities on the environment, health and traditional ways of life of First Nations peoples. Using the proposed expansion of the Kemess mine in northern British Columbia as a case study, my research examines two First Nations' perspectives regarding the regulatory process through which environmental values may be validated and protected, and seeks to understand how First Nations' environmental values and perceptions of risk are connected to health and well-being. This case study finds that the environmental values of local populations and the perceived risks associated with resource development are neither well understood nor are they felt to be adequately addressed in environmental impact assessment (EIA) or consultative processes. As a result, health and well-being are undermined. --P.i. The original print copy of this thesis may be available here: http://wizard.unbc.ca/record=b1326211