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Cumulative Effects Assessment

Beyond Place-Based Thought: Kluane First Nations’ Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management Framework

Led by the University of Victoria in collaboration with Kluane First Nation, Beyond Place-Based Thought is a BKC Impact Connector advancing new approaches to understanding cumulative environmental effects.
The initiative explores how Indigenous knowledge systems can strengthen environmental impact assessment by recognizing the interconnected relationships among lands, waters, wildlife, and communities. Through knowledge mapping, workshops, and collaboration with regional and government partners, the project supports approaches that move beyond traditional assessment methods toward more holistic understandings of environmental change.

By bringing Kluane First Nation knowledge into conversations about environmental planning and decision-making, the initiative demonstrates how Indigenous-led approaches can contribute to more meaningful conservation and sustainability outcomes. The project provides a pathway for Indigenous knowledge systems to inform policy while respecting Indigenous rights, governance, and knowledge sovereignty.

Given current events in Canada, evolving international relationships, growing interest in accelerated natural resource development, and the constitutional requirement to protect Indigenous rights, approaches that bring Indigenous and Western knowledge systems together make a significant contribution.

Project Lead
Lawrence Ignace
PhD Candidate, School of Environmental Studies
University of Victoria

Summary of Overall Project Objectives

  • Recentering Indigenous knowledge systems and science within cumulative effects assessment and management based upon Kluane First Nation’s knowledge system;
  • Providing a transferable framework or an approach for how cumulative effects assessment and management considers Indigenous existence and knowledge;
  • Demonstrating the layers of colonial traps/barriers that are in place and inhibit Indigenous peoples from participating fully within natural resource management;
  • Ensure the project supports and holds Kluane First Nation self-determination, cultural resurgence and desire for transformation of management systems;
  • Investigate and develop impact connector tools and approaches for sharing and communicating the results of this work across a range of audiences (film, videos, presentations, outreach events and community of practice).

Summary of Overall Project Outcomes

Immediate

  • Meeting of the community research committee to develop a detailed work plan for 2025. 
  • Set up a community workshop to share results from Phase 1 and seek initial input for the development of a cumulative effects decision making framework.
  • Build upon successes to date with Kluane First Nation to engage with Samson Cree, Alberta in their interests to develop a cumulative effects decision making framework.
  • Start to investigate potential opportunities and collaborations with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. 

Intermediate 

  • Plan and hold a workshop with Parks Canada, Yukon government and Renewable Resource Council to share results and seek collaborations.
  • Plan and hold a gathering and expert elicitation process for 10-15 Indigenous academics and natural resource managers to address gaps and transformative measures. 
  • Engage with Kluane, a youth film maker, in developing a series of short films that would cover the methods, approach and potential outcomes of the project. 
  • Publish an article on the Indigenous methods and approached used to develop Kluane First Nations cumulative effects assessment and management decision making. In addition, publish a research piece in relation to the findings and outcomes of the cumulative effects work with Kluane First Nation. 

Ultimate 

  • To bridge the work the Kluane First Nation has achieved through policy and decision-making reform at the territorial and national levels. 
  • To provide Kluane First Nation with a co-developed cumulative effects assessment and management decision-making framework that they can use how they choose. 
  • There is the potential for the development of a community of practice based upon the lessons learned and the methods used. These methods and lessons are potentially transferable to other communities, regulatory and decision-making processes.

Project Timeline

Year 1 - Scope & Activities

  • Continue co-developing a cumulative effects decision-making framework with Kluane First Nation; engage Samson Cree First Nation on its interests in developing a similar framework.

  • Present findings at the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects conference (Vancouver, May 26–28, 2025) and host a workshop with Parks Canada, Yukon government and the Renewable Resources Council to share results and explore collaboration.

  • Build relationships with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Natural Resources Canada to identify collaboration opportunities. Explore a potential partnership between the Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects and BKC to support a community of practice, while recognizing that a formal partnership is not essential.

  • Convene Indigenous environmental practitioners and academics from across Canada to advance understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems in cumulative effects assessment and management, explore federal support for this initiative, and hire a graduate student to help organize and facilitate the process.

  • Collaborate with Kluane First Nation youth Jared Dulac on a retrospective short-film series documenting the research methods and approaches. Finalize the cumulative effects decision-making framework with KFN government and explore its implementation in ongoing work.

  • Continue supporting KFN’s cumulative effects initiatives, including regional land-use planning, baseline studies and work under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, in collaboration with CIRNAC and the Yukon government.

  • Build on the workshop with Parks Canada, the Regional Renewable Resources Council and Yukon government to identify initiatives that support KFN’s decision-making framework. Continue the expert elicitation process through additional rounds until completion.

  • Develop knowledge translation products with KFN, including at least two co-authored publications, short films, a co-developed workbook or guidance tool, and a guidance document based on the decision-making framework. Engage a graphic designer and explore additional knowledge-sharing products with federal, territorial and First Nation partners.