Water Quality Research for the Liard First Nation

April 20, 2015

The Yukon Research Centre (YRC) has partnered with the Liard First Nation (LFN) to examine the drinking water quality in LFN traditional territory. Results will be used to support water management in 2/2.5 Mile, Upper Liard, Windid Lake, and Albert Creek.

LFN has directed YRC to establish base-line data on drinking water quality, access, and safety. Researchers have completed well water testing and ground and surface water mapping, and will survey community members about values, concerns, and practices related to drinking water from Monday, April 20th until Sunday,  April 26th.

“Yukon College has committed to collaborate with Yukon First Nations governments to identify, coordinate, and implement their research priorities and this project is an example of our strategic plan in action”, said Dr. Karen Barnes, President and Vice Chancellor, Yukon College”. “Our researchers are working with communities to solve northern problems with northern expertise”, said Barnes.

Research results will be used to guide LFN on water management planning for their citizens. This study will help to prioritize upgrades to infrastructure, inform citizens on water quality information, and guide LFN with the values and concerns of their citizens.

Researchers will be requesting community survey participation at a community event on Monday, April 20th at the 2 Mile Hall from 9am to 5pm. LFN citizens can take part in the survey at this event or schedule an interview for later in the week. They can also call Lisa Christensen at 1.800.661.0504 or Sarah Newton and Josie O'Brien at 867.332.1726. The survey will focus on preferences, opinions, and practices of drinking tap water, and concerns related to health, and the quality of decision-making and communication around LFN-supplied drinking water (well or delivered).

Well water test results will be compared to national standards and shared with participants later this spring. Overall project results, including those from the survey, will be summarized and checked with the community at a dinner event likely to be scheduled for June 2015.

For more information on this project, please visit our website.

This research is funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, University of Saskatchewan, and Yukon Research Centre.