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Northern River Basins Study Final Report
7.0 Appendices
7.5 The Evolution of the Science Program
The NRBS science program was launched in December 1991 with
the winter Quick Start Program. Conforming to the Phase II Study Agreement,
the Quick Start Program initiated a series of projects to address knowledge
gaps in four areas: hydrology/hydraulics, water quality, fish and fish habitat,
and use of aquatic resources.
It soon became apparent that this organizational framework
did not conform to the Board's or the Science Advisory Committee's expectations
for meeting the objectives of the Study. The Science Advisory Committee expressed
concerns that the current format focussed on data compilation, but lacked
the expertise to interpret these data and make meaningful recommendations.
There was also concern that the design and administration of research was
very government-based, and should be expanded to capitalize on the wealth
of scientific expertise available in other sectors.
In June 1992, the Science Advisory Committee proposed a new
structure for the research program that was later approved by the Study Board.
The new program consisted of eight components: contaminants, drinking water,
food chain, hydraulics/hydrology, nutrients, other river uses, and synthesis
and modelling. The eighth component (human health) was later set aside. By
April 1993, the content for the improved science program had been fleshed
out. It represented a shift in emphasis from data collection to research directed
to finding answers to the 16 questions.
In December 1992, Traditional Knowledge was added as a component
group. The research program for the Traditional Knowledge Component worked
closely with the First Nations Committee. The Committee was empowered with
the task of ensuring that all NRBS activities pertaining to First&nbps;Nations
peoples were in accordance with provisions of the Protocol for the
Northern River Basins Study. The Protocol, developed in coordination with the Grand
Council of Treaty 8 First&nbps;Nations, set forth a series of guidelines for gathering
scientific and traditional knowledge that respected the community structure,
culture and knowledge of First&nbps;Nations peoples. The end result was a positive
working relationship based on cooperation, collaboration, trust and mutual
respect.
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