The ongoing TLU studies conducted by KLCN have revealed a wealth of knowledge about human and wildlife activities, water and land throughout our traditional territory. Skilled trappers, hunters and fishers rely on this knowledge to access the resources that provide them with food, medicines, clothing, tools and furs.
Our people have noticed changes in the quality of water, land and animals in the territory since the acceleration of large-scale energy development projects in the territory, and they fear that, should such projects continue at the same intensity level, one day our people will not be able to carry out traditional use activities at all.
The ability to engage in traditional land use is a central part of Kelly Lake people’s Cree identities, and disruptions and degradation of their ability to engage in these practices have negative effects, not only on incomes, but on social cohesion, mental health and people’s sense of self.
KLCN has been conducting its own traditional land use studies since 2006 with an operational team located in the community of Kelly Lake. KLCN employs its own trained Environmental Monitors, two TLU Researchers, technical staff that conducts spatial analysis and GIS for the reports, and a Project Manager who has an MA in Anthropology for professional reliance on reports. KLCN has overseen its own TLU reporting as part of the Environmental Assessment Certification process in British Columbia. We have overseen the TLU work on three major pipeline projects, two wind power projects, two mining, and one oil and gas project.
The Traditional Land Use Impact Report provides information about the historical and contemporary traditional use practices and knowledge of the Kelly Lake Cree Nation (KLCN). Per the terms presented in the work plan agreed to by KLCN and the Proponent, the purpose of this report is:
To provide a preliminary assessment of the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proponent on KLCN people’s cultural practices and traditional use on their territory.
To cultivate an appreciation of KLCN history, traditional knowledge, and contemporary perspectives among non-aboriginal peoples, and to contribute to the extension of traditional land use and traditional knowledge documentation capacity within the KLCN community.
To identify and discuss concerns identified by KLCN members regarding the NGP, and to develop strategies for avoiding or mitigating negative impacts, and supporting economic and other opportunities that the project will bring to our territory.
For this reason, we are committed to continuing to work with proponents interested in doing business in our territory, to develop strategies to minimize negative impacts on our traditional land use.
CLICK HERE for more information about KLCN's referrals and consultation process.