The purpose of the First Nations Health Impact Assessment Workshop Series is to prepare First Nations for the federal impact assessment process from a health and social determinants of health perspective by providing knowledge, tools, and resources.
In recent years, industry is proposing a greater amount of industrial and resource extraction projects in First Nation’s territories. It is critical for First Nations to understand their rights and be equipped with information regarding the environmental, health, social and economic conditions of their communities. By having this information, First Nations can participate more meaningfully in the federal impact assessment process and in discussions with proponents.
Your Opinion Matters!
Over the next year, CIER will be developing a resource to support First Nations south of the 60th parallel in health impact assessment.
Please complete the following 10-minute survey to help shape CIER’s health impact assessment resource. Your feedback is crucial for us to tailor the resource to best support your needs.
WORKSHOP 2: Indigenous Expertise in Health Impact Assessment – April 10, 2025
Agenda (English and French) / Presentation (English and French) / Recording (English and French)
This workshop focused on First Nations’ past and present experiences with the federal impact assessment process and showcased First Nations’ expertise in health impact assessment. The following First Nation and organization presented:
- Fox Lake Cree Nation, located in northern Manitoba, presented on the Keeyask Generation Project. This hydroelectric project was approved in 2011 and assessed under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 1992.
- First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), located in British Columbia, presented on their organization’s mandate and explain the complex landscape of impact assessment from a First Nations perspective within the British Columbia context. They discussed their work in clarifying their role, scope, and function in impact assessment, as well as their efforts in developing resources and tools.
First Nation participants were invited to discuss their experiences and perspectives regarding the federal impact assessment process and support required to meaningfully participate in the process.
Graphic Recording: Graphic Recording by Aaron Russell (Conference Doodles) to highlight key themes raised by presenters and workshop participants at the workshop.
WORKSHOP 1: Navigating Federal Impact Assessments – November 21, 2024
The Navigating Federal Impact Assessments workshop aimed to increase awareness of the federal impact assessment process and provided an overview of how First Nations can participate in the process. The following federal departments and agencies presented at the workshop. Their presentations are available below:
- Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Overview of the Impact Assessment Act (English • French)
- Public Health Agency of Canada, The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Role in Federal Impact Assessment (English • French)
- Health Canada, Overview of Health Canada’s Environmental/Impact Assessment Program (English • French)
- Indigenous Services Canada, Impact Assessment and Health Service for First Nations (English • French)
Graphic Recording: Graphic Recording by Aaron Russell (Conference Doodles) to highlight key themes raised by presenters and workshop participants at the workshop.
Please contact Leslie Agger, Project Manager ([email protected]) at CIER with any questions or feedback.
