Abstract

Topic: Moose and forestry

A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH TO DOCUMENTING FIRST NATIONS WETLAND PERCEPTIONS IN EEYOU ISTCHEE JAMES BAY

Eliane Grant¹, Nicole Fenton², Hugo Asselin³

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), 445, boulevard de l'Université, Rouyn-Noranda (Québec), J9X 5E4, CA
Forest Research Institute, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda (Québec), Canada.
School of Indigenous Studies, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda (Québec), Canada.

Abstract
The industrial development and exploitation of natural resources have caused changes in the landscape of Eeyou Istchee ‒ James Bay, a territory with a significant proportion of wetlands. Concerns have been raised by the local First Nations and this study aims to improve our understanding of the use of wetlands by Indigenous communities in the context of natural resource exploitation. It also seeks to assess the effects of human activities on traditional activities such as moose (Alces americanus) hunting practiced by local Indigenous communities in wetlands. An exploratory sequential model was used to qualitatively examine the cultural connection to wetlands through 12 interviews with the Eeyouch (Cree) of Mistissini and the Abitibiwinnik (Anishnabe/Algonquin) of Pikogan. In the quantitative phase, the study will assess the levels of hair cortisol in 38 moose to examine how human-caused disturbances (road density) in their habitat affect their stress levels. Analyses of cortisol concentration could not show an effect on moose stress level, as the overall disturbance rate was rather low in the study area. The winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), however, influenced moose stress level. This study underscores the importance of wetlands for Indigenous peoples and the need to consider their interests in development projects. Additionally, it provides valuable baseline data on moose hair cortisol concentration for the development of a non-invasive population monitoring tool, contributing significantly to the understanding of the relationships between Indigenous peoples, wetlands, and wildlife conservation.