Can Training Enable Indigenous Participation in Monitoring?

Authors
Shauna-Lee Chai
Zoey Wang
Tracy Howlett
Krista Tremblett
Michelle Hiltz
Resource Date:
2016
Page Length
1

An Environmental Monitoring Technician Training Program Pilot for First Nations and Métis communities in the oil sands
region of Alberta was initiated in 2015/16. The training program was designed with cultural sensitivity and accessibility as guiding principles.

In 2015/16, the curriculum focused on surface water quality monitoring, wildlife monitoring techniques and fieldwork safety courses which followed the standards and protocols laid out by the Province. In 2016/17 the curriculum expanded to include fish health monitoring. These areas of curriculum focus considered both the practicality of training delivery within the designed time frame and the interests and needs of both Indigenous communities and scientists.