Learning from Lake Sturgeon (ki kiskinohamâkonânawan namewak): Weaving Indigenous and Western knowledge to assess cumulative effects in the Moose River watershed

Lake Sturgeon, known as Namew (nam-ay-o) in Moose Cree, are an important part of the Moose Cree First Nation’s culture and are a subsistence food source for the community. Namew are considered a species of special concern within the Moose River watershed, but are classified as an endangered species globally. As a long-lived species that can grow up to two metres long, Namew require clean, deep, fast-flowing, and large unfragmented lakes and rivers to live and reproduce. Contamination from industries like mining and forestry, as well as habitat fragmentation and changes in water levels due to hydroelectric dams and climate change, have contributed to Namew population declines around the world. The Moose River Watershed is under pressure from multiple stressors (e.g., new mines, forestry plans, hydroelectric facilities, and climate change) and Moose Cree Community Elders and Community Members are concerned about the health of all fish that they rely on, including Namew. While the Moose River Namew population is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world, little work has been conducted to determine the health of Namew and their habitat in this region.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mary-Claire Buell

Student:

Partner:

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Trent University

Program: