=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=Vol-2323/SKI-Canada-2019-7-7-3
|storemode=property
|title=Data Collection and Spatial Analysis for Value Assessment of First Nations Environmental Livelihoods in Northeast British Columbia
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2323/SKI-Canada-2019-7-7-3.pdf
|volume=Vol-2323
|authors=Xiaojing Lu,David Natcher,Abigael Rice,Ana-Maria Bodgan,Weiping Zeng,Thuan Ha,Jun Wang,Mahsa Azizi,Fatemeh Zare Abandankeshi,Thuy Doan,Jason Disano,Scott Bell
}}
==Data Collection and Spatial Analysis for Value Assessment of First Nations Environmental Livelihoods in Northeast British Columbia==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2323/SKI-Canada-2019-7-7-3.pdf
Spatial Knowledge and Information Canada, 2019, 7(7), 3
Data Collection and Spatial Analysis for
Value Assessment of First Nations
Environmental Livelihoods in Northeast
British Columbia
XIAOJING LU1, DAVID NATCHER2, ABIGAEL RICE2, ANA-MARIA BODGAN3, WEIPING ZENG4,
THUAN HA4, JUN WANG5, MAHSA AZIZI6, FATEMEH ZARE ABANDANKESHI6, THUY DOAN1,
JASON DISANO3, SCOTT BELL1
1Geography and Planning, scott.bell@usask.ca,
2Agricultural and Resource Economics, david.natcher@usask.ca,
3Social Sciences Research Laboratories,ana.bogdan@usask.ca,
4The Spatial Initiative, wez948@mail.usask.ca,
5Mechanical Engineering,
6Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
1. Introduction
ABSTRACT
Indigenous people have lived in British
Industrialization in Canada influences Columbia (BC) for more than 10,000
the environmental livelihood of First years. They developed societies,
Nation (FN) peoples. We developed a cultures, territories, and laws. Today,
spatial survey to examine the livelihoods there are 198 distinct First Nations
of three FN communities located in
(FNs) in BC, each with unique traditions
northeast British Columbia. A wildlife and history. As population increased
harvesting geodatabase was created to over this time, the exploitation of
assist analyses of harvesting patterns.
natural resources increased and this has
Hotspot analysis revealed regions most had a environmental impact on the
frequently used by FNs for hunting close livelihood of indigenous peoples,
to FN communities and directional
particularly those who choose a
analysis indicated the direction of use. traditional relationship with the land
We found that sport hunting (Booth & Skelton, 2011).
outperformed FN moose harvesting and
identified the disused area of previous A Regional Strategic Environmental
hunting grounds. These findings will Assessment (RSEA) was launched in
assist the British Columbia government northeastern BC in 2016. This
regarding the cultural impacts from collaboration was among seven Treaty 8
industrial development in the northeast FNs and the Province of BC. This
British Columbia. collaboration seeks to generate
information regarding cumulative
impacts in the Treaty 8 territory that
would be used to mitigate potentially
adverse impacts on FN rights and
2 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
environmentally-based livelihoods. In identify the locations of FN wildlife
this context, environmental livelihoods harvesting. According to our household
include hunting, fishing, gathering, and survey, the impact of sport hunting on
other land-based activities. moose caused great concern to FNs as
Figure 1 Project flowchart
At the request of the RSEA Management moose was their main food source.
Committee, this project set out to collect Therefore, the pressure that sport
and organize information related to the hunting asserted on FN moose
values and traditional land use activities harvesting was investigated. Last, the
of the three FNs in Northern BC: West RSEA disturbance database was used to
Moberly First Nations (WMFN), study the hunting barriers identified by
Saulteau First Nations (SFN), and the FN participants. The geodatabase and
McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB). To analysis results will be released in a
achieve the research goal, a geographic publicly accessible Web GIS platform
information system (GIS) was used to shortly.
develop a FN wildlife harvesting
geodatabase, analyze harvesting 2.1 Study area
patterns, and investigate the barriers Figure 2 shows the study area (outlined
First Nation hunters experience in in red) located within the territory
accessing their traditional lands. covered by Treaty 8. As shown in Figure
2, the main community of SFN has a
2. Methods and Data population of 380 people and 125
households (Statistics Canada, 2016a),
A flowchart of project activities is shown
is situated in northeastern BC at the east
in Figure 1. We developed household
end of Moberly Lake. The WMFN has a
survey of wildlife harvesting and food
population of 140 people and 40
sharing networks. Then we digitized and
households (Statistics Canada, 2016b)
geocoded the survey data in ArcGIS to
and is located just west of the SFN. The
prepare the database. Hotspot and
MLIB, has a total population of 87
directional analysis were used to
3 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
people and 45 households (Canada, households) were recorded on a
2016c), is located to the south of SFN modified 10x10 km2 grid over the study
and WMFN on Highway 97. As data area (Figure 2). Previous research has
concerning the MLIB is still being shown the recall of FN hunters to be
processed, we discuss only results detailed and accurate (Jones,
regarding the SFN and the WMFN. Andriamarovololona, Hockley, Gibbons,
& Milner-Gulland, 2008). Section 3
identified cooperative food sharing
networks. The methods and results for
section 3 are described in Bogdan and Li
(2019).
Various interview methods were
employed, including key informant
interviews, on-the-land interviews (also
called transect walks), and sharing
circles.
Ethical considerations for this study
were addressed in accordance with
procedures outlined by the University of
Saskatchewan's Behavioural Research
Ethics Board (Beh-Reb) and approval
for this study. In addition to those
requirements, a Data Sharing and
Confidentiality Agreement was signed by
all parties contributing to this research.
This agreement makes clear that
Figure 2 Study area map confidential information will be
generalized to a point where the
To assess the geographical distribution
sensitivities are eliminated (e.g.
of land use and hunting efforts, the
identified spiritual sites, grave sites,
study area was overlaid with a
moose licks will be generalized to a
contiguous 10x10 km2 grid to record
polygon that indicates cultural sites or
harvesting in the questionnaire.
moose hunting area to the extent
2.2 Questionnaire design and survey possible) in order to make it available
conduct solely for the implementation of project
results. No information developed
through this project will be used in a
The survey was divided into three
manner that violates the confidentiality
sections: Section 1 identified household
concerns of participating community
demographic information, including the
members.
number, age, gender, and employment
of household occupants. Section 2 2.3 Database development
focused on wildlife harvesting. The
number, types, and locations of animals Excel was used to organize data in
and plants harvested by households preparation for analysis. A double data
during the preceding year (according to entry method was used to ensure
memories of male and female heads-of- accuracy. The preliminary tables of
4 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
harvest, demographic, and economic Hunting barrier analysis: Survey
data were then reviewed and verified by participants identified the grids where
FN research coordinators. they used to hunt but currently do not
hunt. The results were integrated with
Household harvest surveys were the RSEA dataset of industry, recreation
geocoded using ArcGIS. As plant harvest sites, and transportation to visualize
data is still being processed, we discuss
how disturbances affect FN hunting
here only results regarding animal patterns.
harvest. Harvest animal counts were
converted to edible food weight. These
were calculated at species, household,
3. Results
and community levels and mapped 3.1 Harvesting locations and
accordingly to harvest locations on the composition
10x10 km2 grid.
To study FN animal harvesting attempts,
An RSEA dataset that included we mapped the total harvest weight by
transportation, oil, gas, power, mining, grid. SFN harvests mainly occurred on
forestry, agricultural, fire, pests, and the northeast side of the Rocky
recreation sites was included. These Mountains, whereas WMFN harvests
layers were used to analyze how occurred further south and on both sides
transportation, industry, recreation of the Rocky Mountains. We grouped
sites, and natural disturbances affected the harvested animals into four classes
harvesting. (large mammals, small mammals, fish
2.4 Spatial Analysis and birds) and mapped all classes to
further investigate the harvesting
After the harvest location maps were patterns in SFN and WMFN. As a larger
produced, ArcGIS spatial analysis tools community, the SFN’s food harvest was
were deployed to investigate animal correspondingly higher than WMFN,
harvesting patterns. whereas the WMFN’s harvesting was
more diverse with a higher percentage of
Hotspot analysis: Centroids were
fish and a lower percentage of large
extracted from the 10km survey grids for
mammals. These maps were not shown
geostatistical analyses. Empirical
here because of confidentiality concern.
semivariogram and Moran’s I from
ArcGIS were used to reveal the spatial 3.2 Harvesting hotspot analysis
autocorrelation pattern present in the Empirical semivariogram showed the
dataset. Kernel density map was created range value of 98km for the harvesting
in ArcGIS to visualize the harvest dataset (weight in kg). Moran’s I
hotspots (quartic kernel, radius of suggested significant aggregation
20km, alpha channel applied). pattern (Z-score=22.0, p<0.01). Kernel
density map was rendered to further
Moose harvest: The BC Government
illustrate the hotspots of FN harvesting.
shared historical licensed sport hunters’
The hotspot map showed a similar
reported moose kills per management
pattern with both SFN and WMFN
unit (MU). The FN moose harvesting
harvesting near their communities and
was spatially aggregated by the MUs to
farther north. They were expected to
compare with sport hunting to study
have hotspots near their communities
how FNs’ moose hunting was affected by
due to the spatial proximity of their
sport hunting.
communities. We suspected, and later
5 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
confirmed by First Nation collaborators,
that the northern hotspots (200 km
north of the SFN and WMFN
communities) are the result of changing
of wildlife habits caused by
industrialization.
3.3 Moose harvest
As the main food source for FNs, moose
were used as an example to illustrate the
pressure of sport hunting asserted on Figure 4 Moose killed by sport hunters in the nearby 16
SFN and WMFN. Historical sport MUs from 2007-2017.
hunting data shows that on average
1000 moose were killed in the nearby 16 3.4 Harvest barrier
MUs yearly (Figure 4). In 2017, sport
hunters killed roughly twice as many Figure 5 represents hotspots where
moose than the FNs in the nearby five people have expressed concerns about
management units. Most of the sport harvesting activities. The greatest
hunting occurred on the east side of the concerns were near FN communities
study area, where SFN and WMFN are and toward the south. The results will be
located (Figure 3). combined with the RSEA dataset of
industry, recreation sites, and
transportation to visualize how
disturbances affect FN hunting patterns.
Figure 3 Map of moose killed by sport hunting versus
FNs’ wild game in the surrounding 16 MUs.
Figure 5 Concern level of FNs for hunting barrier.
6 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
4. Conclusion Policy and Management (Vol.
13).
To assess the livelihood of FNs in an https://doi.org/10.1142/S146433
ecologically sensitive region in 3211003936
northeastern BC, this study conducted
structured surveys and developed a Jones, J. P. G., Andriamarovololona, M.
comprehensive geodatabase. Data M., Hockley, N., Gibbons, J. M.,
collection and publishing respect the & Milner-Gulland, E. J. (2008).
Data Sharing and Confidentiality Testing the use of interviews as a
Agreement. Trust and relationship tool for monitoring trends in the
building were an anticipated outcome of
harvesting of wild species.
this collaborative process. The spatial
Journal of Applied Ecology,
analyses allow researchers to answer
important questions for the RSEA. SFN 45(4), 1205–1212.
and WMFN exhibited similar harvest https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-
hotspots, where significant hunting 2664.2008.01487.x
occurred close to their communities.
Statistics Canada. (2016a). East Moberly
Our findings represent an opportunity
for FNs to protect vital aspects of their Lake 169, Indian reserve [Census
land-based culture and to work with the subdivision], British Columbia
Government of British Columbia in a and Peace River, Regional
more meaningful and informed manner district [Census division], British
concerning future planning decisions. Columbia. Retrieved from
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/cen
sus-recensement/2016/dp-
pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=
Acknowledgements E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955801&
Funding for this research was provided Geo2=CD&Code2=5955&Data=C
by the British Columbia Ministry of ount&SearchText=moberly%20l
Forests, Lands and Natural Resource ake&SearchType=Contains&Sear
Operations. We are grateful for their chPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1
support and for the support provided by
Statistics Canada. (2016b). West
the RSEA Management Committee. The
Moberly Lake 168A, Indian
authors also thank FN members who
reserve [Census subdivision],
participated in this project, and staff at
British Columbia and Peace
the Spatial Initiative, the Social Sciences
River, Regional district [Census
Research laboratories (SSRL), and the
division], British Columbia.
University of Saskatchewan.
Retrieved from
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/cen
sus-recensement/2016/dp-
References pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=
E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955802
Booth, A. L., & Skelton, N. W. (2011). &Geo2=CD&Code2=5955&Data
“We Are Fighting for Ourselves” =Count&SearchText=moberly%2
— gs’ Evaluation of British 0lake&SearchType=Contains&Se
Columbia and Canadian archPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1
Environmental Assessment
Processes. Journal of Statistics Canada. (2016c).McLeod Lake
Environmental Assessment 1, Indian reserve [Census
7 | FN Environmental Livelihoods Value Assessment
subdivision], British Columbia
and Fraser-Fort George,
Regional district [Census
division], British Columbia
Retrieved from
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/cen
sus-recensement/2016/dp-
pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=
E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5953802
&Geo2=CD&Code2=5953&Data
=Count&SearchText=mcleod%2
0lake&SearchType=Contains&Se
archPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1
Bodgan A.M., Li M., Natcher D., Rice A.,
Shen R., Zeng W.P., Disano. J.,
Bell S.(2019). Examining the
Relationship Between Spatial
and Social Proximity in First
Nation Food Sharing. Spa-tial
Knowledge and Information
Canada paper proceedings, 9