Projects funded under the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative

Project: Applying a permafrost-lake landsystem framework to explore the diversity in aquatic ecosystems and trajectories of change for the Mackenzie River Basin

Proponent: Aurora College

Canada Water Agency funding: $198,950 over two years

Project Description: This project will advance the development of a permafrost-lake landsystem framework to consider linkages of physical, biogeochemical, and ecological characteristics of lakes and their responses to climate change in Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife and Behchoko in the Northwest Territories. A StoryMap will showcase the origins and climate sensitivity of different permafrost lake types to inform watershed monitoring and planning.

 

Project: From Diatoms to Dinner Plates: linking multi-decade freshwater ecosystem change, the productivity of sentinel traditional food species, and the traditional food security of Gwich’in and Sahtú communities

Proponent: Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board

Canada Water Agency funding: $196,326 over two years

Project Description: This project will study sediment cores, surface water, macroinvertebrates, and invertebrates to connect long-term changes in freshwater ecosystem health to vertebrate and invertebrate health and to the traditional food security of Gwich’in and Dene families in the Northwest Territories. This will be the foundation of building local capacity to study freshwater quality trends and impacts of changes in climate and freshwater systems on traditional food security.

 

Project: Assessment of rapid water quality degradation from thawing permafrost in the headwaters of the Peel River Watershed, Yukon Territory

Proponent: McMaster University

Canada Water Agency funding: $200,000 over two years

Project Description: This project will evaluate the speed and extent of water quality degradation in the Peel River headwaters of the Mackenzie River Basin due to metal leaching and acid generation from accelerated mineral weathering caused by permafrost thaw. Measuring water quality at benchmark streams and across the headwaters of the Ogilvie, Blackstone, and Hart Rivers, the proponent is working with Trondëk Hwëchin First Nation for monitoring in their traditional territories, engaging back country visitors to document stream rusting locations, and mobilizing knowledge through targeted outreach.

 

Project: State of the Peace and Slave Watershed in Alberta

Proponent: Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance Society

Canada Water Agency funding: $172,000 over two years

Project Description: This project will build on the previous work to complete an updated State of the Watershed report for the portions of the Peace and Slave River Watersheds within Alberta to identify trends and changes since 2015. The proponent will gather feedback and input from the public, partners and stakeholders, and through Indigenous Knowledge events and compile all the data into a web-based State of the Watershed report which will inform knowledge-based decision making across sectors.

 

Project: Capacity Building and Engagement to Protect the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem

Proponent: Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds Inc.

Canada Water Agency funding: $200,000 over two years

Project Description: This project will develop a State of the Saskatchewan Lake Athabasca Watershed Report by engaging the communities of Uranium City, Black Lake, Stony Rapids and Fond-du-lac within the Saskatchewan portion of the Athabasca sub-basin. The project will gather information and knowledge from Indigenous Elders and storytellers, Indigenous communities and Youth, and other stakeholders, to bridge knowledge and advance a better understanding of the freshwater and food security impacts that communities are facing in the watershed.

 

Project: Stories of Change: Mackenzie River Basin Climate Change Knowledge Workshop

Proponent: Wilfrid Laurier University

Canada Water Agency funding: $89,405 over one year

Project Description: This project aims to foster meaningful engagement by developing respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, academics, and government jurisdictions.  By bridging Indigenous Knowledge and scientific knowledge systems, the project seeks to gather and communicate the stories of climate-driven changes occurring in the aquatic ecosystems of the Mackenzie River Basin. Findings from the workshop will be incorporated into the next public Mackenize River Basin State of the Aquatic Ecosystem Report.