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Northern River Basins Study Final Report
2.0 Study Organization
2.2 The Science Program
The Study's research program was designed to answer the fourteen
scientific questions. The program was broken down into eight component groups:
traditional knowledge, drinking water, nutrients, food chain, other uses,
hydrology / hydraulics, contaminants, and synthesis and modelling. A high
degree of coordination among the component groups minimized overlap and facilitated
the delivery of comprehensive results (see Section 7.5 for further information
regarding the evolution of the science program). A Science Advisory Committee
was appointed by the Board of the Northern River Basins Study to advise them
of the quality and implications of the scientific studies.
Expertise from universities and government was brought in to
lead each component. Many of these individuals were internationally recognized
in their fields, bringing with them knowledge that ensured the science program
remained current with scientific developments in Canada and other countries
(see Section 7.6. for further information regarding concurrent investigations
and companion studies).
The inclusion of traditional knowledge as a component is a
divergence from traditional western science. Aboriginal members of the Study
Board first brought attention to the value of the large body of environmental
knowledge that is housed in the minds of those who live in long-term close
contact with nature. The observations and experiences documented in this component
were combined with the results of the other science components to provide
a more complete picture of changes within the northern river basins.
[Photo 1 on CD2:]
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Pictograph Symbology: A Glimpse of a Greater Vision
Native artist Larry Mercredi used images of nature to depict
the interrelationships among the eight research components of the
Northern River Basins Study and their connection to the earth. The pictograph was used
within Traditional Knowledge interviews as a teaching tool for understanding
these relationships and reawakening awareness of the natural environment.
The circle is a symbol of natural cycles. The large circle
represents the universe, which embraces many smaller cycles. Each of the research
components are circles within themselves, but are combined to reveal a picture
of the larger universe.
- The Traditional Knowledge Component is located at the centre
of the pictograph and is depicted by images of the beaver, the wolf, the
otter, the little ones and the seasons. Its central position is indicative
of the value it adds to all forms of scientific inquiry.
- The Drinking Water Component is symbolized by the evergreens
extending their roots into the earth to drink.
- The Nutrients Component is depicted by aquatic plants and the
food chain reaching into the water where fish and other insects reside.
- The Food Chain Component is portrayed by the chain linking various
aspects of the ecosystem, such as water, plants, insects, aquatic organisms
and wildlife.
- The Other Uses Component is depicted by a dog team and a canoeist.
- The Hydraulics/Hydrology Component is depicted in the many rivers
that weave throughout the pictograph, as well as the wave of water flowing
against gravity.
- The Contaminants Component is symbolized by centipedes, as contaminants
come in many shapes and sizes.
- The Synthesis and Modeling Component is represented by the scales,
finding balance between the land and the rose.
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