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NRBS - Home Table of Contents		Northern River Basins Study Final Report 2.0 Study Organization 2.4 Community Participation The Northern River Basins Study Board considers its program of public participation to be one of the Study's most positive aspects. Throughout the Study, comments from residents at community gatherings and workshops, Study Board meetings, science forums, trade shows and other events provided important local information that provided significant background and guidance to the Study Board and staff. From the Study's outset, Study Board members attempted to involve basins residents. Development of the Study's science program and the overall expenditure of Study funds were discussed in an open and transparent manner with considerable public involvement. This two-way information flow benefitted both the public and the Study, developing a sense of honesty and trust between the Study and the public, in particular with community groups, and aboriginal and environmental organizations. Input from these groups and other parties contributed to making the Study more responsive to local concerns and expectations. Early in the Study, Community Gatherings helped orient the Study Board with regard to local issues and concerns and provided the initial spark for the development of the Traditional Knowledge program. In the Study's latter days, more than 500 basin residents and other interested parties attended Community Workshops held in 17 northern river basins communities. These workshops provided Study scientists with an opportunity to share results and findings. Members of the public posed questions and offered a variety of suggestions, comments and recommendations. These comments were summarized and presented to the Study Board as it developed its final recommendations to the Ministers. Many of these comments formed the basis for additional recommendations, or provided the Study Board with additional background.
NRBS - Home Table of Contents Top of Page		The Study's widespread program of public involvement and open communication included the following: Study Board meetings were held throughout the Study area. Members of the public were invited to participate and voice comments and concerns. In most communities, Community Gatherings were held prior to each Study Board meeting. The gatherings provided an "open microphone" for members of the public to express comments, concerns and suggestions. Annual science forums were held. These forums provided the public with an opportunity to receive scientific updates, to pose questions and to provide suggestions. The Study participated in numerous trade shows throughout the basin. At these trade shows, thousands of basins residents received information regarding the Study and provided comments and input which was conveyed to the Study Board. All Study minutes, reports, data and other information were made available to the public in a quick and timely manner. Information was available through the Study Office by mail or through a toll free number, and was also distributed to libraries and government offices throughout the basins. Bi­yearly newsletters were distributed through mail and newspapers to approximately 75,000 households throughout the basins. The Study involved students through a series of visits and presentations to schools throughout Alberta. Wherever possible, the Study made its information available in "meaningful language." Attempts were made to communicate science in words which were easy for basins residents to understand. As well, a number of Cree and Chipewyan language videos and audio tapes were made. Wherever possible, information was presented in communities' preferred form of communication.
NRBS - Home Table of Contents Top of Page		In virtually all of the Study's dealings, policies of public information, involvement and input were pursued. This involvement helped bring down traditional barriers between thepublic and scientific studies of this kind. Aside from the important scientific work which the Study initiated, the Study Board believes that the sociological successes of the Northern River Basins Study are extremely noteworthy. In many ways, the Northern River Basins Study was regarded as a "social experiment." Representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups were represented at the Study Board table. Many of these stakeholder representatives developed committees and advisory groups with their respective constituencies, facilitating increased public involvement at the Study Board table. As well, many Study Board members representing traditionally competitive or antagonistic groups learned to cooperate and to develop common strategies for the common good of the northern river basins. The Study Board believes that based on this multi­stakeholder structure, the two-way information flow and public participation, the Northern River Basins Study completed its workwith maximum representation and involvement from stakeholders and members of the public. The success of these partnerships warrants attention and consideration by governments, committees, boards and other public organizations in both their current and future dealings.

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