RIASSUNTO
The Norman Wells operation in northern Canada is applying for renewal of its water license. The facility has been in operation since 1919 on the banks of the Mackenzie River. No changes to the operation are being contemplated, and no changes to the water license requested. What is new is that the regulator is requiring Traditional Knowledge (TK) studies be undertaken. Of what possible use could such studies be at this almost century old site? Turns out quite a bit.
Traditional Knowledge has been used in Canada during the planning stages of new projects, and been required as part of Environmental Impact Assessment submissions, for a number of years. This would be a first at an operating site with a static footprint. Rather than focussing on the facility footprint itself, as is the more usual approach for project driven TK studies, these studies instead focussed on emergency response on the Mackenzie River.
Workshops were held in the local town and in the next down-river commmunity. Elders selected by local Councils were invited to participate. A detailed map of a 120km stretch of River was created highlighting things like access points, areas of open water in winter, cabins, sand bar movement. The draft map was brought to public consultation sessions to show what data had been gathered, and provide an opportunity for all community members to add to it. At the suggestion of some elders, an on-river workshop was held to visit important sites, photograph them, and prepare summary description sheets. Community members were invited to observe an emergency response exercise and provide their suggestions during the debrief.
Traditional Knowledge has enhanced Operations ability to respond to incidents on the Mackenzie River by providing valuable added detail to maps and by one-on-one knowledge sharing between first responders, elders and other community members. Additionally, it has provided a meaningful forum for local people and Operations to discuss issues and share information that is of importance to both.