Linking Soil, Vegetation Community, and Disturbance History to the Prevalence of Traditional Native Plants: An Indigenous-Driven Applied Research Initiative

There are disproportionate number of Federal Contaminated Sites found within Indigenous communities across Canada. As Indigenous peoples have unique ties to their lands, which serve as a means of sustainability and sovereignty, the impact of industrial processes on soil and vegetation within settlements is of utmost importance. This applied research project aims to address these concerns within the Peavine Métis Settlement, an indigenous community located just north of High Prairie, Alberta. Environmental monitors will be trained to collect soil and vegetation samples from field sites, process and analyze these samples, interpret the data generated, and communicate their findings to the Peavine community. These activities will address integral applied research questions focused on understanding the impact of industry and other disturbances on the lands and plants of traditional significance, which will facilitate the development of data-driven mitigation strategies that will ensure environmental sustainability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kelsey Bourgeois;Jeremy Wakaruk

Student:

Partner:

Peavine Metis Settlement

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Public administration

University:

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Program: