Ní Hadi Xa (NHX, a Denesuline name meaning for “People Watching the Land Together’) is a stewardship agreement between Deninu Kué First Nation, Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, North Slave Métis Alliance, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Tłıc̨hǫ̀ Government and De Beers Canada. The stewardship agreement and its environmental monitoring and traditional knowledge (TK) programs, provide independent input and review on the environmental management at the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine. Managed by its Governance Committee, NHX supports six indigenous employees under its capacity building mandate.
Our presentation will include an introduction of NHX and its unique approach in combining scientific and traditional knowledge monitoring. It will also provide an update on the NHX programs, including: Environmental Monitoring, TK Monitoring, and On-the-Land Travel Program.
Environmental Monitoring – This program is undertaken by the NHX Environmental Monitor, stationed at the Gahcho Kué Mine. She works alongside of the mine’s environmental team, collects air, water and soil samples, participates in wildlife observation and monitoring projects, and prepares shift and annual reports back to the NHX. She is also conducting a research project on combining science and traditional knowledge.
Traditional Knowledge Monitoring – The two TK Monitors are stationed at the NHX Cabin, established about 35 km north of Gahcho Kué. During winter and summer months, they use their five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, to conduct monitoring of the area surrounding Gahcho Kué based on their knowledge of the air, land, water and wildlife. Their observations and monitoring records are compiled into quarterly TK monitoring reports.
On-the-Land Travel Program – As part of the traditional knowledge program, residents from the NHX signatory communities are sponsored by NHX to travel to the NHX monitoring cabin each summer to live on the land of their ancestors. During the travel program, the residents also participate in the TK monitors’ monitoring routines, share their knowledge of land, and identify changes of the environment.
The data and reports under the environmental monitoring and traditional knowledge monitoring programs are presented during the routine NHX governance committee meetings for review and discussion. They are also compiled and analyzed by the Environmental Manager, and shared with the NHX Governance Committee and the community members.