Building Expertise: First Nations in Quebec and Labrador Leading the Way in Sustainable Development

Empowering First Nations communities to participate in impact assessments is a key step toward self-determination and sustainable development. The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI) is at the forefront of this effort, helping communities develop the skills and knowledge needed to make their voices heard in impact assessments.

For those communities, meaningful participation and consultation in the assessments of major projects on their territory is critical. The FNQLSDI is making efforts to build that capacity by launching the Indigenous Capacity Support Project. The project focuses on providing learning opportunities and resources to First Nation communities in Quebec and Labrador to participate in federal impact assessments.

These tools and resources include building communities technical expertise to be able to analyze project information and manage data. These important actions are creating greater capacity and improving confidence of member communities to effectively participate in project assessments.

Some of their key achievements include:

• Improving data management by enhancing a geographic information system to better manage and analyze environmental data;
• Expanding the research capabilities of communities to boost their research and technical expertise on impact and environmental assessments;
• Organizing community workshops and an annual forum to discuss impact assessment topics and identify needs;
• Developing a web application to collect and organize field data, making it easier for communities to lead participation in impact assessments; and
• Providing helpful resources such as guides, and other resources to help communities navigate the impact assessment process.

FNQLSDI’s work is a significant step forward in ensuring that First Nations in Quebec and Labrador can determine how sustainable development projects are carried out on their lands — for themselves and future generations.

About

FNQLSDI collaborates with First Nations in implementing their vision of sustainable development. They provide support to First Nations in their quest for sustainable development, for healthy land and resources, for sustainable communities, for the full exercise of their rights, responsibilities and jurisdictions, and for the promotion of their cultures and languages.