WORKSHOPS

Below is a list of the workshops, categorized by field of study, presented at the 2016 Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference. A short synopsis of each of the events and a copy of the presentation are provided where available.

The categories include General Workshops, O&M Training, Resource Development, and Land Planning.

Watch NOFNEC 2016 videos, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and select workshops here, or watch videos for specific workshops below.

General Workshops

Our Continuing Path to a Sustainable Future - Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

NAN First Nations have been keepers of our land since time immemorial. Today, all communities throughout the world are being impacted by climate change – some from by our own actions and many by actions of those we have never met.
It is not a question if NAN First Nations will be affected – we are being affected. When we look to the future, there are many things to considered that will impact the well-being of our communities, including economic development.
The environment, climate change, energy and economic development all impact upon each other. NAN Chiefs have provided the NAN Executive with a mandate to develop a Triple E (Environment/Climate Change, Energy, Economic Development) framework that will provide, facilitate capacity building and allocation of resources to individual NAN First Nations. We would like to share this with you today.
Our Continuing Path to a Sustainable Future Presentation (PDF)

GPS Demo - Natalie Popovic, Windigo First Nations Council

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basic operation of a Garmin GPS unit including entering a waypoint, and marking and finding a coordinate. With a cheat sheet (command review) in hand, participants will set out in teams to find 5 GPS coordinates, and a hidden cache. Each cache found will provide the next set of coordinates. A prize will be awarded to the team who completes the challenge in the best time. Participants should strategize to find coordinates in a manner that will not give away the information to another team. GPS units are usually correct within 10 meters, so a team effort is required to find the actual cache location. Participation is limited to 20 people per day. Please sign up at registration.

Drum Crushing Demo - Rudnicki Industrial & LTL Contracting

Saving Lives and Protecting Assets and Services in the Face of Climate Change - David Pearson, Laurentian University

We can only protect ourselves and our communities against risks if we think about them ahead of time and prepare for them. Whether it’s viruses or floods, tooth decay or wildfires, if we don’t prepare and take action, we will suffer, wherever we live. Heavier rainstorms, thinner winter ice, fish that don’t spawn when and where they used to, and caribou that are harder to find, are just some of the likely consequences of changes in weather in the north in the next generation. The land provides water and food – the priceless services of Nature. The land also stores carbon in wetlands, peat and forests, a service that science is teaching us is priceless too. This session will include hands-on practice in thinking about how to prepare and what to prepare for.
Saving Lives and Protecting Assets and Services in the Face of Climate Change Presentation (PDF)
Preparing for the Weather of the Future in the North Handout (PDF)
Preparing for the Weather of the Future in the North Checklist (PDF)
Questions for Interviewing Elders and Community Members (PDF)
Temperature Scenarios (PDF)
Impact and Risk Matrix (PDF)
Sample Community-based Climate Change Adaptation Planning Matrix (PDF)

Working Together to Increase Resilience in the Face of a Changing Climate - Anita Walker, INAC

Climate change is having very real impacts on communities across Canada. Understanding the extent of these impacts on infrastructure and well-being can help communities better prepare for extreme weather and gradual climate changes. Using both Traditional Knowledge and western science can highlight climate change impacts that are important within a community and help set the stage for considering options to adapt and reduce climate change risk. This presentation will discuss new funding available for climate change adaptation projects in First Nation communities, including an overview of program criteria and how the funding fits with other climate change programs.

First Nations Waste Management Initiative - Marlene Doyle, INAC

Budget 2016 proposed an investment of $409 million to support First Nations in developing waste management solutions on reserve. This presentation will provide an overview of the objectives of the initiative, activities underway to support implementation, eligible elements for funding and information on how to get involved. A summary of other current initiatives led by the Environment Directorate of INAC will also be presented.
First Nations Waste Management Initiative Presentation (PDF)
First Nations Waste Management Initiative Presentation (French, PDF)

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O&M Training

Fuel Handling: Spill Response - Doug Stuart, OFNTSC

This session will take participants through dealing with a fuel leak. The presenter will puncture drums of water and groups will try to stop the leak in the drum by using Spill Kits and leak repair kits. Spill reporting will also be part of this scenario. All participants will receive a video on Spill Response and stickers with phone numbers for Spill Reporting.

Safety at the Pumps - Doug Stuart, OFNTSC

A video will be shown on everything you need to know when dispensing petroleum liquids at the pumps. Including:
•  What you need for personal protection equipment
•  Legislative commitments
•  Safe Fuel Handling
•  Static electricity (bonding and grounding) proper procedures
•  Product Transfer Area Protection
•  Record Keeping

Fuel Handling: Labour Canada - Jason Sands, Labour Canada

Compliance Officers for Labour Canada are now out in the field more than ever. Our First Nation fuel handlers need to know there is more than one group who can press charges for non-compliance in regards to Health and Safety issues. Presentations will overview employee and employer responsibilities around the pump. Working safely around our fuel sites can only decrease the chance of spills and or accidents.

Natural Attenuation Landfill Training: Module 1: Landfills and Contamination - David Bucholtz, Cambium Inc.

Module 1, introduces how a natural attenuation landfill works and provides an overview of landfill features that have the greatest potential to affect Community health, safety and the environment.
Landfills and Contamination Presentation (PDF)

Natural Attenuation Landfill Training: Module 2: Setting Goals and Waste Diversion at your Landfill - David Bucholtz, Cambium Inc. & Stephanie Allen, OFNTSC

Determining your current landfill situation and establishing goals to improve landfill design, and the operations and maintenance at a landfill site. Waste diversion opportunities, along with specific examples from other First Nations will be shared as part of this module.
Setting Goals and Waste Diversion at your Landfill Presentation (PDF)

Natural Attenuation Landfill Training: Module 3: Landfill Operations and Maintenance, Design and Construction Features - David Bucholtz, Cambium Inc.

Module 3, focusses on typical design and construction features at a landfill site for the purposes of developing an Operation and Maintenance Plan.
Landfill Operations and Maintenance, Design and Construction Features Presentation (PDF)

Natural Attenuation Landfill Training: Module 4: Landfill Operations and Maintenance, Best Practices for Managing your Landfill - David Bucholtz, Cambium Inc. & Stephanie Allen, OFNTSC

Focuses on the best practices for operating and managing your landfill site under ideal conditions. It considers practical measures that can be implemented for improving current conditions at your site incorporating what has been learned from Modules 1-3.
Landfill Operations and Maintenance, Best Practices for Managing your Landfill Presentation (PDF)

Harbour Metals Recycling Facility Tour

Join us for a tour of the Harbour Metals Recycling Facility. Delegates will get to see what types of scrap metals are accepted and how materials need to be prepared prior to disposal. Space is limited, so be sure to register at Registration.

Solid Waste Management Options: Landfill vs Municipal Agreement - Dave Cronier, True Grit

This workshop will involve presentations on 3 options for First Nation Solid Waste Management: Landfill site on Reserve, Landfill Site Off-Reserve and Municipal Service Agreement. The talk will include discussions using actual case studies. The discussion will be led by Lindsey Jupp of the Mattawa FIrst Nations Management. Included in the presentations will also be Travis Jones of INAC and Dave Cronier of True Grit.
Solid Waste Management Options: Landfill vs Municipal Agreement Presentation (PDF)

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Resource Development

Environment Monitor Training - Hayley King, Four Rivers

There are many resources available to communities and individuals seeking to increase capacity in Environmental Monitoring. In this broad-scope session delegates will be introduced to various options and strategies for environmental Monitoring training. This session will also discuss the uses and applicability of Environmental Monitoring Training in terms of regional environmental stewardship, and will highlight some current initiatives under way in the region. A break-out session is planned to allow delegates to talk one on one with training providers and become more familiar with available resources in a hands on manner.
Environment Monitor Training Presentation (PDF)

Baseline Sampling - Gord Parker, Four Rivers & Mark Bell, Aroland First Nation

Baseline Samples are a key component of environmental monitoring strategies. Clear and detailed understanding of the existing state of the environment is crucial to noticing changes over time and understanding the source of that change. This session will begin with a discussion on the importance of collecting baseline data and it’s use in regional Environmental Monitoring. There will be an overview of some of the baseline data collection projects currently underway in the Matawa region, with a spotlight on a Sturgeon project in progress with Aroland First Nation. The second half of the talk will be a hands-on demonstration and practical session to learn common baseline sampling techniques and become familiar with examples of commonly used equipment.
Aroland Sturgeon Study Presentation (PDF)
Aroland Sturgeon Project Presentation (PDF)

Benthic Invertebrates - Hayley King, Four Rivers & Gord Parker, FOur Rivers

A common tool for measuring water health is a study of resident insects living in the water (Benthic Invertebrates). It is a simple, standardised, and cost-effective method of monitoring system health. Water is one of the fastest routes for potential pollutants to travel, changes in the resident invertebrates can be monitored to observe changes in water chemistry. This session will focus on the use of Benthic invertebrates as indicator species of ecosystem health, the different tolerances for pollutants between different species, and what the presence of different species mean for stream health. Different methods of collection and monitoring will be discussed, and there will be a practical session during which collection and identification will be practised.
Benthic Invertebrates Presentation (PDF)

Community Energy Planning - Roopa Rakshit, Lakehead University & Franz Seibel, Keewaytinook Okimakanak

There are a number of opportunities and challenges related to energy planning in First Nations including connection to renewable generation, managing an Independent Power Authority and dealing with Climate Change.
Representatives from Keewaytinook Okimakanak will share their experiences with Community Energy Planning as well as available FREE resources to support energy planning in your First Nation. An online energy intro course will be introduced that is available to everyone along with an energy planner`s guidebook and activities to involve and engage the youth in your community.
Community Energy Planning Presentation(PDF)

A Path Forward: Options for Roadways in Northern Ontario - Douglas Yahn, WSP & Phil Clark, WSP

The presentation will provide an overview of the options for all weather access road development in the north, which include Single Community Access Roads, Multi-Community Access Roads, or even possibly a Northern Highway Network. Connectivity is the key to development in northern Ontario and First Nations are looking at the path forward.
Like all paths, it is more difficult to travel alone. If northern Ontario First Nations work cooperatively alongside industries and government, it might be possible to develop a good highway system in the north that First Nations can be proud of.
A Path Forward: Options for Roadways in Northern Ontario Presentation (PDF)

Roadbuilding 101 - Rob Frenette, TBT Engineering

TBT Engineering will provide a workshop outlining the steps and procedures for the justification, planning, design, construction and maintenance of an all weather road network throughout Northern Ontario.
Topics of discussion will include:
  • Justification
  • Route Planning
  • Preliminary Design Stage
  • Detailed Design Stage
  • Construction
  • Maintenance
Focus will be provided on Environmental Sensitivities, Cultural Considerations and Sustainable Designs.
Project examples to demonstrate key points will support discussion activities.
Roadbuilding 101 Presentation (PDF)

Sustainable Harvesting Practices - Andrew Lock, MNRF, Natalie Popovic, Windigo First Nations Council, & Armanda Cimon, KORI

This session will be split between a delegate breakout working group a presentation and question and answer period. The first half focusing on a local harvesting practices and consideration the second half a presentation from MNRF on their Moose Project and practices for managing moose populations in Ontario.
Participants will work together in small groups on facilitated table topics to discuss local practices and consideration to managing their traditional hunting practices. Followed by short sharing presentation for capacity building among regional First Nations groups.
MNRF staff, focusing on the moose species, will provide an overview on the Provinces Moose Project including current figures, impacts to populations, management practices and considerations and recommendation for population growth.
Sustainable Harvesting Practices Presentation (PDF)
Sustainable Harvesting Practices:Consideration for Moose Management in Ontario Presentation (PDF)

Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project Update (Q&A) - Margaret Kenequanash, Chair of Watanikaneyap

An interactive Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project update will be provided with Question and Answer. The project will bring transmission electricity to 17 remote First Nations and is majority owned by 22 member First Nations. This unprecedented project is directly affecting First Nations today in the planning stages including; Community Readiness and training for employment, Environmental Assessment and First Nation Traditional Knowledge in corridor routing, preparing for connection to Local Distribution Companies and overall First Nation leadership through the board and shareholders. Bring your questions and join the discussion!
Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project Update Presentation (PDF)

Contaminated Sites - Doug Steele, TBT Engineering

Delegates will learn general points on the equipment and methods used to detect and asses such sites. Additionally, a "Radon Reminder" session will be presented, which will reinforce the suggestion that First Nations residents need to be Radon Aware and test their homes.
Contaminated Sites Presentation (PDF)
Contaminated Sites: Radon Reminder Presentation (PDF)

Aggregate Use and Permitting - Colin Hovi, MNRF & Breann Brunton, Windigo First Nations Council

The Aggregate Use and Permitting presentation will give an overview of the Aggregate Resources Act, how it applies on both Crown and Private lands. It will also give an in depth look at the roles of the applicant, MNRF and Aboriginal communities in the application process for pits and quarries in Ontario.
As an adaptation strategy to climate change, many communities are considering all-season roads. Windigo First Nations Council will share the knowledge gained through North Caribou Lake First Nation’s experience with the MNRF’s permitting process in relation to their road, bridge and aggregate projects. Participants will be guided through the process that NCLFN has followed thus far, including specific steps the projects went through to obtain permits, and some of the challenges along the way.
Aggregate Use and Permitting Presentation (PDF)

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Land Planning

The Far North Land Use Planning Initiative: Knowledge in Action - Julie McArdle, MNRF

This presentation will highlight the progress made on the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative, with an emphasis on the knowledge gained through the joint process of planning between First Nations and Ontario. Presenters will share how the process of planning has adapted with this knowledge and highlight lessons learned. Another focus of the presentation will be on how increased knowledge of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITL) and western science is helping inform decisions about land use in the Far North of Ontario. Finally, the presentation will discuss the future of land use planning, particularly considering the evolving and growing relationship between First Nations and Ontario.
The Far North Land Use Planning Initiative: Knowledge in Action Presentation (PDF)

Carbon Cap and Trade: Opportunities and Risks - Bill Maloney, OFNTSC

Bill Maloney currently works at OFNTSC as a Climate Change Specialist. In this presentation he will give a breakdown of Ontario’s cap and trade model, their Five Year Climate Change Action Plan, and discuss the challenges, risks and potential economic opportunities to First Nation communities.
Carbon Cap and Trade: Opportunities and Risks Presentation (PDF)

GIS Data Collection Techniques - Jennifer Duncan, Four Rivers & Charlene Wagenaar, Four Rivers

GIS is one of the most widely used tools in environmental assessment, land use planning and resource development. Delegates will be introduced to a variety of tools used for data collection for GIS, such as, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV or more commonly referred to as a drone), handheld GPS units and smartphone/mobile device applications for offline data collection on the go (ArcGIS Collector App). Delegates will learn about what each tools is, how it works, what types of projects it can be used for and how the data product from each tools is incorporated into a GIS systems and used to create map products.
GIS Data Collection Techniques Presentation (PDF)

Water Dialogue: A Pilot Project in Collaborative Podcasting - Lindsay Day, MSc Student, Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph

In this session we’ll share the story behind the collaborative Water Dialogues podcast -- an audio-documentary project about creating space to engage and mobilize Indigenous and Western ways of knowing on equitable terms in the discussion around, and ultimately practice of, water research and management in Canada.
Water Dialogue: A Pilot Project in Collaborative Podcasting Presentation (PDF)

Roots to Harvest

Roots to Harvest will host an interactive workshop at the Fort William First Nation community garden. They will speak about how the garden was constructed, the care and upkeep of it, the budget and how it is used. FWFN Ontario Works will also speak about where the vision for the garden originated. Delegates will have a chance to learn about and plant garlic in some of the 30 raised beds of the garden. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up at Registration.

Source Water Protection - Debbie King, Pays Plat First Nation & James Salter, Lakehead University

We will discuss the importance of source water protection and the process that is involved in creating a source water protection plan. Delegates will gain knowledge on many aspects of source water including: watershed delineation, determining issues with source water, groundwater science, baseline data collection, and much more. Hands on training will be available with the equipment that is used to perform water and soil sampling. Equipment includes: Kemmerer sampler, secchi disk, dissolved oxygen/ conductivity meter, pH, turbidity, color alkalinity, soil auger, and possibly more if available.
Source Water Protection Presentation (PDF)
Source Water Protection: Constructed Wetlands Handout (PDF)
Source Water Protection: Groundwater Handout (PDF)
Source Water Protection: Contaminants Handout (PDF)

Community Based Monitoring - Gleb Raygorodetsky & Cheryl Chetkiewicz PhD, Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada

As part of laying the foundation for developing a pilot Community-Based Management (CBM) project in Ontario's Northern Boreal, particularly in the Ring of Fire, WCS Canada is holding an information session on CBM at the Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference (NOFNEC). The session’s goal is to introduce First Nations' community members to CBM approaches and methodologies, share information with community members on CBM, receive feedback, and assess community interests in and priorities for developing a pilot CBM project. The CBM session will provide NOFNEC participants with copies of a community-friendly version of the WCS Canada Report called, "Watching, Listening, Learning to Understand Change".
Community Based Monitoring Presentation (PDF)

Exploration Mapping: CLAIMaps and OGS Data - Eric Gervais, MNDM & Alphons Evers, MNDM

CLAIMaps: The purpose of this presentation will be to demonstrate the new CLAIMaps application which was launched in April 2016. The CLAIMaps application is intended to display the staking activities undertaken by prospectors. There will be a general overview of CLAIMaps as well as a demonstration of the new functionality and mapping capabilities. This presentation will also include a description of map symbology, access to mining claim abstracts and land withdrawal orders.
OGS Data: I will be demonstrating the ways in which clients can obtain OGS data, with a focus on OGS Earth. The OGS Earth data will be demonstrated using Google Earth. I will also touch on the Geology Ontario online search tools, as well as our publications of OGS products.
Exploration Mapping: CLAIMaps Presentation (PDF)
Exploration Mapping: OGS Data Presentation (PDF)

Trapline Administration Process - Andrew Lock, MNRF

MNRF Staff will present and discuss the basics regulations and requirements of trapping and harvesting; including the difference between regulated trapping and harvesting for sustenance, registering trap lines, licensing requirements, roles and responsibilities of head trappers and helpers, and the repatriation of family trap lines.
Trapline Administration Process

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For information or inquiries regarding the NOFNEC 2016, please contact:
The Ad/venture Group
Maria D'Angelo
Phone: (807) 622-1979
Fax: (807) 622-0846
Unit 1 883 Tungsten St.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6H2
www.adventuregroup.ca
Email: adventure@tbaytel.net