Identifying potential approaches to managing water resources in Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory, Yukon

Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC) began generating hydro-electricity at the Aishihik Hydro Facility, situated within Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) Traditional Territory, Yukon, in 1975. Their continuing water use license will expire in 2019. Notwithstanding the Aishihik facilitys 41 years of energy production, CAFN has repeatedly expressed social and environmental concerns associated with the facility’s operation. This proposed work will identify potential approaches to addressing community concerns, enhance cooperation between CAFN communities and YEC, and develop a receptive framework for incorporating traditional knowledge in water management decision-making processes. It ensures not just timely relicensing but also effective long-term co-management of the water resources with CAFN that the Aishihik Hydro facility depends on. Moreover, these developments create opportunities for YEC to learn and adapt as an organization. This research will also document and enhance YEC’s ongoing institutional learning, enabling YEC to make the most out of these significant opportunities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Douglas Clark

Student:

Sujata Manandhar

Partner:

Yukon Energy Corporation

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Energy

University:

Program: