The Canada Water Agency announced an investment of over $1 million over two years for six projects being funded through the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative.
The goal of the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is to improve the water quality and aquatic ecosystem health of the Mackenzie River.
Recipients:
Aurora College (Yellowknife, NT)
Project: Applying a permafrost-lake land system1 framework to explore the diversity in aquatic ecosystems and trajectories of change for the Mackenzie River Basin
Funding amount: $198,950 over two years
Description: This project will study how climate change is affecting lakes in permafrost regions by advancing a framework to better understand how land, water, and ecosystems are connected and how they are changing. Work will focus on areas around Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Yellowknife, and Behchoko. As part of this project, a StoryMap will be developed as a visual tool to show the origins of different types of permafrost lakes and their sensitivities to climate shifts. This will help communities and decision-makers plan and monitor watersheds more effectively in the future.
Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board (Inuvik, NT)
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
Funding amount: $196,326 over two years
Description: This project will study freshwater ecosystems in the Northwest Territories by analyzing water samples, sediment, and aquatic life to better understand long-term changes in water quality. The findings will help demonstrate how these changes affect the health of animals that are part of traditional diets, and how this connects to food security for Gwich'in and Dene families. Support is also provided for local communities to build skills and knowledge needed to monitor freshwater health and the impacts of climate change on traditional food sources.
McMaster University (Hamilton, ON)
Project: Assessment of rapid water quality degradation from thawing permafrost in the headwaters of the Peel River Watershed, Yukon Territory
Funding amount: $200,000 over two years
Description: This project will evaluate how climate change is affecting water quality in the Peel River headwaters of the Mackenzie River and to better understand how fast and how severely these changes are happening. As permafrost thaws, minerals in the soil break down more quickly, which can release metals and acids into nearby rivers and streams. The proponent will work in partnership with the Trondëk Hwëchin First Nation to monitor water quality in their traditional territory. Backcountry visitors will also be encouraged to report areas where streams appear rusty. Findings from the project will be shared through targeted outreach and community engagement.
Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance Society (McLennan, AB)
Project: State of the Peace and Slave Watershed in Alberta
Funding amount: $172,000 over two years
Description: This project will build on previous work that focused on the 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 events focused on Indigenous Knowledge, and compile all the data into a web-based State of the Watershed report to inform knowledge-based decision making across sectors.
Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds Inc. (Moose Jaw, SK)
Project: Capacity Building and Engagement to Protect the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem
Funding amount: $200,000 over two years
Description: This project will develop a State of the 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 get a better understanding of the freshwater and food security impacts that communities are facing in the watershed.
Wilfred Laurier University (Waterloo, ON)
Project: Stories of Change: Mackenzie River Basin Climate Change Knowledge Workshop
Funding amount: $89,405 over one year
Description: This project aims to build respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, researchers, and government partners. By bringing together Indigenous Knowledge and western science, the initiative aims to better understand and share stories about how climate change is affecting aquatic ecosystems in the Mackenzie River Basin. Findings from the workshop will be incorporated into the next web-based Mackenzie River Basin State of the Aquatic Ecosystem Report.
1A permafrost land system framework is an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach used to understand, map, and manage landscapes underlain by perennially frozen ground (permafrost).
