First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program: Integrating existing knowledge on potential contaminated sites within the Nation

• Main Authors: Doxtator, Brandon, Longboat, Sheri, Longstaffe, James, Mastej, Ela
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph 2022
• Subjects: chemical contamination; Oneida Nation of the Thames; Indigenous Youth; knowledge exchange; risk assessment; First Nations
• Online Access: https://journal.lib.uoguelph.ca/index.php/ruralReview/article/view/6942

Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by chemical contamination due to the colonial policies that have contributed to inequitable management practices and lack of access to decision-making processes. Dominant environmental assessment frameworks pertaining to chemical contamination are limited to assessing physiological implications of chemical substances on living organisms and exclude the crucial mental, cultural, sociological, and political dimensions of chemical contamination, and they notably do not consider the effects of contamination on the complex bond between Indigenous peoples and their lands. This interdisciplinary research in collaboration with the Oneida Nation of the Thames aims to integrate scientific data and community-based knowledge sources on risk assessment and risk communication of chemical exposure. The project has two objectives: to assess the contaminants present on the lands of the Oneida Nation and to construct an all-inclusive knowledge integration platform to mobilizecontamination-related knowledge. The second objective is designed towards community engagement, prioritizing youth participation and empowerment through knowledge sharing and skills enhancement. This exploratory research is projected to address uncertainty related to potential contamination which limits future community planning. On a broader scale, it will inform environmental assessment frameworks pertaining to chemical contamination to include Indigenous perspectives which will expand theoretical dimensions of current frameworks toward more robust practical outcomes. Funding: FNECP, RBC, GIER, SSHRC