Knowledge, Use, and Change in the Saskatchewan River Delta: Assessing the Changing Livelihoods of Cumberland House Métis and Cree Nation

Abstract

Ecosystem functions and processes yield a flow of vital goods and services essential for human well-being. Changes, therefore, in the capacity of ecosystems to provide these goods and services can have implications for human well-being. In the Canadian north, many large freshwater deltas lie downstream from hydropower dams that have altered the deltas’ hydrology over the past 50 years. Since natural flow and flood regimes are crucial for biological processes in riverine landscapes, alteration of these regimes has implications for the downstream deltas and the Indigenous communities that depend on the ecosystems for their livelihoods and cultural meanings. Interestingly, however, the extent and magnitude of the social-ecological changes stemming from the changes in hydrology are unknown. This knowledge gap remains for two main reasons: first, few studies have assessed the long-term impacts of hydro-dams on northern communities, and, second, post-project impact assessments/research in Canada are not very common. This research investigated the long-term hydro-ecological changes in the Saskatchewan River Delta (SRD) and explored the implications of these changes for the well-being and adaptation of the Indigenous peoples of Cumberland House who reside there. Research strategies included long-term engagement with residents of Cumberland House, involving field observations, oral histories, and semi-structured interviews. These strategies were complemented by archival research and data collected on environmental change using scientific instruments. The objectives for the study were as follows: (a) to examine the long-term hydro-ecological changes in the SRD by drawing on Western scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems; (b) to assess the cultural and spiritual values derived from the SRD and explore how changes in the delta have affected the local interpretations of ecosystem services and well-being; and (c) to examine the adaptive strategies of the people of Cumberland House to the changing social-ecological system. Results revealed reductions in populations of all species of wildlife and some species of fish, alterations of travel routes, changes in lake and river levels, reductions in outfitting opportunities, and changes in the duration of berry-growing seasons and the growth patterns of berry plants. All of these changes have directly affected the livelihoods and the cultural meanings that residents derive from the delta. The results also revealed that Cumberland House residents have developed culturally adaptive responses to the changes in the delta. This research adds to the few studies on the impacts of hydro-dams in Canada and speaks to the need for more post-project impact assessments/research of already-built dams, especially those constructed before environmental impact assessments were required. The findings of this research also make valuable contributions to policies on land use and development. Finally, the research makes suggestions for how Indigenous people can be engaged in decision-making and adaptation planning that affect their lives.