Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MSc)
Department
Geography & Environmental Studies
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
William Quinton
Advisor Role
Co-supervisor
Second Advisor
Miguel Sioui
Advisor Role
Co-supervisor
Abstract
Across the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, Indigenous populations are striving to achieve effective environmental protection, whilst navigating complex methods, policies, and research relationships within co-management contexts. This thesis seeks to identify how differing cultural systems, environmental change, and fractured partnerships may be unified to align with the needs of the Sambaa K’e First Nation (SKFN), a remote Dehcho Dene community. Indigenous methodologies guided co-development of research questions with SKFN leadership which yielded objectives a) develop a GIS-based method to manage, organize and mobilize cultural and environmental data; b) develop a new stewardship monitoring procedure so that users can apply the former while ‘With The Land” (WTL), and c) test new methods developed in (a) and (b). A mapping rubric developed by the NWT Geologic Survey’s Thermokarst Collective (TKC) working group was expanded to include themes related to biological, cultural, and socio-political change. Interviews, focus groups, and participant observation directed the collection of 195 GPS-link observations which centered Dene perspectives of space and place. This thesis provides SKFN with an improved operational procedure for data collection as well as a functional social framework adapted for the organization of grassroots, community based, intergenerational knowledge exchange. This produced the praxis, ‘Mapping with the Land,’ where youth and Elders are united through cumulative impact monitoring and cultural revitalization, with the assistance of GIS. This aims to increase communication and understanding between local, institutional, and government actors by bridging gaps in research capabilities, local capacity, and recognition of Dene Law.
Recommended Citation
McPhee, Michael s., "Mapping With the Land: Co-developing a Cumulative Impact Monitoring and Land Stewardship Framework with Sambaa K’e First Nation, Northwest Territories, Canada" (2024). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2659.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2659
Convocation Year
2024
Convocation Season
Fall
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Human Geography Commons, Indigenous Education Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Social Justice Commons, Sustainability Commons, Water Resource Management Commons