ABSTRACT
In Canada, the interests of First Nations people have traditionally had little voice at various points of authority to infl uence or sanction laws of environmental protection, regulation and enforcement on First Nations land (Bharadwaj et al. 2008). Canada, as well as many other nations, have developed agencies and policies that serve to protect the health of the environment; however no such agencies or polices exist for First Nations. Environmental change and damage from hydroelectric energy and forestry projects, mining, tar sands development and waste mismanagement have created serious concerns among the First Nations people of Canada. Issues relating to human and environmental health that include the potential exposures to industrial contaminants and the accessibility, sustainability and safety of drinking water supplies are of great concern to First Nations communities (Blackstock 2001; Arquette et al. 2002). The changing climate
is at the very heart of First Nations’ concerns, because of its current impact on their ability to access their traditional foods, medicines and territories. Many First Nation communities rely on hunting, fi shing and trapping for survival. Climate change is expected to alter the abundance, behaviour and distribution of wildlife, fi sh, and vegetation. Consequently, the economic livelihood and food supplies of numerous First Nations peoples could potentially be in grave jeopardy (Last et al. 1998; Weller and Lang 1999). The loss of traditional food gathering activities will increase First Nations’ reliance on high priced store bought, highly processed foods which could exacerbate prevalent health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Loss of traditional activities is also expected to have impacts on the social, mental and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities (Dickson 1999). The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources reported that mild winters are affecting road conditions in the Rolling River First Nations, Manitoba. They indicate that mild winters are causing an increased wear and tear on community roads. As a result the community is economically affected due to the increased frequency of road repairs, and operations and management of road maintenance equipment (CIER 2006). Many First Nations communities depend on winter road systems that cross fast fl owing rivers or large water bodies for transport of essential community supplies. Mild and shorter winters have jeopardized the feasibility of winter roads and for some communities the only option for essential goods delivery is to resort to air transport, a more expensive means of transporting essential equipment and supplies into the communities. The Eabametoong First Nations Community in Ontario has been without a winter road since 2003 (CIER 2006). This has resulted in social impacts to the community due to the shortage of fuel, food, construction materials and supplies and increased cost of goods and services (CIER 2006). Changing environmental conditions are impacting traditional practices, economic development and infrastructure within First Nations Communities across Canada. Adaptation to future climatic changes will require human and fi nancial resources and governmental action. Cooperation, consultation and communication between First Nations and individuals from all levels of government are essential to inform policy decisions. In addition an openness of all parties to listen to the voices of all key stakeholders and the respectful acknowledgement of their worldviews are important factors to improve understanding of the potential health impacts associated with climate change.
