Strategic Planning for Cumulative Impact Assessment in Metlakatla Territory

The proposed research program is a planning process that will help to enable the Metlakatla Development Corporation to meaningfully participate in regional development. There are 29 major projects proposed in the traditional territory of the Metlakatla First Nation and these projects will have significant costs and benefits. The current project-based cumulative effects assessment as required in environmental assessment legislation is not able to adequately address potentially significant environmental and socioeconomic changes that accumulate from individual projects. Our research team will develop a methodology for project evaluation that incorporates Metlakatla values and goals into the review process, assesses regional cumulative effects of proposed projects in Metlakatla traditional territory and develops strategies to manage adverse impacts and maximize potential benefits. The proposed project will provide the Metlakatla First Nation with a valuable framework to participate in future industrial development in a manner that meets their economic, environmental, cultural, social, and health goals and objectives.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Thomas Gunton

Student:

Sean Broadbent, Sarah Robertson, Melissa Luccheta, Katerina Kwon & TBD

Partner:

Metlakatla Development Corporation

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

Simon Fraser University