The Mackenzie Valley Environmental impact board plans to engage with key community stakeholders in the coming weeks to include Traditional Knowledge in their environmental assessment guidelines.
With the guidelines first issued over 20 years ago, the change marks a new direction in how the environmental assessment process will proceed for the Mackenzie Valley region.
In a media release issued today, Policy and Planning Advisor Stacey Menzies said that Traditional Knowledge is “central” to the board’s mandate.
“The Review Board’s mandate is to consider impacts on people and protect the social, cultural, and economic well-being of Mackenzie Valley communities. Traditional Knowledge (TK) is central to this mandate. The Guideline ensures TK is considered respectfully and transparently alongside western science in environmental assessments, supporting meaningful Indigenous participation in Review Board processes and decisions,” said Menzies.
The changes are anticipated to convey Indigenous knowledges, leadership principles and stewardship practices.
“Updates will reflect current Indigenous governance frameworks, knowledge sovereignty principles, and modern best practices—while continuing to fulfill our mandate,” said Menzies.
The process of updating the guidelines will include engagement and consultation with leaders and community members.
“As required by the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act we will consult with communities across the Mackenzie Valley. Opportunities for input, discussion, and review will be shared throughout the process,” said Menzies.
According to the announcement, the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley also plan to work with the Review Board on the update.
The boards include the Gwich’in Land and Water Board, the Sahtu Land and Water Board, the Wek’eezhii Land and Water Board together with the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board.
As board leadership have explained, their role in integrated resource management, through the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, is unique in the country.
Compared to the provinces their regulation roots and structure is considered new.
Unlike more southern regions of the country, the regulatory structure emerged directly from the negotiation of comprehensive land agreements.
The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act still applies in the regions where land agreements are outstanding. In the Northwest Territories these inclulde the Dehcho First Nations, Akaitcho First Nations and the NWT Métis Nation who continue to negotiate their rights and interests.
Leaders at the board said that the updates present an “opportunity for greater collaboration.”
“We look forward to hearing from Indigenous governments and organizations on how to better integrate Traditional Knowledge into environmental assessment. More details on engagement opportunities and ways to participate will follow.”
Anyone who would like more information about the Review Board’s guidelines or the update process can contact the Mackenzie Valley Policy and Planning department
 is central to this mandate. The Guideline ensures TK is considered respectfully and transparently alongside western science in environmental assessments, supporting meaningful Indigenous participation in Review Board processes and decisions,” said Menzies.){kind=link}