Proceedings Report of Contaminants and Environmental Health

8/14/2019 Proceedings Report of Contaminants and Environmental Health

1/57


2/57

- 2 -

Tara Marsden Research Associate First Nations Environmental HealthInnovation Network (Gitanyow)

Dr. Laurie Chan Network Champion First Nations Environmental HealthInnovation Network

Julian Robbins Research Officer National Aboriginal HealthOrganization (Mikmaq)Miguel Sioui Student National Aboriginal Health

Organization (Huron-Wendat)Suzanne Barnes Director of Lands and

ResourcesAttawapiskat

Lillian Trapper Lands and Resources Moose Cree First NationJennifer Simard Executive Director Mushkegowuk Environmental Research

CentreRon Plain Program Manager Turtle Island Environmental Resources(Aamjiwnaang First Nation)

Naomi C. Williams Environmental Technologist Walpole Island First NationSue Chiblow Environment Coordinator Chiefs of Ontario (Garden River First

Nation)Claudette Commanda Executive Director First Nations Confederacy of Cultural

Education Centres (Algonquin)

Kevin Debassige Technical Services Coordinator United Chiefs and Councils ofManitoulinSasha Maracle Youth Representative Ontario First Nations Young Peoples

Council (Six Nations of the GrandRiver)

Stuart Wuttke Acting Director, EnvironmentalStewardship Division

Assembly of First Nations (Garden HillFirst Nation)

Clynt King Environmental Manager Six Nations

Daphne Armstrong Program Manager Kenora Chiefs Advisory(Wabaseemoong)Anthony Henry Band Manager Wabaseemoong

Participants


3/57

- 3 -

In early 2008, the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) and the First NationsEnvironmental Health Innovation Network (FNEHIN) discussed co-hosting a regional workshop onFirst Nations environmental health issues in Ontario. The First Nations Centre (FNC) at NAHO isone of nine founding partners of FNEHIN, and offered to host the workshop at their office inOttawa. NAHO summer student Miguel Sioui coordinated the event with direction from both Julian

Robbins (NAHO) and Tara Marsden (FNEHIN). NAHO approached Sue Chiblow at the Chiefs ofOntario (COO) to assist with identifying potential participants from their member First Nations.

FNEHINFNEHIN is a national virtual network that seeks to connect First Nations with environmental healthresearchers to help build capacity within communities to participate in environmental healthresearch and to make informed decisions regarding environmental health issues and concern.FNEHIN is a partnership-based organization funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branchof Health Canada. While the concept for this network has been in development since 2005, this isthe first year of operation for FNEHIN. FNEHIN is housed at the University of Northern BC, andthe secretariat is managed by the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.

For more information go to: www.fnehin.ca

FNC of NAHOThe mission of the FNC of NAHO is to advance First Nations health knowledge. The FNC respectsFirst Nations aspirations for self-determination, distinctiveness and diversity. Working with First

Nations, the FNC creates, promotes and shares health information and research. The FNCdevelops tools and processes that assist in building capacity and transferring knowledge. TheFNC was formed within NAHO to address the unique health and wellness priorities of FirstNations. The FNC has been a vital part of NAHO since 2001.

For more information go to: http://www.naho.ca/firstnations/index.php

COO

The Chiefs of Ontario is a coordinating body for 133 First Nation communities located within theboundaries of the Province of Ontario. The purpose of the Chiefs of Ontario office is to enablethe political leadership to discuss regional, provincial and national priorities affecting First Nationpeople in Ontario and to provide a unified voice on these issues. In March of 1975, at the FirstAll Ontario Chiefs Conference, a joint First Nations Association Coordinating Committee wasformed. The purpose of the committee was to provide a single Ontario representative to theA bl f N h d h Ch f f O ff

Background
http://www.fnehin.ca/http://www.naho.ca/firstnations/index.phphttp://www.naho.ca/firstnations/index.phphttp://www.fnehin.ca/


4/57

- 4 -

1. Welcoming to Algonquin Territory Claudette Commanda, on behalf of Elder WilliamCommanda

2. Introductions and Opening Remarks from NAHO and COO3. Presentations by FNEHIN (see appendixes one and two)

4. Roundtable Discussion on Environmental Health Issues, Needs, and Resources

The workshop Contaminants and Environmental Health: A Discussion Group for First Nations inOntario (August 5th, 2008, FNC ofNAHO, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) began with a traditionalAlgonquin welcoming by Claudette Commanda, a member of the Garden River First Nation.Claudettes Grandfather William Commanda, a well-known Algonquin Elder, sent his regards tothe group and reminded us that we were meeting on unsurrendered Algonquin lands. Claudettealso informed the group that the Anishnabek word for environment meant the good life and allthat Mother Earth provides the animal life, the plant life, the water, and the air. It is ourresponsibility to protect Mother Earth, and we should remember this in our discussions.

Julian Robbins welcomed the participants on behalf of NAHO and provided the background onthe workshop and the FNCs role in coordinating the event as a part of their mandate to promotehealth and traditional knowledge among First Nations.

Sue Chiblow welcomed the group on behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, Environment Department.She indicated the importance of hearing from the participant community representatives as her

department is developing their programs and mandate relating to environmental health andcontaminants. This workshop is an opportunity for all the host organizations to hear from FirstNations communities in Ontario on environmental health issues and needs.

Dr. Laurie Chan and Tara Marsden provided introductory remarks on behalf of FNEHIN outliningthe new organizations purpose, and the objective of hosting regional workshops across Canadato hear from First Nations on key issues, concerns and needs in relation to environmental health.Dr. Chan outlined the experience he has in working with more than 70 First Nations communities on

contaminants and environmental health, some of which are in Ontario. Tara expressed thanks forthe traditional welcoming to the territory and described her work with First Nations in Northern BCon environmental assessments and lands and resources.

Workshop Overview

Questions and Comments on FNEHIN Presentations


5/57

- 5 -

one researcher over another, but one that can facilitate information exchange between FirstNations on preferable researchers to work with, and share common experiences and challenges.Tara agreed to begin developing this linking feature within the FNEHIN database, where FirstNations agree to have their projects linked to their contact information. This would allow FirstNations to contact other First Nations to share information about their research experience.

A further suggestion was also made to add to the FNEHIN database a section including all ofthe National First Nations Contaminants Program funding recipients, and their final reports,where possible. This would assist First Nations in: networking with other First Nations; reviewingsuccessful projects for guidance with proposal writing; and making contacts with environmentalhealth researchers. Tara indicated that Health Canada was providing this information and that itwill be posted on the website.

First Nations Food, Nutrition, and Environment Study (Dr. Laurie Chan)

Random Sampling:Concern and question regarding random sampling- may not captureaccurate findings as there are significant differences from household to household within somecommunities. Laurie responded that the random sampling is done to ensure that it isrepresentative of everyone, not just those who consume the most traditional foods. However,which households participate will also be the subject of negotiation with the community. Therewas also a concern that random sampling may not capture the communities most hard hit bycontamination, and therefore results would not be truly representative. Laurie responded thatthe provincial governments are being approached to fund at least two additional communities ineach province who may be interested in participating, but have not been selected through therandom sampling. Stuart Wuttke added that AFN is trying to secure additional funding for twocommunities per province.

Interview Guide: Question regarding who would be working on the community research guide(for interviews etc)? Laurie responded that interviewers will be hired in each community andtrained by the researchers.

Data Ownership and Analysis:Participants raised the issue of data ownership and analysis andpointed to their experience with the Effects on Aboriginals from the Great Lakes Environment(EAGLE) project, where the First Nations and the government could not reach an agreement on

who would conduct the analysis of the raw data, and this led to the project funding beingpulled. It was suggested that there be clear commitments regarding this in the researchagreement, which should be finalized before data collection begins.

Study Working Group:A question was asked regarding the working group for the project, howwere these people selected and/or appointed? Laurie emphasized the involvement of the


6/57

- 6 -

We are not against

industry, but we are against

industry who choose not to

use the best availabletechnology & science to

create the least amount of

environmental and health

impact.

-Ron Plain, Aamjiwnaang First

The participants in this workshop were invited by SueChiblow of the Ontario Chiefs based on their background,interest, and experience in environmental health. Thewealth of knowledge and experience was very apparent,specifically with the prominent issues surrounding the EAGLEproject (see: http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/environment/ ) and the environmental healthissues in what is known as Chemical Valley, among others.

Discussion Proceedings1Issue: Safe Limits and Guidelines for Contaminants inFood and WaterAll of the workshop participants had some level ofexperience in environmental contaminants research, and as

such there was a detailed discussion on the limits andguidelines for consumption, including:

Who controls safe levels for consumption? There is a need for consistency among differentregulators.

There is no information on safe limits from Health Canada for some contaminants.

First Nations need to develop our own limits.

In some cases Health Canada says not high enough profile issue to get more funding.

There are different jurisdictions for monitoring levels.

The jurisdiction for issuing health advisories falls under the local health authority, only the Chief

Medical Officer can issue Health Advisories. Health Canada has no authority or data on nationaladvisories.

One of the problems is that Wildlife is not considered food, as a part of food consumptionguidelines.

D b f d l f

Key Discussion Themes Environmental Health Issues
http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/environment/http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/environment/http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/environment/http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/environment/


7/57

- 7 -

While another participant indicated that Health Canada says they are revising their guideline forPCBs, and that there are no current guidelines. Obviously, there is a lack of clarity on safe levelsof PCBs.

An example of why First Nations should set their own safe levels is Asbestos, which used to havehigher levels, which were eventually proven wrong. People had to fight to change these levels. Thiscould be similar for other contaminants, and First Nations should be researching and pushing forour own levels.

A suggestion was made to form a Task Group of experienced people to look at First Nationsspecific guidelines. One of the participants responded that the EAGLE project was supposed to workon that objective, but there was minimal information on best practices and funding issues preventedthe completion of this.

Issue: Data Analysis Finding the Right ResearcherBecause all of the participants had experience in environmental contaminants and health research,there was detailed discussion on the challenge of finding the right researcher or scientific expertto analyze raw data. Some of the issues include:

Specifically, where there are discrepancies between the government-selected researchers and thoseresearchers who the First Nation may want to do the analysis.

Moreover, in some cases researchers who work for First Nations have been threatened by theiruniversity employers to back-off on releasing certain results or lobbying for First Nationsimpacted by environmental contaminants.

One participant noted that many universities receive significant industry funding, and therefore arereluctant to take on certain high-profile or controversial environmental health projects, or releaseresults that minimize impacts. Many First Nations do not trust certain universities in Canada, andare going elsewhere to partner with researchers, such as U.S. and Europe.

Some First Nations are seeking funding from foundations in the United States and Canada, instead

of from government, to analyze environmental health research data.

Issue: Research Not Leading to Action or ChangeSimilar to many other First Nations across Canada, the participants echoed the sentiment that theircommunities were in some cases over-researched, or that at a minimum a lack of research wasnot the main challenge they were facing. Some of the comments included:


8/57

- 8 -

Issue: Jurisdictional Ambiguities in Contaminants RegulationParticipants discussed the challenges in jurisdiction of the regulation of contaminants in theirterritories. Because responsibilities are shared among numerous parties including: Indian andNorthern Affairs Canada (INAC), Health Canada, Province of Ontario, First Nations, industry andin some cases local government, this can pose significant challenges including:

If the pollution starts off reserve & ends up on reserve, is it polluter-pay? Is the Provinceresponsible?

Almost all participants raised local issues regarding sewage and water treatment plants, and thechallenges in funding and responsibility between INAC, Public Works Canada, other provincial andfederal agencies, and municipal governments.

One participant also highlighted the contamination from their own communitys landfill site, whichhad not been studied since it opened 22 years ago. There are concerns about where the leachate isgoing from the landfill, which needs to be studied.

One participant raised the issue of abandoned Radar sites, 16 of which had been identified in theirterritory. There is recognition by both federal and provincial governments that the Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) and PCB contaminated sites need to be cleaned up, but there is noagreement on who should be paying the costs.

Issue: Environmental Health ProfessionalsWhile all participants agreed that lack of community-level capacity was a major barrier to

dealing with environmental health issues, they also discussed the role of federal and provincialenvironmental health professionals, including:

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are sometimes responsible for up to 16 communities, and somay be overstretched in terms of their workload. This can negatively impact communities.

It was also noted that EHOs are not resident in the communities, and that if communities had theirown EHO that environmental health issues would receive more attention and be dealt with more

effectively.

Only Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) can issue health advisories (i.e. drinking water advisories etc).However, CMOs do not necessarily specialize in environmental health. A suggestion was made thata body or committee could be established to advise CMOs on First Nations environmental healthissues. The CMOs organization in BC has been very keen to work with First Nations more closely on

i t l h lth


9/57

- 9 -

Issue: Environmental Justice and Environmental Health Who Should be Leading Advocacyand Activism?It was noted in the FNEHIN presentations that our network strives to be independent and neutralon major political issues surrounding First Nations environmental health issues. High-profile issuessuch as the pollution in what is known as Chemical Valley in Aamjiwnaang territory, the mercurycontamination in Grassy Narrows, the overall contamination in the Great Lakes region, and therecent controversy surrounding the proposed mines in the KI territory, all point to a need forimproved relations between First Nations and both levels of government. The role of FNEHIN is tomake connections between researchers and First Nations, to examine the state of knowledge on

First Nations environmental health, to facilitate knowledge synthesis and exchange, and tofacilitate discussion at the regional and national levels. However, it can be difficult at times tomaintain neutrality on issues of such importance to First Nations people. Moreover, the claim ofresearchers and research organizations as neutral can sometimes have unwitting politicalimplications. Discussion on this included:

Scientists can be wimpy in terms of fighting for First Nations rights. Their job is to collect data,and not be involved in the possible political outcomes from that data.

Who does the data analysis has political implications. This has been evident with the EAGLE project.Scientists cannot always claim to be neutral, or to not have a bias, because there are scientists whowork for industry, government and First Nations, exclusively.

The media plays an important role in raising the profile of environmental health issues. This isevident in the case of Aamjiwnaang who have recently been profiled on CNN and other majorinternational and national news media.

While it was maintained that FNEHIN cannot assume an advocacy or activist role, because we are apartnership-based organization that must respect the mandate of all partners, it was also noted thatour First Nations staff may have difficulty in detaching ourselves from the larger political issues,and not be perceived as being activists. But, it is our responsibility as First Nations people to dowhatever we can to help, in whatever way possible.

A concrete example of the above is the upcoming FNEHIN Needs Assessment. There are the basicresearch needs and gaps, but there are also broader issues around Aboriginal rights and title,treaty rights, and land disputes that are the context within which environmental health issues exist.The Needs Assessment should give voice to the needs of communities in a meaningful way.

If FNEHIN cannot make political statements or take positions on environmental health issues, what ispolitical vision of AFN for their environmental division? It was suggested that AFN had lobbied on


10/57

- 10 -

First Nations information on the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Declaration onIndigenous Rights.

Environmental Health Issues by Region/First Nation

Suzanne Barnes, Attawapiskat First Nation: The territory is experiencing its first majordevelopment, the Victor Diamond Mine, owned by De Beers. Through the Canadian EnvironmentalAssessment Agency (CEAA) process for the mine, the baseline data brought many issues to light. Itwas discovered that contaminants levels (i.e. methyl mercury) were high in Pike & walleye. There

is also older data from the 1980s that needs to be analyzed to develop benchmarks and safeconsumption guidelines. There are concerns about contaminated fish in the community, andquestions about whether or not people should be eating it. In assessing proposed development,the community needs to know internally how many people are living off the land and so will beconducting a Harvest Survey every year year. Part of the National Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council of Canada (NSERC) research at Victor is to develop a better understanding ofmercury cycling in muskeg.

Lillian Trapper, Moose Cree First Nation: One of the main issues the Moose Cree First Nation isinvolved with is the clean up of the Mid-Canada Line, which has some 17 abandonedcontaminated Radar sites dating from the second world war. There have been some studiesshowing that these sites have been leaking PCBs and other contaminants into the water and soil,affecting wildlife and human health. The Fort Albany site near the reserve has been cleaned up.There have been deaths of the family that lived nearest the site of cancer of the liver andkidneys. The clean-up of the remaining sites is pending funding approval from the federalTreasury Board. However, once the clean-up is complete there is no guarantee that people can

go back to these sites and exercise their rights. Moose Cree is also dealing with the proposedDetour Gold Mine in their territory, in addition to contamination from abandoned mines. Theirterritory is also home to hydro development, forestry, and municipal waste sites. There areconcerns over the safety of fish from the Moose River, as there are many unreported spills frommunicipal waste. The Lands and Resources Department at Moose Cree is currently working on landuse plans and mapping for their southern territory, including forest management plans that dealwith herbicide spraying. There are also community consultations underway on land use issues.

Jennifer Simard, Mushkegowuk First Nations: One of the main issues facing the Mushkegowuk FirstNation is the abandoned Radar Sites in the region. Abandoned in the 1960s, the 17 sites havebeen leaching DDTs & PCBs, and wood from the sites has been burned by people from the areawithout knowledge of the contamination. There were warning signs that went up previously, butthere was no further explanation. There are also challenges around translation of the words forchemicals into Cree to ensure that people are aware of the potential dangers. To date, thecontamination levels have been found to be extremely high in Labrador Tea and the lakes of the


11/57

- 11 -

Our Elders are saying thatthe Earth can heal itself,

but it cannot heal itself from

man-made chemicals. It is

our responsibility to help

the Earth heal from theseman-made chemicals.

-Jennifer Simard, MushkegowukFirst Nations

to get the sites cleaned up, but the federal and provincialgovernments are fighting over the costs. They are trying tohave funds committed in the fall sitting of Parliament. Thereare also concerns in their territory about the levels of methylmercury, of which the sources are unknown and may beanaerobic from severe erosion. There was a study done inthe communities in the 1980s which took blood samples,and showed some people had high levels, but there was nofollow up explanation. There needs to be analysis done on

this data now. The Mushkegowuk First Nation is also lookingat herbicides in forestry. There has recently been aresolution implementing a moratorium on herbicides, but thegovernments response has been that there is no concern.Jennifer also explained that one of the main challenges indealing with contamination in the territory is through theEnvironmental Assessment process and its classificationsystem. In this system there are three classifications:

Parkland, Industrial, and Agricultural. The strongest guidelines and regulations for contaminantsare under the Agricultural classification. Therefore, First Nations harvest areas should also beconsidered in this category as food is harvested in these areas, just as in agricultural areas.

Laurie Chan noted that it is important to get samples analyzed by accredited laboratories. He said hewould post some links on the FNEHIN website for accredited labs that First Nations can use fortesting.

Ron Plain, Aamjiwnaang First Nation: Aamjiwnaang First Nation is currently dealing with allcontaminants problems. There are 62 major refineries surrounding their community, releasing over100 chemicals into the environment every day. In what has come to be known as ChemicalValley, this communitys health issues have been well researched and documented, includingskewed birth rates from endocrine disrupters in the contaminants, and high levels of cancer. Therehas been recent media attention on this issue, and a total of four conferences and numerous othergatherings have been held to address the issue and raise the profile. Eco-justice has alsoproduced a report on Chemical Valley (see Resources section). Ron explained that his

community is very well researched, but there has been little support from government to takeaction. The community has recently partnered with the Trillium Foundation and EnvironmentalDefense, and started their own Environment Committee (see Resources Section). Aamjiwnaanghas also been involved with the Good Neighbour Initiative - an information and publicitycampaign which informs communities on the global record and reputation of major companiesseeking to develop in their territories. Ron explained that his community is not against industry, butthey are against industry that chooses not to use the best available technology & science to


12/57

- 12 -

Previous research includes a 2005 feasibility study to determine community interest in developingepidemiological study and health inputs. Another study conducted in 2005 examined mercury infish, because the community did not want to rely on the Ministry of Environment guidelines. Thestudy included fish consumption diaries for community members, and it found that some wereexceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional tolerable weekly intake. However,the majority of people did not eat fish during the survey period (late fall/winter) and others mayhave avoided eating fish because of fear of contamination. This also stemmed from the fisheryclosures in the 1970s. One of the main challenges facing the community is the proposal-drivennature of the contaminants funding. The regional contaminants program only provides

$40,000/year and biomonitoring studies are quite expensive. For a higher level of funding FirstNations apply to the National Contaminants Program, Walpole Island could not qualify becausethey could not find a First Nations partner (at least two First Nations needed). Walpole Island isstill looking to partner with another First Nation. This year, the community is looking at baselinestudies as prerequisites to an epidemiological study, which includes testing for Persistent OrganicPollutants (POPs) in the lipids of plasma from blood and collecting blood and hair samples formercury. Only 20 volunteers could be tested for POPs due to the high costs for analysis. In theirstudy they ensured the consent forms applied to future use, so that they can store the samples until

less expensive technology becomes available. Walpole Island is also looking at chemophobia(fear of uncertainty over contaminants) among their members, by looking at cortisol (related tostress) levels in hair. Finally, there also is a need to look at the impact of persistentorganochlorides on diabetes incidence rates.

Laurie Chan noted that there are 5 or 6 studies looking at POPs and diabetes, and that he iscurrently working on an experiment on this, and the results will be available in the next couple ofyears.

Kevin Debassige, UCCM Tribal Council:One of the main issues for the UCCM Tribal Council is thegarbage and sewage lagoons on Manitoulin Island, due to a concentration of individual septicsystems. There is a need to raise the profile of this issue as INAC is not taking responsibility. Theposition is that there is no health threat until there is discharge in water. The challenge is that thereis no infrastructure, and only one lagoon. The communities are also dealing with PCBs clean up inthe territory, and mould issues in housing that are being dealt with by the tribal council. There arealso concerns over arsenic contamination in the Georgian Bay and the North Shore from mining

development. There is also a need for the cleaning up old hydro substations, and their PCBcontamination, which may be linked to high rates of cancer.

Laurie Chan noted that there has been a study done a while back on Radionuclides around ManitoulinIsland.

Sasha Maracle Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council: Sasha gave an overview of some of


13/57

- 13 -

Clynt King, Six Nations: Before Clynt, there was no environmental staff to address environmentalpollution concerns on Six Nations. There was a huge need for capacity to deal with environmentalissues. Six Nations is currently involved with comprehensive community planning, within which is adedicated component for environmental needs and planning. One of the priorities is to completea Geographic Information System (GIS) database of natural resources & pollution. Clynt iscurrently planning a GIS workshop for First Nations in Ontario. The purpose of the GIS workshopsis to provide an opportunity for Ontario First Nations to learn how to increase utilization andaccess to CGDI/GIS2 technology that will improve their land, environmental and infrastructure

management regimes at the First Nation community level. An internet enabled, open-sourcesoftware, like Google Earth, would be ideal to leverage this data through the internet. Anycomputer connected to the internet, within a First Nation, would be able to access this data. Theresult is that no specialized training is required to map out pollution sources and natural resourceswithin the territory. There was discussion among the participants about this planned workshop andpotential sources of funding, participants etc. Another priority issue for Six Nations is the leachatefrom the communitys landfill site. The community is looking at options including gasification,similar to incinerators, but is concerned about any possible health impacts. The requests to the

Ministry of Environment for assistance in evaluating the technology have not been responded to ina straight forward manner. The community has also done some work on groundwater and sourcewater protection planning. Clynt also proposed the idea of the First Nations of the region settingup their own lab for contaminants testing so that the funds come back to the community, and toensure trust over data ownership.

There was subsequent discussion about the feasibility of First Nations owning and operating a lab inthe region. This had been previously proposed at Akwesasne, but there was not enough volume to

maintain accreditation. A suggestion was made that instead, First Nations could look into leasing amercury analyzer for the region. The costs are only $30-40,000 and hair and tissue samples can betested immediately. Laurie Chan committed to adding website links on mercury analyzers on theFNEHIN website. Regarding the incinerator options, additional information was also shared on similarproposals being dealt with by other First Nations.

Daphne Armstrong, Kenora Chiefs Advisory: Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong are membercommunities of Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA). KCA has member communities that are located onLake of the Woods. There are concerns about water quality, development and contamination.There is currently a pilot project underway asking what public health means to communities. This isone of 3 public health pilot projects in Canada. Under the umbrella of public health,environmental health would be one of the sectors. The public health pilot project aims to buildcapacity in order to be more knowledgeable and improve some of the above issues. Their studyentitled Our Water, Our Fish, Our People looked at mercury contamination in fish. There is also aproposal for environmental contaminants funding for White Dog and Grassy Narrows


14/57

- 14 -

environment used to be so clean that you could take cup and drink right from the river. In the1950s Ontario Hydro dammed both rivers, which opened up the area to development. In 1974the Province conducted a study on sediments in the English River. The community didnt get anyresults from the study, nor did they have any input into study. In 1975 a group from Japanintervened and paid for members from Wabaseemoong to go to Japan. A study was started withmercury experts from Japan and Wabaseemoong and their neighbouring First Nations. The studyfound that the people with the highest levels of contamination would die off quickly, and thepeople with lower levels would plateau and then begin to die off. There was outrage in thecommunities that led to roadblocks, which forced a settlement in 1985. Canada refuses to

recognize minamata disease (from mercury contamination), and community members are stillconcerned about low level poisoning. There is a big difference between Canada and Japan interms of capacity. To test hair for mercury in Japan, the results are ready overnight, in Canada ittakes 5 years. Their community would like to see an improved system for testing. Within theircommunity, there are high rates of kidney failure, liver problems, and diabetes which needattention. The territory is also impacted by pesticides & herbicides, and consultation on lands andresources issues continues to be haphazard.

This workshop brought together First Nations representatives from across Ontario, as well as fromnational organizations focusing on First Nations environmental health. This report will form acomponent of the upcoming First Nations Environmental Health Innovation Network NeedsAssessment. The Needs Assessment will look at the national picture of First Nations EnvironmentalHealth, and identify needs, gaps and opportunities relating to research, funding, legislation and

jurisdiction and community needs.

In addition to the work being done by FNEHIN, the Chiefs of Ontario have also recently receivedthree-year funding for an environmental contaminants program. This workshop has assisted withthe development of the new programs work plan. Moreover, with the recent appointment ofGrand Chief Randall Phillips to the Environment Portfolio, this will help raise the political profile ofenvironmental health issues discussed in this workshop.

FNEHIN Next Steps and Follow-Up:

Add project listing/directory of First Nations National Contaminants Program to the FNEHINwebsite. This will assist First Nations in networking with one another and provide direction forproposal writing.

Add links to FNEHIN website on accredited labs for sample testing. Also provide information on

Opportunities and Next Steps


15/57

- 15 -

NAHO Next Steps and Follow-Up:

Co-draft workshop summary report.

AFN Next Steps and Follow-Up:

Provide information to the group on the AFN bio-monitoring program, (in partnership with HealthCanada).

COO Next Steps and Follow-Up:

Send FNEHIN report from the COO Youth Symposium.Assist with GIS Training and Workshop (Clynt King, Six Nations)


16/57

- 16 -

TIERS (Turtle Island Environmental Resources) Website: http://tiers.environmentaldefence.ca/

Prevent Cancer Now Website: http://www.preventcancernow.ca/

Chiefs of Ontario, Environment Department: http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/

Indigenous Cooperative on the Environment: www.icenetwork.ca

Exposing Canadas Chemical Valley: An Investigation of Cumulative Air Pollution Emissions in theSarnia, Ontario Area: http://www.ecojustice.ca/publications/reports/report-exposing-canadas-chemical-valley/attachment

Mushkegowuk Council, Mid-Canada Line Clean-Up: http://www.mushkegowuk.ca/midcanada.html

Mushkegowuk Environmental Research Centre:http://www.merc.ontera.net/

Documentary on the Mid Canada Line Radar Sites, produced by MERC:http://www.merc.ontera.net/reports.htm

Abandoned Mid-Canada Radar Line sites in the Western James region of Northern Ontario,

Canada: A source of organochlorines for First Nations people?http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7c

Ontario Mid-Canada Line radar site remediation, Petition: No. 132, Office of the AuditorGeneral of Canadahttp://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/esd_pet_132_e_28859.html

Resources
http://tiers.environmentaldefence.ca/http://www.preventcancernow.ca/http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/http://www.icenetwork.ca/http://www.ecojustice.ca/publications/reports/report-exposing-canadas-chemical-valley/attachmenthttp://www.ecojustice.ca/publications/reports/report-exposing-canadas-chemical-valley/attachmenthttp://www.mushkegowuk.ca/midcanada.htmlhttp://www.merc.ontera.net/http://www.merc.ontera.net/reports.htmhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/esd_pet_132_e_28859.htmlhttp://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/esd_pet_132_e_28859.htmlhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V78-4KV2RF5-2&_user=1067466&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067466&md5=b284b5acb969a699156aa4c2d22e7d7chttp://www.merc.ontera.net/reports.htmhttp://www.merc.ontera.net/http://www.mushkegowuk.ca/midcanada.htmlhttp://www.ecojustice.ca/publications/reports/report-exposing-canadas-chemical-valley/attachmenthttp://www.ecojustice.ca/publications/reports/report-exposing-canadas-chemical-valley/attachmenthttp://www.icenetwork.ca/http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/http://www.preventcancernow.ca/http://tiers.environmentaldefence.ca/


17/57

- 17 -

Appendix One: FNEHIN Presentation by Tara Marsden

Appendix Two: FNEHIN Presentation by Dr. Laurie Chan

Appendix Three:Ontario Case Studies State of Knowledge on First Nations and Food(Environmental Health)

Appendices


18/57

First Nations Environmental

Health Issues, Needs, Gapsand Opportunities

Tara Marsden, M

First Nations Environmental Health Innovation Networ

National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Healt

University of Northern British Columbi


19/57

www.fnehin.ca

What is FNEHIN?{ A virtual network linking

First Nations andenvironmental healthresearchers to help build

research capacity.{ Three main dimensions:

1. Access Point

2. Knowledge Synthesis

3. Mobilization ofKnowledge


20/57

www.fnehin.ca

Who Are We?{ Partnership-based initiative, with small research

staff at UNBC in Prince George, BC (secretariat).

{ 9 founding partners:z National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health

z National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health

z First Nations Inuit Health Branch, ERD

z Canadian Water Network

z Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources

z National Aboriginal Health Organization

z BC Leadership Chair in Aboriginal Environmental Health

z Assembly of First Nations

z Public Health Agency of Canada

{ Network Champion: Laurie Chan.


21/57

www.fnehin.ca

Why is FNEHIN Needed?Listening to Community

Concerns:

{Traditional Food safety{ Drinking Water Quality

{ Outdoor and Indoor AirQuality

{ Impacts of Industrial

Developments{ Local waste disposal{ Promotion of healthy

community


22/57

www.fnehin.ca

What Do We Do?{ Gather, synthesize and disseminate

information and research findings onenvironmental health and First Nations:

z Factsheets

z Website (Funding Sources, ResearchGuidelines, Research and ProjectDatabase, Environmental Health News)

z State of Knowledge Papers{ Provide capacity support for First

Nations to engage in environmental

health research.


23/57

www.fnehin.ca

Why Look at the State of Knowledge?

{ Growing concern for environmental

health issues.{ Knowledge held by communities,

government, researchers.

{ First phase of Needs Assessment laying the groundwork.

{ National picture of First Nationsenvironmental health.


24/57

www.fnehin.ca

Food Security State of Knowledge{ Food issues:

z Contaminantsz Access to land development, climate

change

z

Shift to market foodz Disruption in traditional learning

{ Still traditional foods=excellent

nutrient value.{ Links to chronic diseases risk vs.

benefit.

BC 27 Case Studies Alberta Ontario, Quebec and


25/57

www.fnehin.ca

Food Security State of Knowledge

contd

7 Case Studies East 21 CaseStudies

Food Frequency Survey (marine): 6Marine Food Consumption and

Contamination: 4

Food Frequency Survey (other): 3

Traditional Plant Availability andNutrient Values: 3

Nutrients & Contaminants in

Oolichan Grease: 3

Traditional Food Security Survey

and Barriers: 1

Contaminants (mercury and PCBs)

and Traditional Food, Role of Fish

Farms: 2

Contaminants in Food (tissue, hair

sample): 1

Salmon Quality Baseline (interior): 1Market Food Consumption and

Nutrition Survey: 1

Nutrient Value of TraditionalFoods: 2

Food Consumption Pattern

Survey: 1

Nutrient Intake School

Children: 1

Food Preferences SchoolChildren: 1

Traditional Food

Consumption andContamination: 1

(All projects in Northern

Alberta)

OntarioContaminants in People: 5

Food Frequency Survey: 4

Contaminants in Food: 1

Food Security Issues: 2

Contaminants in Water:1

Quebec

Food Frequency: 1

Health Effects of Contaminants: 1

Nova Scotia

Contaminants in Seafood: 1

New Brunswick: 0

Newfoundland: 0

PEI: 0


26/57

www.fnehin.ca

Indoor Air Quality State of Knowledge{ Directly linked to housing issues:

overcrowding, mould contamination,moisture build-up, and ventilation.

{ Also linked to other health issues like

tobacco smoke.{ Elderly, young children and chronically

ill most vulnerable.

{ Health impacts: communicablediseases, respiratory diseases, otitismedia, cancer.


27/57

www.fnehin.ca

Indoor Air continued{ First Nations 4 times more likely to live

in overcrowded homes than non-FirstNations.

{ Lack of data on indoor air as a

determinant of health (only 6 casestudies).

{ Extent of mould contamination

nationally not known. Total cost ofdealing with problem not known.

{ Jurisdictional ambiguity and challenges.


28/57

www.fnehin.ca

Water Quality State of Knowledge{ Lack of comprehensive knowledge of the

status of water in First Nation communities.

{ Higher rates of Boil Water Advisories (BWA)in First Nations than non-First Nations.

{ Serious lack of data on the quality of water

and environment at the source.{ Water treatment plants do not always meet

the specific needs.

{ Lack of proper distribution systems, in somecases no distribution system.

{ Serious lack of trust on the quality of waterin many communities, and thus use bottledwater on a regular basis.


29/57

www.fnehin.ca

Knowledge Transfer/Exchange and

First Nations Environmental Health

{ Mobilization of knowledge informing

policy, First Nations decision-making.{ Global momentum towards evidence-

based policy development.{ Environmental health policy

development highly political process.

{ Significant time lags betweenknowledge and action.

I t ti f R h E id


30/57

www.fnehin.ca

Integration of Research Evidence

in the Policy Process

Opinion BasedPolicy-influenced byideologicalviews-selective andsymbolic useof research

EvidenceInformed Policy-recognition ofsubjective

process-Stakeholders allhave differentresearch

EvidenceBased Policy-Application of

best availableevidence(systematicallycollected etc.)

Level ofintegrationofresearch inpolicydevelop-

ment

Level of influence of research evidence on policy development.

Adapted from Segone (2008) and Jack et al (2008).


31/57

www.fnehin.ca

Importance of Traditional Knowledge

and Environmental Health

{ Knowledge of food and medicine preparation.

{ Importance of exercise fishing, hunting, gathering.

{ Connection to land and culture = well being.

{ Traditional environmental management practices andprinciples.

{ Holistic view healthy land, healthy people.

bili i f l d d


32/57

www.fnehin.ca

Mobilization of Knowledge and

Needs Assessment{ 2009 National Needs Assessment

combining State of Knowledge,Community Surveys.

{ What are needs of First Nations

communities in environmental health?

{ What are the research gaps?

{ What are the policy gaps?{ What are the funding/program gaps?

N d G O t iti


33/57

www.fnehin.ca

Needs, Gaps, Opportunities

Assessment

{ Community Issues and Needs: AFN

Survey results, workshops, calls to FNEHIN(toll-free line for FNs).

{ Research Gaps and Priorities: State of

Knowledge papers.{ Legislation and Jurisdiction: Knowledge

transfer, Jurisdictional ambiguity and

challenges.{ Funding: Assessment of existing funding.

{ Opportunities: What can FNEHIN and other

organizations do to address needs and gaps?


34/57

www.fnehin.ca

Questions for Workshop Discussion{ What are current environmental

health issues facing communities?{ What resources and capacity are in

place to address issues?

{ What resources and capacity areneeded to address issues?

{ What role should nationalorganizations (i.e. FNEHIN) play inbuilding community capacity?


35/57

www.fnehin.ca

Acknowledgements{ National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health

Sophie Verhille, Constance Bos, and Edward Choice

{

Susan Jack, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing,McMaster University

{ Maureen Dobbins, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, School ofNursing, McMaster University

{

Chris Furgal, PhD, Assistant Professor, Departments ofIndigenous Studies and Environment and ResourceStudies/Science, Gzowksi College, Trent University

{ Dr. Asit Mazumder,NSERC-Industry Research Chair, Universityof Victoria

{ Julian Robbins, National Aboriginal Health Organization

{ Dr. Laurie Chan, BC Leadership Chair in AboriginalEnvironmental Health, University of Northern BC


36/57

www.fnehin.ca

Thank You!

For more information:

1-866-960-5223www.fnehin.ca
http://www.fnehin.ca/http://www.fnehin.ca/


37/57

First Nations Food,Nutrition and

Environment Study
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.maes.umn.edu/images/ROC/blueberries.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.maes.umn.edu/components/ROCSPF.asp&h=433&w=442&sz=45&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=Q3L29ZfPyy7qZM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dblueberries%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Denhttp://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://homepage.univie.ac.at/horst.prillinger/blog/p3/moose-1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://homepage.univie.ac.at/horst.prillinger/blog/archives/2004/09/000771.html&h=338&w=450&sz=40&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=bkRdgryIxodKyM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmoose%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den


38/57

Key partners and researchers

{ AFN Environmental Stewardship

z Stuart Wuttke, A/Director

{ FNIH Health Canadaz Constantine Tikhonov, Chief, Research and

Monitoring

z

Harold Schwartz, Manager, Remediationz Nutrition Unit

z Georgine Pastershank, Analytical Team,Drinking Water Quality

{ Laurie Chan, Toxicologist and Professor,University of Northern British Columbia

{ Olivier Receveur, Nutritionist and Professor,

University of Montreal


39/57

Goals

{ To address the environmental concernsamong First Nations living incommunities

{ To develop plans to protect thetraditional food systems

{ To promote well being and healthy

lifestyle

Partnership and Community


40/57

Partnership and Community

Participation

{ The project will involve the

participating community at allstages of the project

{ OCAP principals will be respected

{ Data will be kept confidential

{ Data will be co-shared by the

communities and the researchers

Obj i


41/57

Objectives

In partnership with First Nationcommunities, the research team and

partners aim to :

{ Document traditional and market foodconsumption and estimate intake of nutrientsacross communities

{ Document food security

{ Document water quality issues in communities

{ Estimate exposure to contaminants

{ Document self-reported health status andlifestyle habits across communities

First Nations First Nations Food,N i i d E i S d


42/57

6

Nutrition and Environment Study

First Nations Food,Nutrition and

Environment Study

Household andIndividual

Questionnaires

Food Sampling for aSuite of Contaminants

Water Sampling for-Trace Metals-Pharmaceuticals inEnvironment

Hair samplingfor Mercury

First Nations First Nations Food,


43/57

7

Nutrition and Environment Study

{ ~15 - 20 communitiesper year and returningback in the last 2 years

{ Random sampling

Resolution of the Special Assembly

140 communities from 2008-2018

Moving from the West to the East


44/57


45/57

1


46/57

Ontario Case Studies State of Knowledge on First Nations and Food (Environmental Health)

Draft for Review Purposes August 2008

1. Citation: Health Canada, March 2000, The Sioux lookout Zone Environmental Contaminants Study - Poplar Hill, prelim inary repor t,11p

Data collection methods Main resultsLocation Samplecharacteristics Dietary Contaminants Dietary Contaminants

Ontario,Sioux LookoutZone,Poplar Hill

-45 peoplerandomly selectedfrom the band list:31 (11M and 20

females)participated-biologicalsamples collectedat Poplar Hillclinic: s

Self- reportedfoodconsumption

-blood forserum andblood analysis-hair for Hg

analysisStatisticalanalysis withSPSS 8.0

-Most popularcountry food:walleye andmoose, at least

1x/year-walleyeconsumptionassociated withage-Other reportedconsumedfoods: pike,whitefish,merganser,sucker, goose,partridge, rabbit,beaver, caribou,deer

-Detectable levels of Hg in 83% of the participants inat least one of the hair section, 77% in the first haircentimeter. Mean level: 2.6ppm-Higest levels in women in childbearing age (10ppb for 5 participants, adultmales or post-menopausal women-Association between PCB and walleye consumptiondisappeared after controlling for age-Cd detected in blood of 4/11 current non-smokers(median


47/57

located-Volunteers: 119Indians and 42 non-Indians from 13communities

location, water supply, food consumption, andPCB exposure-Community and age differences tested bycovariance analysis-Moose Factory Zone Questionnaire: waterconsumption, eating habits, working withelectrical equipments, especially transformers,capacitors, -Analytical methodology developed by theOccupational Health Unit of the MedicalServices Branch

.Moose Factory:


48/57

3. PCBs at Big Trout Lake and Northern Caribou (Weagamow)Lake Indian Reserves, not paginated.

Sample characteristics Data collection methods Main resultsLocationDietary Contaminants Dietary Contaminants

OntarioNorthern Caribou andBig trot Lake IndianReserves

601 blood samples.Individuals selectedfrom Band lists orvolunteers, from 14communities dividedinto 4 Zones:-Moose Factory Zone:.Moose Factory-26.Fort Albany/

Kashechewan 47.Attawapiskat 27.Winisk (volunteer) 23-Sioux Lookout Zone:. Fort Seven 51.Big Trout Lake 42.Round Lake 33Angling Lake 7-Southern Ontario

Zone:.Hiawatha 24.Alderville 11.Curve Lake 15. Six Nations 15-Thunder Bay Zone:Heron Bay 41.Wikwemikong 50

-Blood sampleanalysis-Questionnaireadministered to eachsubject about :drinking water, diet,known exposure toPCBs

No data or inforegarding diet

Mean Aroclor 1260levels in ppb (not age-adjusted):-Moose Factory Zone:.Moose Factory:


49/57

Objective: to document exposure of the northern people to toxic chemicals since they depend, to a large extend, on naturally available countryfoods (Objective not clearly set in the text)

4.Citation: Judith Lawn, 1989, PCB dietary survey, Preliminary report, HWC, not paginated

Location Sample characteristics Data collection methodsDietary

Main resultsDietary

Ontario, SiouxLookout Zone, Big

Trout Lake

-Difficult to estimatesample sizes.(Sampling methodsnot explained)-102 questionnaires

administered (nospecific criteriamentionned)-70 respondants (25 inthe age group of 15-44y and 45 in the agegroup of 45-65y)-

-Dietary survey in Big Trout Lake, feb/march1989-FFQ-Agreement with local trappers and fishermanregarding approximate yield of meat from

various wild foods-Most of the respondents were unable to recallthe exact amounts consumed

-Consumption of wild food is greater amongthe older age group-Wild birds: ducks (merganser, mallard,bufflehead, blackscoter, tufted, ring necked,greatscaup, golden eye, old squaw and

pintail), loons, geese (most eaten), bird eggs.Tern, gull and shorebirds were not eaten-Fish: all species were eaten: in descendingorder of frequency: trout, whitefish, sucker (noteaten by young group), pike, pickerel, ling,sturgeon, fish eggs-Game: moose, beaver, caribou, rabbit,muskrat-Fat

.from birds: goose, , black scoter, mallard.from fish: eaten only in the older groupsucker, sturgeon, whitefish and pickerelNB: the eventual association between PCBlevels and dietary was not analyzed in th isreport

No objective mentioned

5. Judith Lawn, 1989, Nutrient intake of adults aged 15-65. Big Trout Lake, Weagamon Lake. PCB health study, Medical Services Branch,

not paginatedSamplecharacteristics

Data collection methods Main resultsLocation

Dietary Contaminants Dietary ContaminantsOntarioBig Trout: 900 persWeagamow: 550 pers

Random sample foreach communityBig Trout: n=100Weagamow: n=50

-Cross-sectional study-One 24-h diet recallat the same time asthe FFQ

Results based on thePCB health study,1989

-Mean anthropome-tric values for TL andWeagamow wererespectively 45&42 for

Estimated PCB levelsin food:Fish

5

I l i i i S l i i 167 74&166 3f i


50/57

Inclusion criteria:.age 15-65y (40%from 15-44y and 60%from 45-65.residency of 5 years

-Sample portion sizesfor meat, fish andpoultry..Table of estimatedweights for wild foods-Use of Petersonguide to birds ouAudubon SocietyField Guide to NortnAmerican Birds toassist recall ofmigratory birds-Local language or

English-Nutrient AnalysisProgram for 24-hrecall-Anthropometric info:age, sex, height,weight, stage ofpregnancy, monthsbreastfeeding

-24h recalls notanalyzed due to timeconstraint; estimatedmean consumptionsof wild foods based onresults of PCB healthstudy

age, 167.74&166.3 forheight,80.09&79.69Kg forweight, 29.05&29.36for BMI, 69%&66% foroverweight,37%&47% for obesity-Calorie Intake: 2033and 1936 Kcal (23%and 25% fromproteins, 33%&39%from carbohydrates-Mean consumption of

wild foods (gr/day forboth regions).Fish: 195.43(40.49%).Birds:215.18(44.59%).Game: 72.01(14,92%)-2/3 of the population


51/57

Objective:To respond to community concerns over high blood PCB levels

6. Citation: PCB study health. Big Trout Lake / Weagamon Lake, Drafr report, Medical Services Branch, Ontario Region, 18p

Data collection methods Main resultsLocation Samplecharacteristics Contaminants Dietary Contaminants Dietary

OntarioBig Trout FN: 900persWeagamow FN: 550pers

-Random samplefrom the populationBig Trout: n=100 (allcompleted the study)Weagamow: n=50 (46completed the study)

Inclusion criteria:.age 15-65y (40%from 15-44y and 60%from 45-65).residency of at least5 years- 7 species of fishselected (lake trout,pickerel, pike,

whitefish, ling, whiteand longnose sucker)

-Blood PCB levelanalysis-PCB analysis of242 samples from7 species of fish-Analysis with

PCB 1254 andPCB 1260 levelsseparately-SAS software forstatistical analysis

-Surveyquestionnairecontaining:.generaldemographic info. FFQ

.retrospective 24-hdiet recall-Surveyquestionnairecontaining:.generaldemographic info. FFQ.retrospective 24-h

diet recall

-Range anddistribution ofblood PCBlevels: nosignificant diff.between BTL

and WLcommunities(resp. 13.82&10.9 and14.76&10.87 forPCB1254 andPCB 1260)

Source of PCB:Merganser, mallard, Canadagoose, pickerel and possibly troutwere the possible sources ofblood PCB (suggestive evidence,so need of more detailed work)

Mean consumption of wild foods(BTL/WL, in number offresh/frozen F/Forsmoked/dried S/D)BirdsSnow goose F/F 9 /2Canada goose F/F 87 /27Canada goose S/D15/ 0Goose F/F 5 /1

Merganser F/F 32/ 32Bufflehead F/F 3 /2Black scoter F/F 5 /4Grouped duck F/F 4 /2Other ducks F/F 5/ 4Loon F/F 30/ 11Partridge F/F 48 /32Ptarmigan F/F 3 /3FishWhitefish F/F 85 /41Whitefish S/D 22 /27Pickerel F/F 60/ 40Pike F/F 55 /19Sucker F/F 31 /9Sucker S/D 30/ 8

Trout F/F 95/ 6Trout S/D 52 /1Surgeon 64 /201

7

Ling 48 /8


52/57

Ling 48 /8GamesBeaver F/F 78/ 35Beaver S/D 16 /7

Moose F/F 94/ 44Moose S/D 15 /2Muskrat F/F 12/ 9Muskrat S/D 6 /0Rabbit F/F 46/ 24Caribou F/F 62 /10Fat (ml)Loon F/F 3 /4Whitefish 3/ 3

ObjectiveTo explore and identify food items that are related to the elevation of PCB blood levela among residents of Big Trout and Weagamow lakes

7. Citation: Craig Wardlaw, 1989, Polychlorinated biphenyl levels in water samples from Big Trout Lake and Weagamow Lake, Ontario, areport to the Big Trout Lake and Weagamow Lake PCB Study Steering Committee, not paginated

Sample characteristics Data collection methodsContaminants Main resultsContaminants

OntarioBig Trout FN: 900persWeagamow FN: 550persLattit: 53 -54

15 water samples fromcommunity pumps andsurface water,October-november1988

Sample analysis in without filtering ofsediments, for both PCBs and for Anclors1242, 1254 and 1260, at Water QualityBranch, Environment Canada, Burlington,Ontario

-None of the samples had a total concentrationgreater than 3.0ppb PCBs ( Ontario Ministeryof the Env. objective)-All samples exceed the OME surface waterobjective=0.001ppb PCBs-For BTL and WL resp., concentrations:

0.0341 vs 0.0372 for the pumped water and0.0328 vs 0.0350 for the surface water-Aroclor analysis:.for A1260, none detected in any sample.A1242: highest mean concentration and mostfrequently detected-Its likely that atmospheric deposition is thesource of PCBs


53/57


54/57

10

- Determine if food price changes result in significant changes in the consumption of perishable foods, in nutrient intake and in health


55/57

p g g g p p ,

- Assess perceptions of food price changes

- Assess the influence of factors which may affect the application of subsidy or contribute to changes in food prices, food consumption,

nutrition or health

10. Laurie Montour, Apr il 1986, Wild meat consumption survey, Walpole Island Indian reserve, Nin.Da.Waab.Jig Research Center, 13p.

Data collection methods Main resultsLocation Sample characteristicsDietary Dietary

OntarioWalpole Indianreserve

-Total number of HHsurveyed: 255-Sample size: 1087including 14

pregnant/nursingwomen-Total pop. 2205

-NB: Local fish are considered as wild meat inthis study-Questionnaire: kind of wild meat eaten, kindof meat, duck, time of the year when they eat

such meat, how they get the WM, place ofhunting muskrats if any, amount of meateaten fresh, amount stored, cooking methods,concern about pollution, awareness abouteffects of pollution,

-47.6% of HH eat meat seasonally, 19.1%monthly, 8.1% weekly, 18.3% rarely, 6.9%never eat meat-Most eaten meat: duck (21.9%) and fish

(23.8%)-Time of the year (major consumption).duck: Nov. Dec, J an.Muskrat: Dec, J an.squirrel/rabbit: Dec, J an.Pheasant/woodcock: Oct, Nov, Dec.Fish: Sept to August.Deer: Oct, Nov, DecMiscellaneous (occasional beaver, turtle,bullfrog, geese, coot, raccoon): Oct, Nov, Dec

-Meat got by hujting, trapping or sharing-Approx. of the meat eaten fresh-Smoking is a negligible way of storing meat-Main cooking methods: roasting (more than50%), frying and boiling-Most of HH eat the whole animal-81.6% of HH feed the children with wild meat-59.4% of the pop were not well-informedabout pollution

Purpose: To document the wild meat consumption habits of the Indian residents of Walpole Island Indian reserve

11. Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations: Our Waters, Our Fish, Our People, Final report

Data collection methods Main resultsLocation Sample characteristicsContaminants and dietary Contaminants

Ontario, NWAnashanaabe FN,

- Sample:.Grassy Narrows

-Interviews: -consultation of Band Councilsand key band members to reveal the most

-Intra and inter-species variations-The average total Hg conc (mg/kg): 0.724 for


56/57


57/57

Documents

Proceedings Report of Contaminants and Environmental Health