ID: 2223
Presenting Author: Mark Cliffe-Phillips
Session: 700 - Indigenous-led and Jointly-led Regional Assessments in Canada
Status: pending
A collaborative data initiative supporting Indigenous-led regional studies in the Slave Geological Province, strengthening cumulative effects understanding, data sovereignty, and community r
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is advancing the Pre-Regional Study Database and Data Collection Project to support future regional and Indigenous-led studies in the Slave Geological Province (SGP)—a region of deep cultural, ecological, and economic importance. Reflecting the growing shift toward Indigenous leadership and co-governance in regional assessment, the project aligns with the principles of UNDRIP by promoting shared knowledge, respect for Indigenous data sovereignty, and community-driven decision-making.
The initiative consolidates environmental, socio-economic, and Traditional Knowledge information into an accessible and inclusive framework designed to strengthen regional understanding of cumulative effects. By organizing data around key Valued Ecosystem Components such as caribou, fish, water, permafrost, climate, and community well-being, it provides a consistent baseline for tracking change across the North.
Through engagement and partnership with Indigenous governments, including the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the project is supporting the tools and governance structures needed for Indigenous-led regional studies and long-term monitoring. By linking local knowledge systems with scientific and regulatory data, it enables adaptive management, shared learning, and stronger community readiness for future assessments.
Ultimately, this initiative demonstrates how collaborative data frameworks can empower Indigenous governments to design and lead their own regional assessments—grounded in their values, laws, and stewardship responsibilities.
Mark Cliffe-Phillips is the Executive Director of an Impact Assessment Board that promotes the advancement of collaborative regional assessment processes in Northern Canada.
Coauthor 1: Brett Wheler
Coauthor 2: Violet Camsell-Blondin