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NRBS - HomeTable of Contents |
Northern River Basins Study Final Report
4.0 Study Board Recommendations
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Recommendation 20 Recommendation 21 |
The Northern River Basins Study Board considers its program of public participation as one of the Study's greatest accomplishments. At the outset, many residents of the northern river basins expressed concern that the Study would not be "open" in its interactions with the public. Soon after the Study's launch, the Board affirmed its intention to interact with members of the public in an open and meaningful manner, to the benefit of both the public and the Study. This twoway flow of information made it possible for the Study to modify its plans, programs and field work while keeping the public up to date on the ongoing process.
The structure of the Board helped ensure public input into the Study. Many members of the multistakeholder Board consulted on a regular basis with their respective constituents. This process facilitated input and interaction with members of the aboriginal, environmental, educational, industrial, health and agricultural communities.
The Board and staff met with a number of residents and stakeholder groups soon after the start of the Study to develop a program of public participation. The subsequent ongoing contact served as an important vehicle in facilitating open communication and effective interactions.
The Board early adopted a policy that all information, following proper scientific and Study Board scrutiny, would be released to the public, media, libraries, stakeholder groups and other interested parties in a timely manner.
The pursuit of a policy of public participation of openness and information is not for the faint of heart, but it results in a product of wide acceptance and reflects a collective wisdom.
Preamble
The Study adopted a number of measures to ensure interaction with residents of the river basins and other interested parties, including:
The Study Board held its bimonthly regular meetings in communities throughout the river basins. The public was invited to attend and participate in these meetings.
The evening prior to most Study Board meetings, a Community Gathering was held. Members of the local community were invited and encouraged to express in an "open microphone setting" comments, concerns and suggestions, providing the Board with information on local issues and perspectives. In turn, science directors and other individuals made presentations on local and regional scientific matters.
The Study held annual Science Forums which provided members of the public an opportunity to review and comment on science plans and work to date. At these forums, Study scientists shared scientific results and answered questions.
The Study participated in numerous trade shows throughout the basins, providing important contact between Study Board members, staff and members of the public.
The Study adopted a number of measures to ensure that the greatest number of residents would receive information relating to the Study and its progress. A toll free number to the Study Office was established. Copies of the Study's newsletters were regularly distributed to all residences within the Study area. Prior to each Study Board meeting, an information flyer and invitation was sent to all homes within a 100 kilometre radius of the meeting place.
The Study visited schools within the basins, to brief students and teachers on the Study goals and progress.
Wherever possible, the Study attempted to explain its scientific progress and results in nontechnical language. Wherever appropriate, information was communicated using Cree and / or Chipewyan language. A number of Cree and Chipewyan audio and video tapes were produced. A pictograph was also produced by an aboriginal artist depicting the interrelationship of environmental factors within the northern river basins. This pictograph entitled "Knowledge of the Mother" was reproduced and distributed in poster form.
Conclusion
Public input and participation, together with the open sharing of information resulted in a more effective Study. The Study is well known by basin residents and the findings of the Study will be received by a knowledgeable and better informed public audience.
The Board believes that public participation was successful because the Study structure allowed for changes, corrections and new directions based on public reaction and comment.
The Board feels strongly that public participation programs were successful because they respected local community structure, language and preferred methods of communications. Local leaders were consulted in the development of the programs. Wherever possible, local language was utilized, or translations provided. As well, special care was taken to respect the unique roles of written, visual and oral communication.
The Board also believes that the widest possible interests and points of view were represented in the public participation process. No member of the public should have felt excluded from participating in the study.
The Board recommends that:
| a) | adopting an open communications policy; |
| b) | allowing for modification based on public input; |
| c) | ensuring that regular meetings and public consultations occur in communities and venues in the study area; |
| d) | ensuring that consultations and meetings are conducted in a manner that reflects local community structure, language and preferred forms of communication; and |
| e) | providing access to all data, reports and documentation. |
Preamble
A survey of basin residents was conducted to obtain information about the uses of the river basin by the residents and other stakeholders, and to assist the Board in forming its recommendations. The polling included questions about issues, approaches for correcting problems and opinions on safeguarding the value of the rivers to people. The survey provides a statistical benchmark for future comparisons.
Conclusions
The Board is aware of the potential value of such surveys and anticipates the value of a similar survey in the future. The survey should be statistically valid, and done independently and authoritatively. It should document public opinion, understanding and response to actions taken pursuant to the Northern River Basin Study.
The Board recommends that:
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