WORKSHOPS

Below is a list of all of the workshops, categorized by field of study, presented at Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference 2012. Included is a short synopsis of each of the events, detailing the contents of the workshop along with any available materials presented in each workshop.

The categories include Community Development & Protection, Energy Usage, Environmental Studies, Fuel Management, Land Use Planning, Mining, Waste Management and Water/Wastewater.

CEAA 2012: Submission Requirements - Cheyenne Loon, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Developemnt Canada

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) 2012 (PDF)

Feast Keynote Speech - F. Henry Lickers, Environmental Science Officer, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

Feast Keynote Speech (PDF)

Community Development & Protection

Protecting Indigenous Lands & Resources - Patty Ann Owl, North Shore Tribal Council

A workshop showcasing protection of Indigenous Lands & Resources.
Protecting Indigenous Lands & Resources (PDF)

Gathering & Protecting Community Knowledge Case Study - Wilfred Wesley, Cat Lake First Nation

A workshop focused on the process and steps taken to complete a Cooperative FN Land Use Plan while working closely with the province and other stakeholders and advisors to collect the necessary data and information to put the plan into effect.

Growing Together: Community Gardening in Sachigo Lake - Patty Everson & Maria Beardy, Sachigo Lake First Nation

The "Growing Together: Community Gardening in Sachigo Lake" presentation will consist of photos of gardens in the community along with inspirational words from gardeners and information about the workshops and gardening process we have undergone in Sachigo Lake over the last few years. We will discuss how to get started on your own garden, choose a site, make soil and grow food for your family in our shared northern climate.

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Energy Usage

Solar Energy - Chris Price, Bimose Tribal Council & Laura Sayers, Shibogama First Nations Council

Chris Price, Bimose Tribal Council will present on:

1. Photovoltaics - What are they and how do they work?
2. The Solar Resource - Understanding, measuring and using data
3. Site Analysis
4. Mechanical Attachment Options
5. Batteries
6. Inverters
7. Commissioning
8. Jobsite Safety and Code Compliance
9. Load Analysis and System Design

Laura Sayers, Shibogama Technical Services will present on the challenges, benefits and programs available for developing a solar energy project in off-grid (remote) community, using Wawakapewin First Nation’s Photovoltaic/Genset pilot project as a case study.
Solar Energy (PDF)
Solar Projects in Remote First Nations (PDF)

Solar Energy Field Trip

Delegates will be taken by bus to Fort William First Nation to visit a Solar Farm.

Home Heating Tanks Best Practices - Doug Stuart, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation

Doug Stuart, OFNTSC CRTP Fuel Trainer, will provide training on the environmental and safety issues related to home heating tanks installations and best practises.
Home Heating Tanks Best Practices (PDF)

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Environmental Studies

Fish Processing in Ontario’s Far North - Lee Haslam, Ministry of Natural Resources

I will be demonstrating the fish identification and fish processing techniques. This will be a "hands on" demonstration to help develop skills to biologically sample fish. We will be demonstrating techniques on fish measurement, weight, sex and gonad identification, how to collect aging structures and muscle samples used for contaminant sampling and for stable isotopes.
I will also present ideas on data collection, data management and data organization for clear concise and accurate data.
Fish Processing in Ontario’s Far North (PDF)

Asaagakiigan: Plants of Our Homelands - Mary Bea Kenny, Independent First Nations Alliance

Our forests and the hundreds of different growing things in them are critical to our survival. "Plants of our Homelands" will look at the importance of forest and plant cover on our lands and especially in our communities. It will explore what plants provide us with and why they are so critical to sustaining our culture and our Homelands. How you can use plant knowledge in negotiation and impact monitoring will also be discussed.
Asaagakiigan: Plants of Our Homelands (PDF)

Invasive Species Impacts on Biodiversity - Robert Lambe, Invasive Species Committee

Invasive Species Impacts on Biodiversity focuses on scientific evidence of negative ecological effects of alien invasive species as well as research and mitigation measures planned or underway to respond to these threats. The presentation highlights several aquatic and terrestrial invasive species that demonstrate direct and indirect impacts on domestic plant, aquatic and forest species. The session will provide conference participants with an understanding of the Invasive Species Centre’s mission and promote discussion about the critical role of partnerships within the invasive species network locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Invasive Species Impacts on Biodiversity (PDF)

Emerald Ash Borer - Raising Awareness in Northwestern Ontario - Brian Kurikka, Confederation College

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that has the potential to destroy the ash trees of North America. Northwestern Ontario is currently free of this pest. Learn about this invasive species and what YOU can do to prevent its spread.

ECO Canada's BEAHR Training Program - Jordana Soderman, BEAHR

A workshop showcasing ECO Canada's BEAHR Training Program.
ECO Canada's BEAHR Training Program (PDF)

Funding Opportunity for Research with First Nations Communities: The National First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program (NFNECP) and the Drinking Water Quality Program (DWQP) - Kim McKay-McNabb, Ph.D.

This workshop will describe the NFNECP/DWQP Programs history, criteria, application process and the potential to build future applications for both Programs. These are two separate Programs that are launched each year on June 30th and Call for Proposals closes on November 15th. Funding application Guides for both programs will be available in the workshop and can be located digitally on the website at www.environmentalcontaminants.ca. First Nations University of Canada coordinates the program, in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations and Health Canada. The Programs are funded by the NFNECP, Environmental Public Health, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada.
NFNECP/DWQP Program Overview (PDF)

Plants Along the Trail - Mary Bea Kenny, Independent First Nations Alliance

This will include and a plant identification walk along the trails at The Fort along the Kaministiqua River. During the walk we will discuss the value of traditional knowledge of plant habitats, plants names and uses to our communities. A demonstration of making a plant collection will be done and how it can be used to work with the Elders to preserve traditional knowledge.
Plants Along the Trail (PDF)

Environmental Public Health In First Nation Communities

Conditions in the environment, both natural and human-built, can affect a person's ability to achieve and maintain good health. The Environmental Public Health (EPH) Program works to identify and prevent environmental public health risks that could impact the health of a community. This presentation will be an overview of EPH activities within First Nation communities. In addition, information on current community based research project opportunities (drinking water quality and environmental contaminants) will be briefly discussed.
Environmental Public Health In First Nation Communities (PDF)

Water Bug Monitoring - Michael Ritchie, Four Rivers

This workshop will provide participants with an understanding on how studying benthic invertebrates, through comparative analysis, can determine the impacts of industries, chemical spills or for remediation on local water sources.
Water Bug Monitoring (PDF)

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Fuel Management

Spill Response - Doug Stuart, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation

The focus of this training is to create an awareness of Spill Response, Spill Reporting Legislative commitments and the use of Spill Kits to ensure a timely and safe cleanup of spilled petroleum products will take place.

Tank Compliance - Lisa McClemens, Environment Canada

A presentation on Storage Tank Regulations and specifically Product Transfer Areas. This workshop will promote environmental compliance of storage tanks on-reserve and provide delegates with a better understanding of responsibilities under the Storage Tank Regulations.
Tank Compliance (PDF)

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Land Use Planning

Land Use Planning & Mapping - Paul MacInnes, Ministry of Natural Resources

A presentation on Land Use Planning and mapping techniques.

GPS/GIS - Part I - Kyle MacLaurin, Four Rivers & Jonathan Salo, Windigo First Nations Council

This workshops will focus on Global Positioning System (GPS) training that will provide delegates with the tools needed to effectively collect traditional knowledge and values in their community. Delegates will use GPS units to collect data points, lines and polygons for use in mapping, identifying sensitive areas, and environmental planning.
GPS (PDF)
GIS (PDF)

GPS/GIS - Part II - Kyle MacLaurin, Four Rivers & Jonathan Salo, Windigo First Nations Council

This workshop will focus on Geographical Information Systems introduction. The workshop will give delegates introductory information on how to incorporate GPS data into GIS, it will also give some introductory knowledge on how to manage community infrastructure. Delegates will get hands-on training on the GIS software that will allow for mapping and improved management of environmental community assets including landfills, bio-remediation cells, monitoring wells, sludge pits, lagoons, etc.
GPS (PDF)
GIS (PDF)

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Mining

The Hole Story - Charlene Rogers, Environmental Film Network & Ramsey Hart, Mining Watch Canada

"The Hole Story", a film about the mining industry in Ontario and Quebec, will be viewed during this workshop. The film provides an historical perspective about how mining companies have made huge profits with little regard for the impacts to the environment and human health. A short Q&A will follow the film, providing delegates with an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas about how to use the information presented in the film to benefit their own communities.

Musselwhite Mine Environmental Working Committee - Edna Quequish, North Caribou Lake First Nation

The session will provide an overview of the existing Environmental Working Committee as established through the Musselwhite Agreement from the onset of the mine development. A brief presentation covering how the committee was established, who the group consists of and their roles and responsibilities in monitoring the environmental impacts of the mine. The presentation will be followed by a facilitated open discussion with members from the committee representing the Mine, the Signatory First Nations and the Tribal Council’s involved.
Musselwhite Mine Environmental Working Committee (PDF)

Environmental Impacts of Mining - Ramsey Hart, Mining Watch Canada

This workshop will focus on the environmental impacts associated with the development and operation of a mine, with a particular emphasis on the impacts on water and aquatic ecosystems. Potential impacts of chromite mining as proposed in the Ring of Fire will also be discussed. The workshop will also look at standard practices to reduce environmental effects and their effectiveness. The existing environmental regulations for mining and the compliance rates of mining companies in Ontario will be reviewed.
Environmental Impacts of Mining (PDF)

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Waste Management

Waste Diversion - Abel Wapachee, Moose Cree First Nation & Cheryl Recollet, Wahanpitae First Nation

Delegates will learn about the importance of diverting waste from the community landfill such as electronics, recyclables, white goods, scrap metal, tires, and hazardous waste. Provincial programs available through Waste Diversion Ontario will be discussed and two case studies will be presented: 1) Cheryl Recollet will present on Wahnapitae First Nation’s Waste Diversion Strategy, highlighting WFN’s recycling program, WDO datacall submission, developing realistic goals and objectives, encouraging active community participation through the use of promotion and education materials, community waste diversion regulations, provincial stewardship programs and improved waste diversion site management; 2) Abel Wapachee will talk about Moose Cree First Nation’s success in diverting electronics, appliances, metal, steel, vehicles, and tires out of their community and challenges faced during these initiatives.
Waste Diversion Introduction (PDF)
Wahnapitae First Nation Waste Diversion Strategy (PDF)

Waste Management Planning - Gerry Lalonde, Stantec

Having a safe water supply, an effective sewage system, and an adequate waste disposal system are some of the main infrastructure components that are needed to sustain a healthy community. Learn the key factors to planning, siting, operating and maintaining a landfill to minimize the impacts on other infrastructure.
Waste Management Planning and Best Practices for Waste Disposal (PDF)

Best Practices for Waste Disposal - Gerry Lalonde, Stantec

Explore some of the best practices for site operators to implement at refuse and landfill sites to improve environmental performance.
Waste Management Planning and Best Practices for Waste Disposal (PDF)

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Water/Waste Water

Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations - Shawn Michajluk, Environment Canada

These Regulations were released in July 2012, addressing all continuous and intermittent discharge systems with a design capacity or annual discharge of 100 cubic meters per day or more. These Regulations have national performance standards, monitoring, reporting and record-keeping requirements. Requirements are phased-in, with some starting as soon as January 1, 2013. Learn more about the benefits of these regulations, their requirements and timelines to meet them.

Community-Based Source Water Protection Planning Workshop - Stephanie Allen & Deneen Brigham, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation

This session will be an activity-based workshop exploring source water protection and the planning cycle. The workshop will begin by creating a common understanding of what source water protection is and why it is important for First Nations to undertake this work. Workshop participants will then be guided through the main steps in the source water protection planning cycle including creating a vision, data collection, risk assessment, and developing actions. Participants will come away with an understanding of source water protection and the importance of community participation and indigenous knowledge within the planning process.
Community-Based Source Water Protection Planning Workshop (PDF)

Environmental Sampling of Water and Soil - Randy Edwards, True Grit Consulting

The purpose of this session is to provide information on potential environmental impacts to water and soil on First Nation Lands, including discussion of their sources and possible effects.
The session will include an introduction to protocols for sampling and analysis of water and soil, including a hands-on demonstration of common monitoring and sampling equipment.

Key Ingredients for Obtaining Good Quality Data - Allison Black, Maxxam Analytics

Good quality data starts before you even start sampling! This presentation will cover planning, proper sample handling and documentation, sources of bias and contamination, QA/QC samples and a brief explanation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) fractions.

Proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, Draft Great Lakes Strategy & Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund - Carolyn O'Neill, Ministry of the Environment

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment will provide a presentation the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, Ontario’s draft Great Lakes Strategy and the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. The presentation will be followed by questions, answers and discussion.
Proposed Great Lakes Protection Act, Draft Great Lakes Strategy & Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund (PDF)
Tribal and First Nations Great Lakes Water Accord (PDF)

Safe Drinking Water - Lessons from Outbreaks - Paul Otis, Bimose Tribal Council & Leona Cunningham, Walkerton Clean Water Agency

This workshop will begin with highlighting Bimose Tribal Council’s partnership with Walkerton Clean Water Center-WCWC in building capacity and economic development for First Nations though training and proposals relating to water. From this introduction, a preview presentation of WCWC’s "Safe Drinking Water – Lessons from Outbreaks" course will be delivered featuring the Walkerton and North Battleford, Saskatchewan water tragedies. Past and potential First Nation crises in water (Kashechewan) will be compared to those in Walkerton and N. Battleford. Lessons learned in this workshop will be applied and compared to the results and risks identified from the "National First Nation Water & Wastewater Assessment-Burnside 2011" raising the question: Is safe drinking water sustainable in First Nation communities?
Safe Drinking Water: Lessons from Outbreaks, Leonna Cunningham (PDF)
Safe Drinking Water: Lessons from Outbreaks, Paul Otis (PDF)

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