Northwest Transmission Line Project: Skii Km Lax Ha Traditional Use and Knowledge Report
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Northwest Transmission Line Project: Skii km Lax Ha Traditional Use and Knowledge Report Prepared By: Updated December 2009 Rescan™ Environmental Services Ltd. TM Vancouver, British Columbia NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Skii Km Lax Ha Traditional Knowledge and Use Study Executive Summary Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to inventory and describe Skii km Lax Ha Traditional Use (TU) and Traditional Knowledge (TK) related to the proposed Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) Project (the Project). Skii km Lax Ha TU/TK was collected between February and November 2007. Work was then suspended when, on November 26, 2007, NovaGold Resources Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited announced a decision to suspend construction of the Galore Creek mine project. As a result of the loss of this main customer, the Province and British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) suspended the Project for a year. In November 2008, the Province provided a mandate and additional funding to complete the Environmental Assessment. Work then recommenced and discussions about capacity funding and further data were collected between January and September 2009. A mixed methods approach was used to collect TU/TK information from April to September 2009, including desk-based archival research, direct discussions, and two formal interview sessions and mapping sessions. The key findings are summarized in the report, which indicates that the Project study area was, and to a large extent continues to be, well-travelled and frequently used by the Skii km Lax Ha, whose traditional territories intersect the Project from Cranberry River to Ningunsaw Pass (Laxyiip). Skii km Lax Ha traditional activities involve hunting, trapping, and fishing; important areas include historic and berry/plant/mushroom harvesting sites. The members of the Skii km Lax Ha Nation place a high value on their history, as it relates to their understanding of land tenureship and pursuit of their land claim. Their matrilineal lineage and connection to the Gyetem Galdo lineage is also highly valued. Disclaimer: This TU/TK report represents Rescan’s understanding of the views expressed and information provided by the Skii km Lax Ha on the subject matter discussed. BRITISH COLUMBIA TRANSMISSION CORPORATION i NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Skii Km Lax Ha Traditional Knowledge and Use Study Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Kathy Scott (M.A.) and Kay Farquharson (B.A) of Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Rescan) summarized and organized the information provided by Skii km Lax Ha, who have significant archival sources and gave logistical and conceptual assistance. Skii km Lax Ha reviewed and provided feedback on several drafts of this report. Ken Favrholdt also provided training and assistance in the collection of archival documentation. Paul Mitchell-Banks (Ph.D.) and Rolf Schmitt (M.Sc.) of Rescan reviewed the report, and provided project coordination and logistical support. Rose Spicker (B.Sc., Dip. Tech.) and Luke Powell (M.Sc., Dip. Tech.) of Rescan produced the maps. Lorraine Gevatkoff of Rescan was responsible for report production. Special thanks to the Skii km Lax Ha knowledge holders who shared their experiences and expertise of the region and their passionate desire to record their history. Rescan appreciates your patience and dedication to explaining your culture and connection to the land. Citation: Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Rescan). 2009. Northwest Transmission Line Project: Skii km Lax Ha Traditional Knowledge and Use Study. Prepared for BC Transmission Corporation for the proposed Northwest Transmission Line Project. December 2009. BRITISH COLUMBIA TRANSMISSION CORPORATION iii NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Skii Km Lax Ha Traditional Knowledge and Use Study Table of Contents SKII KM LAX HA TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND USE STUDY Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................................................................................. v List of Appendices ......................................................................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................................................................................................................. vii List of Tables .................................................................................................................................................................................... vii List of Plates ................................................................................................................................................................................... viii Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................................... ix 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Information Ownership and Sharing .................................................................................................................. 1-3 1.3 Report Outline ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-3 2. Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2-1 2.2 Study Area ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.3 Sources ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.4 Methods and Approach ........................................................................................................................................... 2-3 2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-3 2.4.2 TK/TU Study Set-up.................................................................................................................................. 2-3 2.4.3 Data Collection .......................................................................................................................................... 2-3 2.4.3.1 Desk-based Research ........................................................................................................ 2-3 2.4.3.2 Interview and Mapping .................................................................................................... 2-4 2.4.4 Data Processing ......................................................................................................................................... 2-5 2.4.4.1 Interview Transcription .................................................................................................... 2-5 2.4.4.2 Map Digitization ................................................................................................................. 2-5 2.4.5 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 2-5 2.4.6 Data Dissemination ................................................................................................................................. 2-5 2.5 Data Limitations and Considerations ................................................................................................................. 2-6 3. Research Findings ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1 BRITISH COLUMBIA TRANSMISSION CORPORATION v SKII KM LAX HA TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND USE STUDY 3.2 Place Names ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-3 3.3 Tenure System ............................................................................................................................................................