Climate Change in Our Backyard II - CAFN

Climate Change in Our Backyard IIClimate Change in Our Backyard II

2009 Conference Report Haines Junction, Yukon

2009 Conference Report Climate Change in Our Backyard II 1

Climate Change in our Backyard: Table of Contents Overview 2

Introduction: Goals, Format, Audience 3

Section One: Presentation Summaries Events Happening in the World - Colleen Henry, Council of Yukon First Nations 4 What's Happening in the Yukon - Darcy Matthiessen, Council of Yukon First Nations 5 Engaging Youth in Climate Change - Lia Johnson, Government of Yukon 6 Yukon Government's Action Plan - Diane Gunter, Government of Yukon 7 Adaptation Planning - Sebastian Jones, Northern Climate ExChange 8 A Yukon Community's Story - the Dawson Experience - Sebastian Jones, Northern Climate ExChange 9 Our Everyday Values & How They May Change - Sheila Greer, Champagne & Aishihik First Nations 10 Water in Our Changing Forests - Roger Brown, Champagne & Aishihik First Nations 11 Affects of Change on Our Fish and Wildlife - Linaya Workman, Champagne & Aishihik First Nations 12 Human Health in a Changing Climate - Anne Middler, Health Canada 13 Emergency Preparedness in the Yukon - Michelle Toews, Yukon Emergency Measures Organization 14 Emergency Planning Process - Rose Kushniruk, Champagne & Aishihik First Nations 15 Changes in a Northern Community - Ryan Hennessey, Northern Climate Exchange 16 Haines Junction Community Infrastructure - Martin Eckervogt, Village of Haines Junction 17 Permafrost and the Alaska Highway - Bill Stanley, Government of Yukon 18 Northern Housing Trust - Carl Evers, Champagne & Aishihik First Nations 19 Overview of Tourism in Yukon - Shannon McNevin and Colin MacDonald, Yukon Tourism and Culture 20 Ecological Integrity Monitoring - Richard Cherepak, Kluane National Park and Reserve 21 Adaptation in Canada's North - Tanuja Kulkarni, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada 22

Section Two: Adapting to Change - Round Table Discussion Summaries Land Based Occupations and Traditions 23 Our Community Human Health and Preparedness 24 Infrastructure, Planning and Local Economy 25 Key Priorities for Adaptation Planning 26

Appendices Conference Participants 27 Presenter/Partner Contact Information 28

2 Climate Change in Our Backyard II 2009 Conference Report

Climate Change in Our Backyard II was held March 9 to 12, 2009 in Haines Junction, Yukon, as a follow up to the first conference held in 2006. The spring 2006 Climate Change in Our Backyard confer-ence was the first of its kind in the Yukon, and brought to-gether scientific and local experts to share common con-cerns about climate change and work together on solu-tions. Outcomes were used by local managers to guide ongoing management. The purpose of the 2009 workshop was to further discuss the results of climate change in the Champagne and Aishi-hik First Nations Traditional Territory (CATT) with community members, and to identify ways of adapting to change in this region. The first section of this report, “Presentation Summaries”, includes summaries of all formal presentations made at the conference. Please note, these summaries are very brief "snapshots" of some of the information presented.

For more thorough details on presentations, you may request copies of the event transcripts from CAFN, or contact the individual presenters to request a copy of their presentation (pages 4-22). The second section, “Adapting to Change,” is a summary of round table discussions of impacts of climate change reported by residents and acceptable ways of dealing with those impacts. Local input shows that residents are open to planning for adaptation and have a wide variety of recommendations and ideas on how to move forward (pages 23-26). Again, these are very brief summaries of observations, recommendations and priorities expressed by residents of the CATT. Detailed round table discus-sion summaries are available by request from CAFN. The final section, "Appendices", provides a detailed list of Climate Change in Our Backyard II participants, pre-senters and partners.

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A scenic view along the Haines Road

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Participants during round table discussions

Participants during round table discussions

Local residents and presenters

Overview:


Introduction: The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and Alsek Renewable Resource Council (ARRC) co-hosted the conference “Climate Change in Our Backyard II, through funding received from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The goal was to provide a fo-rum for local people, resource managers and research-ers to share knowledge and experience related to cli-mate change. The workshop was held March 9-12, 2009 in Haines Junction, Yukon (Canada) and about 100 people participated. The conference was a follow-up to the first Climate Change in Our Backyard session held in 2006, and successfully brought together scien-tific and local experts to identify ways of adapting to climate change in the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory (CATT). The goals of the workshop were to: �� Discuss results of the 2006 Climate Change in

Our Backyard workshop; �� Learn further observations of climate change from

residents of the CATT; �� Work toward a climate change adaptation plan for

the CATT; �� Bring people together from all communities in the

CATT to discuss a common issue; �� Conduct a community-based adaptation planning

exercise; �� Hear what are priorities for action in the CATT from

local people; �� Build partnerships among communities, people,

managers, governments and agencies in the CATT; �� Produce a user-friendly report; �� Provide a communications opportunity to agencies

to share information with the community; �� Provide a venue for local, Yukon and national pre-

senters; and �� Identify next steps for climate change planning in

the CATT.

Formal presentations were followed by round table dis-cussions with residents of the CATT. Each group dis-cussed the same questions and their responses were recorded using a prepared form. The information gath-ered is compiled in this report for various agencies to utilize in planning processes, and as a resource for local residents. Participants included representatives of communities in the CATT, including: �� Takhini River Subdivision, �� Mendenhall, �� Champagne, �� Canyon Creek, �� Aishihik, �� Haines Junction, �� Haines Road, �� Nygren Subdivision, �� Kloo Lake, and �� Silver City. Presenters included local experts, researchers and ex-perts from the Yukon and other parts of Canada, and local managers with Government of Yukon, CAFN and the ARRC.

This workshop was made possible through assistance from many partners, including the INAC Climate Change Adaptation Program, Council for Yukon First Nations, Northern Climate ExChange and the Northern Ecosystem Initiative. Thank you to the many local experts who con-tributed their time, knowledge and energy.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory

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Dezadeash Lake


The Arctic Athabaskan Council represents American and Canadian First Nations and is housed with the Council of Yukon First Nations in Whitehorse, Yukon. Yukon partici-pation through the AAC at an international level can have a positive impact here. An example is the Northern Con-taminants Program, which worked with indigenous groups like the AAC and resulted in the Stockholm Con-vention, a treaty to protect indigenous people that changed national and regional laws regarding pollutants. The AAC also participated in the recent Traditional Knowledge and Climate Change Adaptation workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark. Key issues and recommenda-tions of that workshop: �� The Arctic is a barometer for the effects of climate change glob-

ally; �� Our history and culture teaches us how to survive harmoniously

and to adapt to change; �� We must show the balance between and the delicate interrela-

tionships that exist between language, traditional knowledge, food, health, the land, the waters –and how these are impacted by climate change on individuals and Indigenous communities;

�� Parallel processes must be recognized and encouraged between western scientific methods and the Traditional Knowledge of Arctic Indigenous Peoples in examining the causes and impacts of climate change;

�� The health and well-being of Arctic Indigenous Peoples must be of paramount concern for national governments and interna-tional organizations;

�� Climate change is opening the Arctic to increased oil drilling, mining for metals and minerals, commercial fishing, shipping, leading to an increase in moves to claim and access natural resources that could further destroy the homeland of Indigenous Peoples;

�� Arctic Indigenous Peoples must renew rights position to notify Arctic nation states of human rights obligations under interna-tional covenants, referring specifically to the United Nations Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.�

�� In order to address effectively the impacts of climate change, there must be an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst all Arctic Peoples and States to ensure the security and integrity of the land, water and all its creatures.

�� Traditional Ecological Knowledge must form the basis for regu-lations, laws and policies and decision-making on the environ-ment and natural resource management; co-management of the environment and natural resources is preferred by Arctic Indige-nous Peoples.

Everything that happens to the earth will happen to the Arctic and Subarctic first, which is why the Yukon must be involved in the national and international arena.

The AAC is available to visit other communities to deliver this presenta-tion. Please see page 28 for contact information for the AAC.

For more information: www.arcticathabaskancouncil.com

Presentation Summaries:

Events Happening in the World: Arctic Athabaskan Council Colleen Henry, the Arctic biodiversity assessment coordinator for the Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), presented an overview of climate change around the world. Colleen presented a wide variety of graphic examples demonstrating changes in the global environment. She utilized some slides and information from "An Inconven-ient Truth", Al Gore's movie on climate change. The increase in carbon dioxide parallels the decline of glaciers, including glaciers in the Himalaya Mountains, which are the source of water for 40 percent of the world's population. Ice core samples also show a dra-matic increase in temperature and carbon dioxide read-ings in recent years. Glacial ice cores have layers, like tree rings, that show historic seasonal snowfall and ice melt. Bubbles trapped in the layers show corresponding carbon dioxide levels. These changing rates indicate that by 2040-60, Canada will experience an additional three to four degree increase in the annual temperature. Changes in temperature precipitate changes in the weather, including more hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and floods. There is already evidence of this change, including Hurricane Katrina. Weather related disasters in Canada are also clearly on the rise. Water availability and its impact on agriculture is another huge consideration with the changing climate. Dramatic changes in the Arctic are also happening. The ice shelf and sea ice are drastically reduced from the 1950s to the present. The Arctic Climate Impact Assess-ment findings predict that reduced sea ice will increase access to resources. The permafrost boundary and tree line are moving north. Invasive species are increasing, such as the spruce bark beetle in the southwest Yukon. The earth is like a giant engine that pumps energy and temperature around through winds. Climate change is interfering. This is evidenced through a 1 degree change in temperature at the equator and a 7 degree change at the poles.

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Climate Change in the Yukon: Council of Yukon

First Nations

Darcie Matthiessen, climate change adaptation analyst

for the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN),

discussed climate change in the

Yukon Terri-tory.

Darcie defined several terms related to climate change. When we use the term climate, we typically mean weather. She defined greenhouse gases as the gases largely attributed to climate change, including greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor. Climate change is a change in the ex-pected weather. The Arctic is the globe's environment barometer. Science describes that the global tem-perature has already increased by 0.7 degrees C. In the Yukon, community members are reporting changes including: �� Unpredictable weather, �� Glaciers and permafrost are melting, �� Wildlife migration patterns, �� New species,

�� Insect populations, �� Increasing forest fires, and �� Different water levels. Expected effects of climate change in the Yukon include: �� More weather related acci-

dents, �� Infrastructure instability, �� Melting glaciers, �� Changes in food security, �� Arrival of new species, �� Changes in insect popula-

tions, �� Forest fires, and �� Changes in water levels and

availability. A large number of projects re-lated to climate change and adapting to its impacts are un-derway in the Yukon: �� Climate Change Risk Assess-

ment, �� Food security project, �� Northern Voices Coalition, �� Participation in UN Climate Change meetings, and �� International Polar Year 2007-2009 Planned projects include: �� Arctic Peoples, Culture, Resilience and Caribou, �� Climate Change Scenarios, �� Risk Assessment Training, and �� Community Information and Needs Assessment Yukon First Nations have a strong position at the interna-tional level. The Yukon is represented at the Arctic Coun-cil through the Arctic Athabaskan Council, which repre-sents about 45,000 indigenous people in the U.S. and Canada. For more information: www.cyfn.ca

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Presentation Summaries cont. Yukon Youth: Involvement in Climate Change Yukon youth Lia Johnson discussed opportunities for youth to be involved with climate change activities. Lia has been actively involved with Yukon Youth, Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (CYCC) and participated during United Nations (UN) climate change talks. Locally, there are many ways Yukon youth have been and can continue to be involved in climate change action, including BYTE Workshops, high school green teams and social justice clubs, petitions, annual climate change conferences, and participation at the national and inter-national level. Yukon youth have held annual climate change confer-ences called Yukon Youth Outside (the box), beginning in 2007. Each year they have developed tools to create awareness, including key messages/priorities, calen-dars, and input into the Yukon-wide climate change ac-tion plan.

Key messages and priorities identified by motivated Yukon youth in 2008 include: �� Government leadership, �� Green buildings we can afford, �� Innovative energy, �� Public awarnication (awareness and education), �� Youth involvement, �� Sustainable transportation, �� Promote/support local food, and �� Ban plastic bags. The biggest key message is that youth want action on climate change.

Internationally, youth have been heavily involved at UN climate change conferences and even negotiations. As 40 percent of the world's population, it is appropriate for youth to be involved. Youth have been involved in higher numbers since 2005, with 500 youth participating at UN talks by 2008. The Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (www.ourclimate.ca) is an active group of 12 youth organizations from across Canada. Lia joined the Ca-nadian Youth Delegation (CYD) to attend UN talks in Poland in 2008. The CYD remains very active (cydpoznan.org) and continues to lobby political leaders in Canada. Lia recommends that Yukon Youth get involved in any way possible to raise public awareness and strong pres-sure for climate action, including: �� Contact your MLA, �� Start a green club, �� Talk to your friends and family, �� Join Yukon Youth Outside (the box) Facebook group,

or �� Organize an event. For more information: www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/pdf/yukon_youth_outside.pdf

Yukon Youth Outside (the box) 2008

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International Youth Delegation to 2008 UN Climate Change talks in Poland

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Climate Change Action Plan, Yukon Government The Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) details 33 new or enhanced actions the Yukon Government (YG) will un-dertake in support of: �� Enhancing knowledge and understanding of climate

change; �� Adapting to climate change; �� Reducing greenhouse emissions; and �� Leading Yukon action in response to climate change. The CCAP was released in February 2009 and focuses on mitigation and adaptation, with a key priority being ef-fective adaptation. The CCAP establishes a Yukon Gov-ernment Climate Change Secretariat. Partnerships are a major emphasis of the Plan, and it identifies a number of ways to reduce emissions.

Current Yukon Government climate change projects and initiatives: �� Create a Yukon Climate Change Secretariat; �� YG to be carbon neutral by 2020 and to set a Yukon-

wide target by 2011; �� Report emissions through a climate registry; �� Reduce emissions of YG's light vehicle fleet; �� Government-funded new residential construction to

meet GreenHome standards; �� Incorporate environmental performance standards in

YG purchasing decisions; �� Establish Green Action Committees in all departments; �� Collect and distribute water quantity and quality data; �� Inventory permafrost information; �� Continue to disseminate climate change messages to

schools; �� Educate on how locally grown foods can substitute

food imported from outside; �� Ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring programs; �� Yukon Invasive Species Working Group; and �� Monitor trends in human health to observe and miti-

gate change. Several projects underway from 2008-2011 include: �� Assessing the vulnerability to climate change and

adaptive capacity of Yukon forest tree species and ecosystems (Energy, Mines and Resources – Forest Management Branch, University of Northern British Columbia);

�� Adaptive management for water users responding to climate change (Environment - Water Resources Branch);

�� Infrastructure vulnerability to permafrost (Highways and Public Works, Yukon Geological Survey);

�� Community information and needs assessment (CYFN, Yukon College, Yukon Government); and

�� Supporting the development of regional climate change scenarios (CYFN, Yukon College, Yukon Envi-ronment).

To view a copy of the Climate Change Action Plan, go to: environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/monitoringenvironment/ccactionplan.php


Presentation Summaries Cont. Adaptation Planning, Northern Climate ExChange Sebastian Jones, the Northern Climate ExChange (NCE) climate change coordinator for Dawson City, discussed why he believes adaptation is important in Yukon com-munities and Haines Junction in particular. A major impact in northern communities is that many of our food sources come from regions that may become deserts. Areas that were once major food crop areas are now experiencing major drying conditions due to in-creased temperatures, or “desertification”. A vulnerabil-ity of Yukon communities is that we rely on our limited highways to supply us with food. If supplies are not avail-able to come from outside, we need to be prepared to provide for our own needs. Why adapt? Because climate change is coming, so it is better to plan for the future rather than react. Adaptation could mean the difference between existing and not ex-isting in the future. Why Haines Junction? Each community has unique needs, and what may work in one community may not

work elsewhere. For example, Haines Junction has spe-cific needs in relation to the effects of the spruce bark beetle infestation. Some great opportunities in our com-munity include the geothermal well, potential for com-munity heating, and the community greenhouse project. There are several reasons Haines Junction would benefit by partnering with the NCE. A budget of $335,000 is available, almost all of which can be spent in the com-munity, resulting in employment opportunities. The NCE can provide the expertise, but the process is community-driven through a Local Advisory Committee of six to eight people. And ultimately Haines Junction would have im-proved sustainability and resilience. This would strengthen the community, provide more population sta-bility, better educated residents, and better economic security. An example of adaptation for Haines Junction could mean growing more of our own food (individual and com-munity gardens), community storage of foods, and more sustainable agriculture. For more details visit: www.taiga.net/nce

Photo from Northern Climate ExChange home page

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Climate Change Adaptation Project - The Dawson Experience Northern Climate ExChange

The overall objectives of the Dawson Adaptation Plan are to: 1. Bring community stakeholders together to learn

about and plan for climate change adaptation. 2. Link climate change experts with community leaders

and residents. 3. Produce an accessible Adaptation Action Plan. 4. Complete initiatives to prepare Dawson for a chang-

ing climate. The plan is being prepared by Dawson residents, with help from the Northern Climate ExChange, Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions (CAVIAR), and with funding from the Northern Strategy Trust (Canada and YG). Dawson City is the first Yukon community to be part of this project. They are building on two previous projects: the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and the Dawson City Community Action Plan on Climate Change. The project is led by a Local Advisory Committee that guides the process, reviews all documents, provides rec-ommendations and approves the final product. The project was started in May 2008 and the first adap-tation projects take place in the summer of 2009. The process is to be completed in three phases: �� Phase One - Vulnerability Assessment - Assess the

community's ability to respond to climate change, including local input and climate modeling.

�� Phase Two - Adaptation Plan - Identifies short, mid and long-term initiatives that will be taken to build resil-ience to a changing climate.

�� Phase Three - Implementation - The Local Advisory Committee decides which projects to implement/spend funding on.

Resilience is the ability of a system, from individuals to whole economies, to hold together and maintain their abil-ity to function in the face of change and shocks from the outside. Through the process so far, Dawson has learned their resilience comes from experience, memory, demogra-phy, identity and concern for their community, education and economic well-being. Some examples of adaptation that could occur in Dawson are changing building codes and construction techniques to adapt to melting permafrost, or growing more and new kinds of foods locally. Dawson has learned there is uncertainty in planning to adapt to climate change, and it is best to plan for the un-known and be prepared to be flexible. Sebastian summarized that for Dawson City, the ability to adapt is the difference between fiscal prudence and irre-sponsibility, and could be how Dawson continues to exist. For more information: www.taiga.net/nce

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Presentation Summaries cont. Our Everyday Values and How They May Change, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Sheila Greer, an anthropologist for CAFN, discussed val-ues and how they may change in response to a changing climate. Values are something we use every day to make deci-sions. An example of a high value is our family and those we love. Sheila gave examples of Southern Tutchone values she has learned about during her time working for CAFN. They include: �� The importance of community and extended family

— What an individual does reflects on their family, and the whole family and community play a role in teaching children.

�� Flexibility (“keep your options open”) - People in this region are very adaptable to change, including changes in wildlife and changes in the landscape.

In Teslin, a community survey was carried out that identi-fied four critical values: 1. The bush 2. The water 3. The land 4. The wildlife All of the above are related to activities and changes on the land. A survey carried out in the CATT would not be the same, but might have similar results.

How can these values be applied in response to changes? An example is that weather conditions when out on the land are much less predictable today. We need to consider how this variability reflects on our val-ues. Using the land as a teacher and getting out on the land is a major step in becoming more competent. Another example is less traditional food. One way to adapt is by applying the traditional value of sharing. There are many examples of Southern Tutchone people being extremely resilient and adaptable to change in the past, including the dynamic land, the Gold Rush, the construction of the Alaska Highway, residential school, the dam construction at Aishihik Lake, the pipeline com-ing through, etc. Change has always been happening. The conclusion of this study is that Southern Tutchone people are used to change and making it work for them. We have to think about the effects of sending our kids to "day school" instead of "bush school". It will impact how they see the world and how they will be when they are grandpar-ents. In summary Sheila stated, "We need to do everything we can for the next generation to have all the knowledge they can, about the land, how to live here, and how to enjoy the bounties…". For more information: www.cafn.ca

Local youth share a story about traditional values

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Community members at the March 2009 workshop

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Water in Our Changing Forests Influence of Climate Change and Spruce Beetle to Water and Watersheds in the CATT Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Forester Roger Brown (CAFN) discussed ways climate change and the spruce beetle infestation may cause changes in water and its relationship to the forest in the CATT.

Roger first explained the basics of the water cycle (hydrology). Vegetation draws up water from the soil, which is affected by many elements, such as climate, weather, or precipitation, or may be intercepted by trees. Some water accumulates as snow loads on trees, some evaporates, runs off, is taken up by tree, or percolates into the soil. There are many different variables, depend-ing on geology and soil types. Sometimes water moves through quickly, or it can be held for a long time. Using a number of studies and examples, Roger illus-trated changes that are occurring in the climate of the CATT. Scientific information shows that seven of the last 10 years have had less precipitation, and five of the hot-test years on record have been in the past 10 years. Av-erage winter temperatures are milder, and average sum-mer temperatures are warmer. Based on current trends and changes, climate change models show that by 2085, there may be as much as a 25 percent increase in winter precipitation, with average increases of up to two degrees in summer and five degrees in winter. The southwest Yukon may experi-

ence a temperature change of three to seven degrees in the next 80 years. This will impact the fire danger and increase the length of the fire season by 30-80 days. All of these anticipated changes will impact water in the forests of the CATT: earlier snow melt and run off, in-creased drought stress (as happened with the spruce bark beetle infestation), changes in vegetation, changes in evaporation and transpiration, increased stream and lake temperatures, increased storm events, increased stream erosion and permafrost melt (affects fish), etc. Even without climate change, our forests will experience change. If those changes are synchronous (occur at the same time) with the impacts of climate change, the im-pacts may be huge. Because we cannot predict climate change accurately, we need to plan. To adapt to and prepare for potential changes, we can: �� Carry out research, monitoring and predictive moni-

toring; �� Consider alternative land management practices; �� Make changes to fire suppression policies; and �� Carry out stream restoration. For more information: www.cafn.ca/lands

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Participants watched the movie "Blue Gold" during the workshop

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Presentation summaries cont. Climate Change: How Can it Affect Our Fish and Wildlife Populations? Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Linaya Workman, renewable resources manager for CAFN, presented information on some affects the changing climate may have on fish and wildlife in the CATT. Changes that may affect fish and wildlife: �� A change in seasonal temperatures; �� Increased precipitation; �� Melting permafrost; �� Lakes freezing later and thawing earlier; �� Changing water levels; or �� Changes in types of vegetation communities. Wetlands: ��With warmer temperatures some wetlands may

dry up; �� This will create new grassland and shrub areas; �� The vegetation found in wetland areas will change,

impacting plant and wildlife species that rely on wetlands;

��Many bird species rely on wetlands for rearing young; and

��Moose also utilize wetlands for calving and rear-ing young.

Melting permafrost: ��When large permafrost area melts, they create a

depression in the ground. The trees around it col-lapse, creating a pond or wetland;

��Changes the immediate area by creating a differ-ent type of habitat; and

��Over time the new ponds may benefit other spe-cies like moose, ducks, frogs, etc.

Rivers, creeks and lakes: �� Increased temperatures may change water levels,

temperatures, nutrients, oxygen, etc; �� In some cases we may see lower water levels and

warmer temperatures, which can affect the pro-ductivity of species that rely on this type of habitat — for example, warmer temperatures in Dezadeash Lake could affect lake trout, and lower

water levels and extreme freezing may cause salmon eggs to die at Klukshu. Low land grass and shrubs: ��We may see

changes in the types of plants that grow, including new or rare species, but we may also lose some spe-cies;

�� These changes would be driven by temperature and precipitation;

��Many species of wildlife rely on this type of habitat, including gophers, rabbits, moose and birds.

Forested areas: �� The northern boreal forest is a unique habitat; ��Colder temperatures and low moisture are traits that

define our forests; ��With increased temperature and precipitation we

may see forests move into alpine and sub-alpine areas;

��Many species, such as caribou and ptarmigan, rely on forested areas;

��Warmer temperatures may also change the fre-quency of fire, which could impact species that rely on old growth forests.

Extreme weather events, like rain in the middle of win-ter, directly affects wildlife due to ice cover preventing access to food, burrows, etc. Increased snow also affects animals ability to find food and move around, especially young animals. With warmer temperatures we may see new species, like deer, moving in, as well as new predators. Cari-bou habitat may diminish, but moose habitat may in-crease. Insect and parasite activity may increase. We may need to adapt the way we live on and use the land. One of the best things we can do is to be eyes and ears on the land and monitor what is changing.

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Human Health in a Changing Climate, Health Canada Anne Middler of Health Canada presented an over-view of the report, "Human Health in a Changing Climate: A Canadian Assessment of Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Capacity". Anne explained that the Yukon and Northwest Terri-tories are experiencing the greatest change in all of Canada related to climate change, and is the most vulnerable. The North is addressed specifically in Chapter 7 of the report. The World Health Organization defines health as "a complete state of physical, mental and social well being, not just the absence of disease". In Canada and around the world, the increase in extreme weather and weather-related disasters are having an impact on human health and causing losses. The risks to Canadian health are expected to in-crease through our food, air, water, and exposure to extreme weather events and infectious diseases. The challenge in adapting is preparing without knowing exactly what to expect, but taking proactive action helps minimize risks. Demographics: Northern populations have gener-ally poorer health, more exposure to risks, higher risk of accidents, lower age, and more incidences of self harm/suicide (esp in Eastern Arctic). Food security: Access to traditional foods is chang-ing with changes in habitat. Female single-parent households are also facing difficulty in accessing nutritious food. Market foods may become less ac-cessible, because we rely on outside sources where the growing conditions are changing. The silver lin-ing is we may have better opportunity to grow our own food. Extreme precipitation and natural hazards: We are seeing more avalanches, mudslides and storms, which can have direct and indirect affects. People are injured in the events, and side affects are also a risk, like mold due to flooding.

Increased exposure to UV radiation: There is an in-crease in the amount of UV radiation hitting the earth, so when out on the land, radiation from the sun is more extreme. New and emerging diseases: Long-term temperature changes are likely to cause changes in the types and frequency of diseases in insect, bird and animal spe-cies that can transmit disease to humans. Water security: Climate change can impact the source of our water, cause contamination, flooding. Storage and distribution may also become more difficult. Infrastructure: Melting permafrost can impact infra-structure like roads, homes, power lines, etc. Traditional knowledge and adaptation: First Nations people have always adapted to a changing climate – this includes survival skills, ability to monitor ice safety, weather conditions, and increasing uncharac-teristic conditions. There is an increasing awareness of the value of aboriginal traditional knowledge on how we're going to adapt to change. In closing, Human Health in a Changing Climate repre-sents an early step in understanding the complex and inter-related changes happening in the North.

For more information: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cc


Presentation summaries cont. Emergency Preparedness in Yukon, Yukon Emergency Measures Organization Michelle Toews of the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) provided participants with an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Yukon EMO during an emergency. What is an emergency? An emergency is an abnormal situation that demands prompt, coordinated actions that exceed normal procedures, thereby mitigating damage to person, property and / or the environ-ment. The big "E" is a larger emergency which re-quires multi-agency response. The little "e" re-quires a single agency response. Today emergency management is thought of as a comprehensive, integrated approach involving miti-gation, preparedness, response and recovery. Canada’s response system begins with the individ-ual. Protect yourself, your property, and your family first. If the individual can no longer cope, they turn to the municipality or the First Nations. The First Nation or municipality turns to the territorial govern-ment if their resources are expended. Then the terri-torial government turns to the federal government, if there are needs for more manpower or financial as-sistance. Emergencies do cost money and can be quite expensive, more than municipalities, First Na-tions or territories can bear. Emergencies can be natural or human-induced events. Natural events may include flood, forest

fires, tornado, earthquake, blizzard, epidemic, mud/snow slide, and storm surge. Human induced events could include hazardous materials spills, transporta-tion accidents, utility out-ages, terrorism, civil unrest, construction failure, tech-nological or economic events, or explosions. Consid-erations in rural communities include limited person-nel and resources, deployment time and access. The role of the EMO is to ensure the Yukon, as a whole, is prepared to respond to and recover from emergen-cies. The EMO works with many partners, including the RCMP, Search and Rescue associations, Yukon Amateur Radio Association, EMO coordinators in mu-nicipalities, First Nations and communities. EMO de-livers emergency management courses and assists in developing emergency measures plans. The responsibility of the EMO is to coordinate the ef-fective response to an emergency, by assisting when an emergency is beyond the capability of a municipal-ity, First Nations or unincorporated community. The EMO activates the Joint Emergency Operation Coordi-nation Centre (JEOCC) to one of four levels. Emer-gency Measures also liaises with the Emergency Coor-dination Group, which includes federal agencies, Yukon Government departments and corporations, local authority, First Nations, response agencies and utility providers. In the instance of a large scale emer-gency, Yukon EMO can also gain assistance through Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) and Pacific Northwest Emergency Manage-ment Agreement (PNEMA), which includes Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, British Columbia and Yukon. In summary, The Emergency Measures Organization is the coordinating Yukon Government agency for the effective response to an emergency, by supporting the Yukon’s Municipalities, First Nations and Unincorpo-rated Communities. www.gov.yk.ca/depts/community/emo or [email protected] The Joint Emergency Operation Coordination Centre (JEOCC)

at the Whitehorse Airport

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Emergency Planning Process, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Rose Kushniruk, community lands officer for Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, presented an overview of emergency measures planning by CAFN. She stated that CAFN has done a lot, but there is always need to do more. For emergency response, we have to depend on many local people and local skills. In emergency measures planning, we also need to focus on local people and the skills they have. Why would we want a plan in the first place? We have a role to assist designated bodies. We know our commu-nity the best, such as our elders and special needs, so we are best suited to assist. We also know who lives in our CAFN communities and houses, and we have knowledge of the land. It is also important to know who has equip-ment or expertise in a community, like boats, ATVs, spe-cial training, First Aid, etc. And we care about our citi-zens. What are some emergency situations that can arise? Fire, floods, earthquakes, missing persons (what to do and what not to do), dam breaking (Canyon), winter power outages, wind storms, highway blockage, limited good in, drought, disappearing or invasive species. What initiated emergency planning in the CATT? Fire! Evacuation is one of many chapters in a emergency measures plan. There are historically lots of fires in the Yukon and Alaska, and we learned from the evacuation of Haines Junction in the 1990s. Things are changing and we need to be prepared for the unexpected. In a sense, all of us are first respond-ers and monitors.

Pandemic Planning With changing temperatures, there are predictions that there will be increased influenza and a need for pandemic planning. CAFN communities also need to be prepared for pandemic planning. There are a few flu pandemics we can learn from in the past century: �� The Spanish Flu, 1918-20, 20-50 million deaths �� Asian Flu, 1956-58, 2 million deaths �� Hong Kong Flu, 1968-69, 1.5 million deaths �� Novel Swine Flu, 1976, false alarm, major vaccina-

tion �� Avian Flu, 1997, six fatalities Health experts say we should be prepared for another. To cause a pandemic, a flu needs to be new and conta-gious among humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) watches for warning signs of new influenza viruses and seasonal influenza A and B epidemics each year. A pandemic does have warning signs, and communication is key. WHO has six phases to classify the phases of a pandemic: 1) Inter-pandemic Period; 2) No New Sub-types; 3) Alert Period; 4) Human to Human Infection; 5) Large Clusters; and 6) Pandemic. Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens have sup-ported emergency planning through a General Assembly resolution, and CAFN continues with ongoing emergency measures planning in cooperation with its communities and government partners.

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Presentation summaries cont. Uncertain Times, Uncertain Climes: Food for Thought on How Climate Change Might Affect Northern Communities Northern Climate ExChange Ryan Hennessy of the Northern Climate ExChange ad-dressed the questions: �� What do communities need to consider when con-

templating climate change? �� How will climate change vulnerabilities influence

community life? �� What could be the cumulative impact of climate

change vulnerabilities on Yukon communities? In the next 50 years, temperatures are projected to be significantly warmer in Yukon communities. The annual mean temperature of Northern BC and Southern Yukon is expected to be about 2.6 degrees warmer (Celsius). Precipitation is projected to increase 10-45 percent by 2050, which will also result in an increase in the snow water equivalent (the amount of water contained in snow). It is important to recognize that not all regions in the Yukon will be impacted the same. Nine different climate areas have been identified in the Yukon. Each area will be subtly different and will need to adapt differently.

How can climate change affect Yukon communities? �� Hydrology and water resources are likely to be im-

pacted through increased snowfall and run-off, changing water quality, increased melt water in streams and rivers, decreased wetlands and ponds, and increased wetlands in new areas.

�� Biodiversity will likely shift with an increase in pests, invasive species and diseases, change in distribution of species, hampered migration, increased forest fire risk, and increased productivity in some species.

�� Transportation and infrastructure will be impacted by melting permafrost. This may result in movement of building foundations, damage to roads and walkways (access), increased landslides, decreased property values and increased erosion along rivers and streams.

�� Health may be impacted by the increased risk of sun-burn and increased consumption of produced foods leading to diabetes and obesity.

�� Recreation may change with increased impact to the land through recreation and possibly more opportuni-ties for recreation.

�� Local economies may be affected by a longer tourist season, additional challenges to attract tourists if conditions are unsuitable, vulnerable markets, in-creased insurance premiums, and higher costs for repairing and maintaining infrastructure.

Cumulative impacts may result in a landscape that is no longer familiar, lifestyle disruption, isolation of communi-ties, increased depression, and a higher cost of living. There is a great deal of uncertainty of how climate change will affect us at a regional level because there is not a lot of information available and we cannot predict the future. However, with the input of community members who are "living climate change daily", the community can develop a better informed response. How can the worst be avoided? Through planning ses-sions like this. Proper adaptation planning is crucial to ensuring we are prepared to address the unique needs of Yukon communities based on their different vulnerabilities and socio-economic needs. For more details visit: www.taiga.net/nce

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Community Infrastructure, Village of Haines Junction Martin Eckervogt, a municipal employee for the Village of Haines Junction (VOHJ), provided an overview of VOHJ infrastructure. The VOHJ has an annual operating budget of about $1.6 million. About half of the budget goes toward the landfill and recreation. This limits the VOHJ from doing a lot to focus on reducing their carbon footprint, but other sources of revenue are being considered. Other maintenance includes maintenance of roads with BST (bituminous surface treatments). About 1.5 miles are resurfaced each year in order to keep all road sur-faces newer than 10 years. Discontinuous permafrost is a factor for some Haines Junction streets. Haines Junction maintains about a dozen buildings. The newest is a pump house at the Dezadeash River, which is the most energy efficient. Most municipal buildings were built in the 1970’s and are not as well insulated by to-day’s standards. Heating systems include oil, electric and propane. Additional funding is being researched to reduce the carbon footprint and reduce operating costs of some buildings. The landfill is undergoing reorganization in 2009. This includes setting up areas to reduce the amount of waste and increase the amount of recycling. The VOHJ works with the Recycling Committee, which oversees the local recy-cle centre. The community uses about 325,000 litres of water daily on average, and has storage capacity of about 700,000 litres. The only water treat-ments are to add chlorine and carbon dioxide (to reduce the pH). Arsenic levels have not changed, but new drinking water guidelines are in place. Haines Junction is working with the Yukon Government to have new systems in place to reduce arsenic levels by 2011. Wells

include a warm water artisan well, which is one of the deep-est drinking water wells in North America at about 1,200 feet deep and about 17 degrees C (average wells are eight degrees C). The well also has above average water pres-sure. Alternative heating options using the warm water have been researched, but come with such a high infra-structure cost that at present the well is being used only as a drinking water source. The municipal septic system includes eight kilometers of sewer mains around the community. They empty into a sewage lagoon about one mile out of town. The treatment area is made of five lagoon cells. Waste water remains in the lagoon area for about five years and the cleaned water is then released into the Dezadeash wetlands area. For more information on Haines Junction: www.hainesjunctionyukon.com

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The St. Elias Convention Centre, which houses the Village of Haines Junction administrative offices


Presentation summaries cont.

Permafrost and the Alaska Highway: A Permafrost Research Project, Yukon Highways and Public Works Bill Stanley from Yukon Highways and Public Works gave a thorough overview of projects currently underway to reduce the impacts of permafrost on the Alaska Highway. The entire Yukon is affected by discontinuous and con-tinuous permafrost, and most of the Alaska Highway in the Yukon is impacted by melting permafrost. The chal-lenge is that as soon as road work begins, permafrost begins to melt. This is not a new problem, but with an-ticipated changes due to a warming climate, there is increased attention to mitigate the affects. A number of promising techniques are being tested on sections of highway in the Yukon and the results and costs are being monitored over the next 5-10 years. Project partners include: US Federal Highways Admini-stration, Yukon Highways and Public Works, Alaska Uni-versity Transportation Center, Transport Canada, Univer-sité Laval, and Public Works and Government Services Canada. The general methodology used in the test areas is to in-crease cold air flow into highway embankments and to use materials that reflect heat. The test areas were con-structed between April and June 2008. The different techniques employed include: �� Full Air Convection Embankment (ACE); �� Full Heat Drain Embankment; �� Covered ACE Shoulder Treatment; �� Uncovered ACE Shoulder Treatment; �� Heat Drain Shoulder Treatment; �� Longitudinal Convection Culverts; �� Heat Drain Shoulder Treatment with Insulation;

�� Snow-Free Side Slopes;

�� Grass-Covered Side Slopes; and

�� Light-Colored BST Surface.

The different test sites are monitored through thermistors (underground ther-mometers) and data is being collected for sev-eral years. New tech-nology allows for data to be stored, sent by satel-lite and posted to the web the next day. Early test sites in Alaska and Canada had difficulties with track-ing data, so it is important to collect the data on the sites regularly and ensure it is stored properly. After one year, the data and techniques will be reassessed. The sites will also be visually monitored. At the end of the project, the most successful methods will be considered for use on a larger scale. Increased landslide activity is also anticipated if precipi-tation levels continue to rise, especially in the Kluane Lake area. Landslides in 1988 blocked the highway in several areas along Kluane Lake. Improvements have been made by raising the height of the highway in some areas, as well as by installing larger or more culverts in problem areas in an effort to prevent future highway dam-age or blockage. For more information: www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/pdf/Permafrost__E_2008.pdf

ACE Slopes Covered: Finished

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An embankment failure due to permafrost near Beaver Creek


�� Older oil and propane furnaces; and �� Wood add-on furnaces are not clean burning. CAFN plans to upgrade these homes by installing more efficient heating systems, improving insulation and im-proving ventilation. This includes replacing oil furnaces with more efficient models, such as sealed oil units that combine space and hot water heating. Wood units will be replaced with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified stoves. Insulation will be improved by replacing old windows with triple-paned windows, re-placing doors, re-insulating ceilings, and wrapping exterior walls, and adding styrofoam around base-ments. Installation of HRV systems will also improve air quality. They ensure a house has fresh air, recover some heat from stale air during exchange with fresh air, pre-vent mold and operate very quietly. Other planned improvements include replacing oil tanks with double-walled tanks to reduce risks of spills, re-placing a few defective septic systems, making homes safer with new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and improving access for disabled citizens. For more information: www.cafn.ca

Northern Housing Trust, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Carl Evers, manager of the Northern Housing Trust pro-ject at CAFN, presented an overview of work currently underway by the First Nations. The CAFN government received about $3.15 million from the federal government of a total of about $50 million divided among Yukon Housing and other Yukon First Na-tions. Champagne and Aishihik is using the money to bring about 70 houses up to basic building standards and also plans to build two new rental units. These new units will be built to SuperGreen standards. Typically homes con-sume about half of the energy used by a community for things like electrical power, home heating and hot water. CAFN would like to improve efficiency and, in turn, re-duce its carbon footprint.

SuperGreen is a new Yukon Housing standard including the following specifications: �� Outside walls about 16 inches thick (R-60); �� Roof insulation is R-80; �� Wall truss wraps the entire building exterior; �� Loose fill insulation fills gaps during settling; �� Efficient and comfortable, with minimal air leakage; �� Quiet; and �� Clean air with Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV). Retrofits required for existing units: �� Not up to current building standards; �� Not very energy efficient;

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An ice sculpture in front of the St. Elias Convention Centre in 2006 during the first Climate Change in Our Backyard

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Champagne and Aishihik First Nations main administration building in Haines Junction

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A high cache (Däkwäkada) in Haines Junction


Presentation summaries cont. Sustainable Tourism in Yukon, Yukon Tourism and Culture Shannon McNevin and Colin MacDonald of Yukon Tour-ism and Culture presented what they informally titled, "Sustainable Tourism 101". Tourism earns an estimated $198 million each year in the Yukon, provides about 11 percent of all jobs, and is the largest private employer sector in the territory. The overall trend is that visitation is generally on the rise over the past eight years, although the number of visitors to the Yukon has declined recently in keeping with the global trend.

Yukon Tourism collects information on tourism (visitation) through: visitor exit surveys (every five years), monthly border crossing statistics, Visitor Information Centre statistics, Whitehorse International Airport, Sta-tsCan International Travel Survey, and a yearly conver-sion study. The top 10 countries of origin for visitors to the Yukon are the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, New Zealand, France, and Mexico. In 2008, tourism to the Yukon declined, as did the rest of Canada. Factors included the high price of fuel, the high value of the Canadian dollar and the economic slowdown in the United States. It is anticipated the economic crisis worldwide will likely reduce travel in 2009 as well, al-though a lower Canadian dollar and lower fuel prices may help. A recovery is anticipated by 2010, and may also benefit from interest in the 2010 Olympics in Van-couver.

Sustainable tourism can be summed up as, "protect the destination; apply limits and management techniques that preserve natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic ap-peal and local culture," (National Geographic Centre for Sustainable Tourism Destinations). Some examples are green tourism, geo-tourism, eco tourism and responsible travel. The most common term is eco tourism, which is defined as "Responsible travel to natural areas that con-serves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," (TIES 1990). There are four pillars of sustainable tourism: 1. Effective sustainability planning; 2. Maximizing social and economic benefits to the lo-

cal community; 3. Reduction of negative impacts to cultural heritage; 4. Reduction of negative impacts to environmental

heritage. The presenters explained business owners who want to be "green" should: �� Walk the talk, �� Consider every aspect of your business, �� Promote your sustainable efforts through your mar-

keting, �� Work and partner with those who also practice sus-

tainable tourism, and �� Provide experiences where visitors see how their

vacation provides positive benefits to environment and culture.

Shannon and Colin concluded by emphasizing the impor-tance of marketing. A business or destination must be prepared to respond to inquiries that are the result of their marketing efforts, i.e. customer service.

For more information: www.tc.gov.yk.ca/

Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

Serve as basic guidelines for all size businesses

Serve as guidance for travel agencies in choosing suppliers and sustainable tourism programs for their clients

Helps consumers know who is walking the talk

Help those programs out there already to ensure their standards meet a broadly-accepted baseline

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Yukon Border Crossing Statistics


Ecological Integrity Monitoring, Kluane National Park and Reserve Richard Cherepak of Parks Canada presented on eco-logical integrity monitoring underway in Kluane National Park and Reserve (KNPR). A system has ecological integrity when it has all of its parts and processes. The KNPR has been monitoring for ecological integrity for many years (sheep and moose). National direction has resulted in new positions and standardized monitoring throughout national parks. Kluane NPR will carry out ecological monitoring in five zones: glaciers, tundra, forests, freshwater and wetlands. Glaciers will be monitored for the volume of the Kaskaw-alsh Glacier and the area of the ice fields. Tundra will be monitored for area, plant productivity, snow depth, sheep and goats, connectivity and tree line. Forests are being monitored for area, plant productivity, fire fre-quency, spruce bark beetle, moose, ground squirrels, song birds, predators, structure and composition, bear/human interactions, and connectivity. Freshwater is be-ing monitored for flow, quality, Kokanee and other fish.

Wetlands are being monitored for area, connectivity, plant productivity and amphibians (frogs are considered an indicator species throughout the world). All information recorded will be stored in a national data-base and available to other agencies. The data recorded will be used to establish thresholds, review those thresh-olds over time, and determine if and when management action is required. Outcomes of "renewal" are expected to be: �� Greater public awareness and appreciation of the

places Parks Canda is entrusted with and who Parks Canada is, what they do and what they offer;

�� Greater ecological/commemorative conservation gains in more places, people and events, with better results including being better known and under-stood; and

�� Canadians connecting or reconnecting to the places that are entrusted to us to protect and present.

Ecological integrity monitoring is one tool Parks Canada is using that will assist with tracking climate change.

For more information: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/yt/kluane/

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Moose populations have been monitored in Kluane for almost 30 years


Presentation summaries cont. Adaptation in Canada's North Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Tanuja Kulkarni of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) presented on ways the federal government is as-sisting northern Canada with adapting to climate change. National funding for adaptation totals $85.9 million. INAC is overseeing $14 million over three years from 2008-11 for adaptation in the North. It is intended to support aboriginal and northern communities, organiza-tions and territories in addressing urgent risks and op-portunities in the North with respect to climate change adaptation. The program is called, "Assisting Northern-ers in Addressing Key Vulnerabilities and Opportunities". The main objectives of the INAC adaptation program are to: �� Assess and identify risks and opportunities related

to the impacts of climate change; and �� Develop and implement climate change adaptation

projects and/or plans to increase the capacity of Aboriginal and northern communities to address the impacts of a changing climate.

Partners to the INAC program include federal agencies, aboriginal governments and organizations, territorial governments, research institutions, technical experts and communities. Funding is available through the INAC adaptation pro-gram annually. Eligibility is determined using criteria including resources, clear methodology, community en-gagement, community benefit, and fit with program goals. The types of projects that are eligible: �� Risk assessments; �� Preparation of action plans; �� Address major issues of emergency management,

food security, community planning and vulnerability of infrastructure/resources.

Examples of adaptation planning in Nunavut , the North-west Territory and the Yukon were presented.

There are a variety of projects underway in the Yukon through this program: �� Regional Climate Change Scenarios; �� Hydrologic Risk Assessments and Adaptive Manage-

ment Frameworks; �� Adaptive Capacity of Yukon Tree Species to Climate

Change; �� Infrastructure Vulnerability to Climate Change; �� Community-based risk assessment and adaptation

planning in Dawson City, Whitehorse; and �� Old Crow Risk Assessment and Final Agreement

Analysis. INAC has learned several lessons through the adaptation project. Information related to climate change is explod-ing across the North. Much of it is research or academic-driven with close relationships to communities. When the two intersect, action is evident. For more information: www.inac.gc.ca/enr/clc

The NWT adaptation planning model

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Adapting to Change: Round Table Discussions Round table discussions were held each day of the four-day event. Individuals were grouped by community and remained with the same group throughout the workshop. The communities represented were: �� Takhini �� Whitehorse/Aishihik �� Canyon Creek �� Mendenhall/Kusawa/Champagne �� Haines Road/Klukshu �� Nygren/Kloo Lake/Haines Junction Round table discussions were recorded on flip charts, and each group was led by a facilitator and assisted by a volunteer recorder. All round table discussions have been transcribed and are stored with CAFN. Full tran-scripts of the workshop are also stored with CAFN. Please contact CAFN Lands branch to request copies.

Round Table Discussion Questions Topics: �� Land Based Occupations and Traditions �� Our Community Human Health and Preparedness �� Infrastructure, Planning and Local Economy Questions for each Topic: �� Please review past observations of change for your

community and add further observations of change, if any.

�� What might be the impact from that observed change?

�� What can we do about it? Top Priorities Please identify your top three priorities from each theme (above).

Land Based Occupations and Traditions The most frequently voiced recommendations in relation to land based occupations and traditions were as follows. Getting back on the land "People need to get out on the land more,” was a state-ment repeated throughout the workshop. Participants recommended getting youth and families out more fre-quently to learn traditional activities from elders through-out the year. Many recommended holding more frequent culture camps. Practicing traditional values "The past ways of our people are the key to us adapting," one participant said. Another stated, "We need to really listen to the stories of our ancestors." Important values for harvesting shared during group dis-cussions included: �� hunt with respect, �� take only what you need, �� use all that you have, and �� share with the community. Reviving traditional systems of trade and barter was also suggested. Monitoring by local people Encouraging local people to get out on the land in order to use their observations to monitor change was said to be key to adapting. Salmon Salmon are a major concern and priority for many. "We have to figure out why they're not coming back," was echoed by many about salmon populations at Klukshu and on the Alsek/Tatsenshini system. Residents were very concerned about the many impacts of the loss of this traditional food source. First Nations citizens in particular mentioned the need to determine the cause for drastically reduced numbers of salmon returning to spawn, resulting in closure of the fishery.

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Other fish concerns General concerns about fish, including fish at Dezadeash Lake, were mentioned. The high ratio of suckers to white-fish was mentioned by several. Responsible use and man-agement of fish was a priority (no overfishing). Some par-ticipants said catch and release is not an acceptable man-agement tool. Changes in fish flesh and anatomy (two guts) were also mentioned. Moose Many community members mentioned moose. Comments included: �� "We need to rebuild the moose population by elimi-

nating the late hunt in zone 7 because they're breed-ing;"

�� Declining moose populations; �� Many reports of more moose sightings on or near high-

ways, particularly during winter; �� Reduced fear of humans/automobiles by moose; and �� Increased bison hunting may reduce hunting pressure

on moose.

Elk Elk concerns were mentioned by a few. Some noted there seem to be more elk and they are moving. Others had concerns about ticks on elk and risks posed by elk herds coming too close to some communities. Some spoke in favor of opening hunting for elk. Responsible Practices Many spoke in favor of adapting through a wide variety of responsible practices, including: �� General conservation and responsible management

of fish, wildlife, water and the environment; �� Carpooling; �� Reduce, re-use, recycle; and �� Developing an action plan.

Partnerships The need for strong partnerships at many levels was re-peated. Partnerships between governments, countries, community members, youth, elders, etc. were all said to be critical for sharing information, planning and adapt-ing. Communication The need for sharing information and good communica-tion by all partners and stakeholders was mentioned repeatedly.

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Mental Health Increasing mental illnesses, such as depression and addic-tions (drugs, alcohol, gambling, television, electronics) were also mentioned. Reliance on social assistance was also a concern. Solutions Community members recommended many resourceful so-lutions to concerns with changes to human health and pre-paredness. Growing more of our own food was mentioned by many. Participants recommended more personal gardening, com-munity gardens, greenhouses, and increased local agricul-ture. Teaching young people how to garden was also a pri-ority. Education was mentioned as a critical tool for helping hu-mans adapt. "We have to learn how to live off the land again," said one community member. Many called for teaching our youth and the communities about traditional values, healthy lifestyle, how to garden, how to hunt, and how to harvest and use traditional foods and medicines. Bush survival skills were said to be important, and culture camps were raised again by several as a good way of pass-ing on this information and getting people out on the land. Many people said we need to be more physically active, with walking during activities on the land mentioned the most frequently. Several participants said ongoing Emergency Measures planning in CATT communities is essential.

Our Community Human Health and Preparedness

Changes in Humans A wide variety of changes in humans were reported. Changes in food sources, activity levels, overall health, and mental health were raised.

Food Sources "We used to work for our food. We had to catch it, clean it and cook it," said one participant. Many of the changes reported in humans were linked to changes in food and how we get it.

Many said we are eating less traditional foods for a vari-ety of reasons: �� We are not getting out on the land to harvest as

much; �� Traditional foods are less available (salmon, berries,

gophers); and �� The quality of traditional food is not as good (worms,

parasites, potential contamination).

Concerns with store bought foods were also raised: �� We're eating too much store bought food, junk food

and fast food; �� Store bought foods are higher in sugar, fats, pre-

servatives, etc; and �� Store bought foods are lacking freshness (meat,

dairy, produce).

Activity Levels Many participants reported that people are generally less active and spending too much time working or watching television, and not enough time getting outdoors.

Overall Health Reduced use of traditional medicines was mentioned by several people as well. "No one's using traditional medicines anymore because they don't know how to make them," one person said.

Many reported increases in illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, asthma, allergies, obesity, HIV, cavities, arthri-tis, and heart disease.

People expressed concern about environmental contami-nants linked to human health, including pesticides, lead, dumps and residual hazardous materials, animal waste, and plastics. Some expressed concerns about the spread of these contaminants into our water sources.

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Infrastructure, Planning and Local Economy Infrastructure Participants expressed a number of observations and recommendations for infrastructure:

�� Houses are experiencing problems with efficiency and permafrost, which should be addressed.

�� Recycling and reducing household garbage are im-portant. We have a good recycle centre in Haines Junction and need to use it. Some communities still need recycling facilities.

�� Safe water supplies are important to have and main-tain.

�� Alternative or "green" energy should be used more. �� Highways, roads and trails are all impacted by cli-

mate change and need to be repaired and main-tained.

�� Klukshu residents in particular expressed the need for more community infrastructure, such as a fire-fighting shed, well, bathroom facilities for tourists, and an emergency payphone.

Economy Participants observed that the economy of the CATT is being impacted by the global recession, and taxes and the cost of services are high (some said "too high for Northerners to afford"). Others said there are fewer jobs and fewer youth sticking around as a result. "Decrease tax and increase the economy," said one community member. Residents said there are opportunities, however, includ-ing those relating to climate change adaptation. Pro-moting farming and local agriculture are also important to the economy, participants said. It is also important to "make sure the pipeline is done right," residents said. "We have to raise awareness" about things like salmon and permafrost. Some partici-pants noted it is important to have “more domestic oil refinement and dependence.” Tourism There are a number of opportunities around tourism. Participants mentioned: guiding, dog mushing, bed and breakfasts, stores, cafes, marketing the Park, and the new CAFN cultural centre.

Concerns about tourism were also expressed, including: the need for more bathroom facilities, waste disposal and "dumping" along highways and on the land by visi-tors, the need for new policies for tour operators to "respect the land", and unsafe driving by visitors in mo-tor homes (too close or stopping on the road for photo opportunities). Forestry Some participants mentioned the importance of forestry. They said we need to continue logging and firewood cut-ting of beetle killed trees and look for new ways to mar-ket it. Ongoing forestry management was also recom-mended, including continued FireSmart work, prescribed burning, and reforestation. Partnerships There is need to increase partnerships on many levels: �� Between business to improve marketing of Haines

Junction and to coordinate the visitor experience; �� With the KNPR to make it more accessible; �� With community members for climate change adap-

tation planning like this; �� Between First Nations and non-First Nations people; �� For Emergency Measures planning; �� For land use planning; and �� To increase capacity and opportunities.

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Top Priorities for Adapting

The most frequently mentioned principles for adapting to climate change in the CATT were to: �� Respect the land and its resources; �� Get back on the land; �� Learn to be more self sufficient and pass it

on to younger generations; and �� Continue to work together through partner-

ships and good communication.


Conference Participants:

Barb Allen Chris Allen James Allen Jean Bastien Mickey Beattie Al Biggs Kathy Birckel Paul Birckel Darlene Blair Stella Boss Louise Bouvier Josephine Boyle Audrey Brown Brittany Brown Gerald Brown Stephanie Brown Carol Buzzell Tom Buzzell Collette Catto Richard Cherepak Marc Chouinard Shannon Clohosey Dawn Cooke Patt Delaney Remie Dionne Sam Dionne Clara Dionne Martin Eckervogt Chris Eikland Greg Eikland Gail Fraser Katelyn Friendship Dena Graham Frances Graham Ken Graham Bruce Green Sheila Greer Diane Gunter Ryan Hennessey

Sheila Quock Bob Reich Ryan Sealy Dan Selbie James Smith Eddie Smith Latisha Smith Winnie Smith Jim Stevens Diane Strand Angela Street Vern Toews Alex VanBibber Dalton VanBibber Kathy VanBibber Rosalie Washington Frances Wellar

Chuck Hume Richard Hume Suzie Hume Wade Istchenko Marge Jackson Shania Jackson Jason Jim Micheal Jim Frances Joe Lawrence Joe Lia Johnson Sebastian Jones Dora Kane Mary Kane Lacia Kinnear Tanuja Kulkarni Jonnie-Lyn Kushniruk Rose Kushniruk Sheila Kushniruk Brent Liddle Agnes MacDonald Mariah MacDonald Michele MacDonald Gloria MacElheron Darcie Matthiessen Amy McKinnon Jenna Mills Roy Millspaugh Jenny Moose Kate Moylan Kim Oakley Sydney Oakley Frances Oles Doris Papineau Cole Pauls Anthony Primozic Monica Primozic Natane Primozic Sarina Primozic

*A small number of additional participants attended whose names were not obtained for the record.


Alsek Renewable Resources Council www.alsekrrc.ca (867) 634-2524 Arctic Athabaskan Council www.arcticathabaskancouncil.com

Cindy Dickson, Executive Director (867) 393-9214 or [email protected]

Colleen Henry, Project Coordinator (867) 393-9241 or [email protected]

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations www.cafn.ca

Roger Brown, Forester (867) 456-6883 or [email protected] Sheila Greer, Anthropologist [email protected]

Linaya Workman, Renewable Resources Manager (867) 634-4211 or [email protected]

Rose Kushniruk, Community Lands Officer (867) 456-6891 or [email protected] Council of Yukon First Nations www.cyfn.ca

Darcie Matthiessen, Climate Adaptation Analyst (867) 393-9215 or [email protected]

Bob VanDijken, International Polar Year Coordinator (867) 393-9237 or [email protected]

Government of Canada

Health Canada Publications Toll free 1 (866) 225-0709 Fax (613) 941-5366 [email protected] www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cc

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Tanuja Kulkarni [email protected] www.inac.gc.ca/enr/clc

Parks Canada Kluane National Park and Reserve Richard Cherepak www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/yt/kluane/

Government of Yukon

Emergency Measure Organization (EMO) Michelle Toews, Emergency Measures (867) 456-6516 or [email protected] Emergency toll free: 1 (866) 985-6636 www.gov.yk.ca/depts/community/emo or [email protected]

Environment A/Climate Change Coordinator Diane Gunter (867) 633-7971 or [email protected] environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/ monitoringenvironment/ccactionplan.php

Highways and Public Works www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/

Tourism and Culture Shannon McNevin and Colin MacDonald www.tc.gov.yk.ca

Northern Climate ExChange www.taiga.net/nce

Ryan Hennessey, Adaptation Project Manager (867) 668-8874 or [email protected]

Lacia Kinnear, NCE Coordinator (867) 668-8862 or [email protected]

Sebastian Jones, Dawson City (867) 993-4401 or [email protected]

Village of Haines Junction Public Works (867) 634-7100 or [email protected] Yukon Youth, Lia Johnson, [email protected]

Presenter/Partner Contact Information:

Documents

Climate Change in Our Backyard II - CAFN