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Introduction to the Mackenzie-Peace River Basin

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Introduction to the Mackenzie-Peace River Basin

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The Mackenzie-Peace River Basin is Canada’s largest watershed, draining over 1.8 million square kilometers across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. The system flows from the Rocky Mountains north to the Arctic Ocean. The river network includes the Peace, Liard, Slave, and Athabasca Rivers. It also supports many ecosystems from alpine tundra to boreal forests and is home to a large number of Indigenous communities. These rivers are vital for drinking water, traditional food sources, and cultural practices. At the same time, the watershed is central to energy development, agriculture, forestry, and transportation. This complex combination of social, economic, and ecological values makes sustainable management crucial.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Synthesis. Island Press.

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This vast watershed includes mountains, wetlands, permafrost, boreal forests, and large lakes. Average annual precipitation ranges from 300 mm in northern zones to over 1,200 mm in the southern mountain areas. The river system transports immense volumes of freshwater and is influenced by seasonal snowmelt and glacial runoff. Climate models predict an increase in winter precipitation and shifts in seasonal runoff patterns, which will likely lead to earlier spring melts and higher flood risks. Water quality issues include increased turbidity, heavy metal pollution from mining, oil spills, and nutrient overloads from agriculture. These changes affect ecosystem health and the safety of drinking water supplies.

Prowse, T. D., et al. (2006). Climate change and Arctic freshwater ecosystems. Ambio, 35(7), 347–358.

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The basin supports over 400,000 people, including many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities who have relied on the water for generations. The rivers provide drinking water, support for cultural traditions, and resources like fish and wild game. At the same time, urban areas and industries place pressure on water use. Conflicts often arise between economic development and the protection of cultural and ecological values. Water insecurity, caused by contamination and droughts, disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities. Many areas still experience drinking water advisories. Balancing access, equity, and sustainability is a growing concern across the basin.

Booth, A. L., & Skelton, N. W. (2011). Environment, Development and Sustainability, 13, 685–702.

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The basin contains a mix of land uses including agriculture, forestry, mining, and oil and gas extraction. The Peace region in northeastern BC is a major hub for fracking and hydroelectric power. Agricultural activities are more prominent in the southern sections, while logging and resource development dominate northern areas. Urban development continues to expand in regions like Fort St. John. These land uses contribute to habitat fragmentation, water diversion, sediment runoff, and pollution. Cumulative impacts are a major concern, especially in areas where multiple industries overlap. Strategic land use planning is essential to protect ecological functions.

Schindler, D. W., & Donahue, W. F. (2006). An impending water crisis in Canada's prairie provinces. PNAS, 103(19), 7210–7216.

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The basin crosses several provincial and territorial boundaries and includes multiple First Nations territories. These overlapping jurisdictions can create tension over how resources are managed. One of the most high-profile conflicts is over the Site C Dam on the Peace River, which has been opposed by many Indigenous groups and environmental organizations. The dam’s construction has flooded traditional hunting grounds and altered river flow, with long term effects on ecosystems and cultural practices. Disputes continue around compensation, consent, and consultation. Broader concerns involve who gets a say in decision making about water use and development.

Booth, A. L., & Skelton, N. W. (2011). “You spoil everything!” Indigenous peoples and industrial development in British Columbia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 13, 685–702.

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Trade Versus the Environment: the Mackenzie River Basin & the Site C Conflict | Systems Design Engineering | University of Waterloo

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Design team members: Spencer Wheatley, Sherif El-Tonbari, & Joshua Aziz Supervisors: Professor.Keith Hipel Background

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Industrial development has degraded habitats across the basin. Wetlands have been drained, riverbanks eroded, and forests cleared. Fish and bird species are in decline particularly those dependent on cold clean water like Arctic grayling. Pollution from mining and energy operations includes heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and sedimentation. Agricultural runoff brings pesticides and fertilizers into the system, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion. These issues threaten biodiversity and reduce the basin’s ability to provide key ecosystem services like clean water, flood control, and food.

Wrona, F. J., et al. (2006). Climate change effects on aquatic biota. Ambio, 35(7), 359–369.

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Restoration - McKenzie Watershed Council

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The McKenzie River Sub-basin is known for outstanding water quality and steady flows due to its unique hydrogeology. It is one of the last remaining strongholds for threatened Willamette River spring Chinook salmon and bull trout. McKenzie rainbow trout are a prized target for recreational fisheries and the businesses that…

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Climate change is accelerating across the basin. Permafrost is thawing, destabilizing ground and releasing methane. Warmer temperatures reduce snowpack and cause glaciers to retreat, shifting the timing and intensity of river flows. These changes affect water levels, increase the risk of droughts and floods, and threaten fish that rely on cold water. Wildfires are also increasing, which worsens air quality and causes erosion that pollutes waterways. Overall, climate change is undermining the stability of ecosystems and the services they provide.

Prowse, T. D., et al. (2006). Climate change and Arctic freshwater ecosystems. Ambio, 35(7), 347–358.

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Monitoring Climate Change Impacts around the Mackenzie River

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Although the basin has high overall water volume, local access can be highly uneven. Droughts, flow regulation by dams, and pollution can limit availability at key times and places. Indigenous and remote communities often face the most severe challenges, including boil water advisories and infrastructure failures. Changes in water timing due to climate shifts mean that water may be less available when it's most needed for irrigation, power generation, or habitat preservation. Managing this access equitably is an urgent priority.

Schindler, D. W., & Donahue, W. F. (2006). An impending water crisis in Canada's prairie provinces. PNAS, 103(19), 7210–7216.

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The basin is a major source of hydroelectricity, especially from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and the newer Site C Dam. These dams supply power across British Columbia and into Alberta. While hydro is a low-carbon energy source, it causes significant ecological disruption. Reservoir creation floods vast areas, destroys wildlife habitat, and releases methane from submerged vegetation. Altered flow regimes also affect fish migration and nutrient transport. Communities downstream often bear the consequences without adequate say in project planning.

Rosenberg, D. M., et al. (1997). Large-scale impacts of hydropower development. BioScience, 47(11), 746–751.

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Agricultural land in the southern basin supports crops like canola, wheat, and forage for cattle. However, unpredictable precipitation and changes in growing seasons make farming increasingly difficult. Indigenous communities face declines in traditional food sources like fish, moose, and berries due to pollution and habitat loss. Climate change adds to this stress by increasing pests and disease. Sustainable farming practices and better protections for traditional foods are needed to secure long-term food systems.

Schindler, D. W., & Donahue, W. F. (2006). An impending water crisis in Canada's prairie provinces. PNAS, 103(19), 7210–7216.

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Holiday Farm Fire Survivors Resolve to Protect McKenzie River

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Water governance is fragmented across provinces, territories, and Indigenous governments. Each group has different laws, priorities, and capacities. There is no single management body overseeing the entire basin. This patchwork approach makes it difficult to address cumulative impacts or respond quickly to crises. Some Indigenous groups are leading their own water monitoring and stewardship programs, offering models for better collaboration. Long-term success depends on integrating scientific and traditional knowledge in policy-making.

Bakker, K. (2007). Commons or commodity? Geography Compass, 1(4), 701–719.

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What Is The Importance Of The Land? - Canada Explored

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Water injustice is a major issue across the basin. Many Indigenous communities live with outdated water systems and face frequent contamination without proper government support. Infrastructure development often proceeds without full consultation or consent. Environmental racism plays a role in how pollution and risks are distributed. True environmental justice requires centering Indigenous voices and ensuring fair access to clean water and decision-making power.

Whyte, K. P. (2017). Indigenous climate change studies. Daedalus, 146(4), 156–162.

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Co-governance involves Indigenous communities sharing equal authority in managing water and land. These partnerships can improve outcomes by incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and restoring local control. Examples include Indigenous Guardians programs, water monitoring led by First Nations, and co-management of protected areas. This solution promotes environmental health, cultural continuity, and social equity.

Booth, A. L., & Skelton, N. W. (2011). “You spoil everything!” Indigenous peoples and industrial development in British Columbia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 13, 685–702.

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Overview

As part of the Federal Freshwater Action Plan, the Government of Canada is taking action to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems of national significance through Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives (FEIs) that support partner-led actions addressing regional freshwater challenges and priorities. The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative will provide financial support for eligible projects that improve the water quality and aquatic ecosystem health of the Mackenzie River Basin.

Eligibility

Eligible Projects

In the Mackenzie River Basin, whole basin scale concerns include downstream impacts to ecosystem health from development such as resource extraction, hydroelectric development and other activities; changing climate impacts such as melting permafrost impacting flow regimes and sediment loads; threats to food security; changes to biota and invasive species that may impact aquatic life; and other emerging issues.

In this context, the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative will fund projects, implemented by domestic partners within the Mackenzie River Basin that address at least one of the following three program priorities below.

Advancing Science and Knowledge

Indigenous Knowledge, Capacity Building and Engagement

Enabling Resiliency and Adaptation

1. Advancing Science and Knowledge: Projects that address knowledge gaps by collecting, analyzing, sharing and/or using information to increase knowledge and/or understanding of stressors threatening freshwater quality and ecosystem health. Projects are encouraged to bridge Indigenous Knowledge (also referred to as Traditional Knowledge) and science to address gaps and employ respectful knowledge co-development.

Types of projects that may be funded include:

Advancing the understanding of the impacts of:

changes in climate on freshwater and food security

emerging issues such as aquatic invasive species

sediment loading and other harmful pollutants

Measurement, monitoring (including community-based monitoring to augment existing monitoring) or analysis of harmful pollutants including:

the impacts on freshwater ecosystem health

freshwater ecosystem changes or trends including climate-related factors

multiple stressors and related cumulative effects on freshwater ecosystems

development of place-based indicators of freshwater ecosystem health

Development, testing and/or demonstration of innovative tools, technologies and techniques to improve freshwater quality and ecosystem health

Identification of freshwater priorities, data and research gaps, and/or sharing of knowledge and information

Using innovation, tools and approaches to share knowledge and information (e.g. audio or visual means, graphic demonstrations, etc.) to inform decision-making and actions to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems

2. Indigenous Knowledge, Capacity Building and Engagement: Projects will support Indigenous-led efforts to advance knowledge of freshwater quality issues, and/or build capacity of Indigenous governments, communities and organizations and to address freshwater quality issues and concerns. This includes projects that enable participation of Indigenous youth and build a future knowledge bank to support intergenerational transfer of knowledge.

Types of projects that may be funded include:

Gathering of Indigenous Knowledge and applying Indigenous Knowledge systems to inform decision making and actions related to freshwater quality

Youth engagement and opportunities for intergenerational transfer of knowledge

Building capacity, outreach, training, and engagement for Indigenous governments, communities and organizations to research and implement actions on the ground to address freshwater quality issues

Projects that bring together diverse knowledge systems and perspectives to support actions and decision making related to freshwater quality

3. Enabling Resiliency and Adaption: Projects that encourage and strengthen collaborative efforts to improve freshwater quality and/or enable increased resiliency and adaptation through freshwater stewardship.

Types of projects that may be funded include:

Enabling processes that support knowledge-based decision making to guide efforts at various scales to protect and/or restore freshwater in the basin

Training, outreach and/or education to support the implementation of actions that improve freshwater quality and freshwater ecosystem health

Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts among multiple partners to support the development and implementation of strategies and activities that improve freshwater ecosystem health in the Mackenzie River Basin

Increase capacity and partnerships to mobilize knowledge and engage effectively on freshwater quality-focused activities

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

The following types of projects are not eligible for funding under the Mackenzie River FEI:

Monitoring and data collection as stand-alone projects. These projects must be part of an overall trend analysis, or integrated planning process

Projects that have a single-issue 'action' focus such as stream clean-ups, attending conferences, training, workshops and meetings

Projects that are focused solely on water quantity, groundwater, or marine/estuary environments

Projects designed only to beautify an area

The purchase of land

Projects required by law and/or mandated by a level of government; and

Capital or operating costs of infrastructure projects (e.g. dikes, sewers, sewage treatment plants, storm water ponds)

Eligible Applicants

Canadian-based organizations are eligible to apply and include:

Domestic Indigenous governments, communities, organizations, boards, and associations.

Domestic not-for-profit organizations such as charitable and volunteer organizations, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations.

Domestic research, academic and educational institutions.

Domestic regional, municipal and local governments, and

Local organizations such as community associations and groups, seniors' and youth groups, and service clubs.

Domestic for-profit organizations such as small businesses with less than 100 employees, companies, corporations, industry associations; and agricultural organizations

Although federal, provincial and territorial governments are not eligible funding recipients, they are encouraged to partner with applicants on projects.

Eligible Project Costs

The following project costs are eligible:

Human resource costs, including salaries and benefits.

Management and professional service costs such as accounting, monitoring, communications, official language translation, audit, and legal fees.

Hospitality, travel and venues/conference expenses that are attributed directly to carrying out the project (in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat's Directives on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures.
Hospitality expenditures can include costs related to Indigenous ceremonial offerings to be utilized or consumed during meetings or ceremonies such as traditional medicines, cultural foods, tea, and sacred plants.

Costs associated with an Indigenous participation or ceremony.

Monetary Honoraria offered to Indigenous Elders and/or Knowledge Keepers related to specific participation activities which may include but not are not limited to translation and interpretative costs, leading a traditional opening/closing ceremony and/or prayer, the sharing of Traditional Knowledge and protocols, (including spiritual advice to individuals), and demonstrating traditional art and other practices.

Materials and supplies costs.

Printing, production, and distribution costs.

Equipment and Capital Assets purchase or rental.

Vehicle rental and operation costs.

Contractors required to perform activities related to the project.

A reasonable share (20% or less) of overhead and/or administrative costs directly attributed to project delivery.

Any GST/HST that is not reimbursable by the Canada Revenue Agency and any PST not reimbursable by the provinces.

The following project costs are ineligible:

Expenditures related to lobbyist fees

Equipment and Capital Assets purchase or rental for for-profit recipients; and

Costs associated with land securement (e.g. leases, easements, covenants or servitudes)

Funding Details

Projects are eligible for funding up to a maximum of $200,000 per project. Projects can be single or multi-year in nature but must be completed by March 31, 2027.

The current request for proposals is for projects that will begin during the 2025/26 Fiscal Year. Projects that are not funded can be re-submitted through a future call for proposals.

Matching Requirements

Generally, one third of the total project support should be obtained from sources other than the Government of Canada. Given the geographic location of the Mackenzie River Basin in Northern Canada and that bridging knowledge gaps are a priority of the program, up to 90% of project costs will be eligible for program funding for Indigenous-led projects. Employment support programs within Employment and Social Development Canada and programs for Indigenous peoples within Indigenous Services Canada are not counted as part of Government of Canada funding. Other sources of funding may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. Applicants located outside of the Mackenzie River Basin are eligible to apply; however, priority will be given to those applicants that are geographically located within the Mackenzie River Basin.

In-kind support may include donations of:

Equipment, materials and/or office space.

Volunteer time for project activities, coordination or professional services.

Expertise from consultants, elders or academics.

Any other donated goods or services that contribute to covering the costs of the project.

For Non-Indigenous Organizations:

One-third (1/3) of total project support (from all sources) must be obtained from non-federal government partners.

Funding through employment support programs within Employment and Social Development Canada and programs for Indigenous peoples within Indigenous Services Canada are exempt and can be used for matching purposes.

$80,000 + $20,000 = $100,000 Total Contributions
$100,000 ÷ 3 = $33,333
At least $33,333 must come from non-federal government sources.
This project has $40,000 in contributions from non-federal government sources.
This is an eligible project budget; the matching requirement is met.

For Indigenous Organizations:

Ten percent (10%) of total project support (from all sources) must be obtained from non-federal government partners.

Funding through employment support programs within Employment and Social Development Canada and programs for Indigenous peoples within Indigenous Services Canada are exempt and can be used for matching purposes.

$80,000 + $20,000 = $100,000 Total Contributions
$100,000 x 10% = $10,000
At least $10,000 must come from non-federal government sources.
This project has $40,000 in contributions from non-federal government sources.
This is an eligible project budget; the matching requirement is met.

Geographic Location

In the Mackenzie River Basin.

Performance Indicators

Project proponents are required to report on all relevant key performance indicators from the list below. It is recommended that groups identify all indicators that apply to the project and explain how the target numbers were calculated.

Number of Indigenous-led activities that enable freshwater stewardship and/or the intergenerational transfer of knowledge (# of activities)

Number of partners or organizations contributing financial and/or in-kind resources (# of partners/organizations)

Number of partner organizations engaged in project activities (# of organizations)

Number of events that provide opportunity for increased collaboration (# of events)

Number of events supporting knowledge transfer and sharing (# of events)

Total number of sites with enhanced monitoring (# of sites)

Number of youth involved/engaged in project activities (# of youth)

Number of mitigation measures and/or management practices implemented (# of mitigation measures and/or management practices)

Number of decision-support tools developed and/or implemented (# of tools)

Number of reports/papers compiled and published (# of reports/papers)

Number of jobs created (# of jobs)

Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed against, but not limited to, the following criteria:

Demonstrates strong linkages to the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative priorities. The application must clearly demonstrate how the project will contribute to desired outcomes for one of the three program priorities and demonstrate the need for the project and its importance for the health of the Mackenzie River.

Builds partnerships through collaboration with other organizations. Contributions of the various partners and project collaborators need to be clearly described in the application including the benefits derived from these collaborations such as increased capacity and/or expertise and/or resources that are leveraged through these partnerships.

Is scientifically and/or technically sound. (For projects that include scientific, research, and/or nutrient reduction components.) The application must provide detailed information on methodology and techniques used in order to evaluate the merit of the project. It must demonstrate the project will be based on knowledge including sound scientific principles and techniques and/or the use of diverse knowledge systems that inform the techniques and approaches being applied.

Indigenous-led efforts and/or Knowledge Systems. For these types of projects, applications should describe how Indigenous governments, communities, and/or partners are actively engaged in the design and implementation of the project. Where applicable, details related to how the project enables capacity, knowledge sharing and the desired outcomes resulting from the project should be included.

Builds on/integrates existing research and Knowledge/Indigenous Knowledge. Projects including these elements should describe how Indigenous organizations or communities are actively engaged in the design and delivery of the project. It must describe how Indigenous capacity relating to freshwater ecosystems will occur. Where applicable, details related to how the project enables knowledge sharing and the desired outcomes resulting from the project should be included.

Communication of results and knowledge. Applicants are encouraged to seek opportunities for knowledge transfer to partners and/or external stakeholders or user groups in order to extend the reach of project outcomes. A competitive application will demonstrate a commitment to share results and findings as to enable benefits to be shared with a wide array of partners and stakeholders and achieve broad impacts throughout the watershed.

Application process

Applicants must submit their project proposal using the Grants and Contributions Enterprise Management System (GCEMS), Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) online application system. The Applicant Guide is available in GCEMS. Applicants are encouraged to register in GCEMS in advance of the call for application deadline to view the Applicant Guide and begin their application.
Note: The online application system (GCEMS) is shared between CWA and ECCC. References to ECCC in the system apply to both organizations.
It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the budget in GCEMS 24 hours prior to the deadline to allow sufficient time to resolve any errors. If an application is not submitted by the deadline, it will not be considered.

GCEMS Applicant User Guide: The GCEMS Applicant User Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to apply for funding, including information on how to create, edit and submit project proposals.

For technical assistance when using GCEMS: Contact the GCEMS team directly at sgesc-gcems@ec.gc.ca

Selection Process

The Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative project funding decisions will follow a merit-based competitive process. Eligible projects will be evaluated on the quality and completeness of the application.

Completed applications will undergo a three-stage review process:

1. Administrative review by program staff to confirm eligibility (projects considered not eligible will be notified at the end of this stage).

2. Technical review by subject-matter experts to evaluate scientific and technical feasibility including methodology.

3. An Application Review Committee will ensure that program priorities and criteria are considered in the project evaluation and approval process.

Notification and Reporting Requirements

All applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) will be notified in writing via email. If your application is approved, you will be contacted to negotiate a Contribution Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of funding. Federal Members of Parliament and/or their team may be advised about the approval of a project and may be provided with information in the project application including applicant's name, project title, project description, project location, funding amounts and contact information.

Funding is conditional on the successful negotiation of a Contribution Agreement between the applicants and the CWA. Each Contribution Agreement must include written confirmation of all funding sources, a summary of project design, delivery, progress evaluations and anticipated results, as well as a budget forecast. All of these components must be accurately completed before the agreement can be signed.

All approved recipients are required to submit reports to CWA throughout the duration of the project as outlined in the Contribution Agreement. Payments are based on reporting and cannot be made until a report has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by a CWA project officer.

Once a project has finished, a final report is required. The final payment will not be provided (minimum 10% holdback) until a final report has been submitted and approved by CWA.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

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Funding for the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative - Canada.ca

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Funding for the Mackenzie River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative will provide financial support for eligible projects that improve the water quality and aquatic ecosystem health of the Mackenzie River Basin.

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Restoring natural vegetation along riverbanks helps protect water quality and biodiversity. Plants filter runoff, reduce erosion, and provide shade to keep streams cool. Riparian zones also support wildlife and reduce the impacts of floods. Community led restoration projects are already happening in parts of the basin and offer a scalable, cost-effective strategy with clear environmental benefits.

Gregory, S. V., et al. (1991). An ecosystem perspective of riparian zones. BioScience, 41(8), 540–551.

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Adapting to a changing climate means updating infrastructure, building flood defenses, protecting permafrost, and ensuring emergency response plans. It also involves conserving water during times of abundance to prepare for drought. This proactive approach is crucial to protecting people and ecosystems from worsening climate impacts. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into these plans makes them more culturally responsive and ecologically grounded.

Pahl-Wostl, C. (2007). Transitions towards adaptive management. Ecology and Society, 12(2).

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The causal loop diagram for this watershed shows reinforcing and balancing feedbacks. For example, more dam construction leads to ecosystem damage, which reduces fish populations and water quality. This causes community backlash, pushing for policy change and restoration, which could eventually rebalance the system. Key leverage points include shifting land use policy, empowering Indigenous leadership, and increasing habitat protection.

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The basin provides freshwater, fish, timber, hydropower, and wild foods. These services support local economies and traditions. However, overexploitation threatens their long term availability. A provisioning service like hydropower must be balanced with preserving fish and aquatic ecosystems.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Synthesis. Island Press.

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Wetlands, forests, and river systems regulate floods, filter pollution, and store carbon. These natural services are essential in controlling erosion, protecting water supplies, and mitigating climate change. Development has reduced the effectiveness of these natural regulators, increasing the risk of disasters.

Zedler, J. B., & Kercher, S. (2005). Wetland resources. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 30, 39–74.

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For many Indigenous nations, the river is sacred. It is central to ceremonies, language, and identity. Disruption of these waters affects cultural survival. Recognizing cultural ecosystem services means protecting both ecological and human heritage.

Castleden, H., Garvin, T., & Huu-ay-aht First Nation. (2009). Hegemony and water governance. Alternatives, 35(1), 12–18.

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Peace River Museum, Archives & Mackenzie Centre

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Address: 10302-99 Street, Peace River, Alberta Phone: (780)624-4261 E-mail: museum@peaceriver.caFollow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Hydroelectric dams transform ecosystems by blocking fish migration, flooding habitat, and changing sediment patterns. These effects cascade through food webs and reduce biodiversity. Mitigation is possible through fish ladders, flow adjustments, and limiting new dams in ecologically sensitive areas.

Rosenberg, D. M., et al. (1997). Large-scale impacts of hydropower development. BioScience, 47(11), 746–751.

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Coldwater fish species like lake trout, Arctic grayling, and whitefish are sensitive to changes in temperature, oxygen, and flow. Dams and warming waters disrupt their breeding cycles. Without intervention, these populations may decline beyond recovery.

Reist, J. D., et al. (2006). Effects of climate change on Arctic fishes. Ambio, 35(7), 370–380.

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Thawing permafrost destabilizes landscapes, releases carbon, and increases sediment in rivers. Flood risks grow as soils collapse and flow paths shift. Communities in low-lying or unprotected areas are especially vulnerable.

Walvoord, M. A., & Kurylyk, B. L. (2016). Hydrologic impacts of thawing permafrost. Hydrological Processes, 30(26), 4167–4186.

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Uncoordinated management can lead to water shortages, pollution, and infrastructure damage. These failures disrupt agriculture, tourism, and power supply which can lead to long term economic losses. Investing in sustainable planning is more cost-effective than reactive recovery.

Bakker, K. (2007). Commons or commodity? Geography Compass, 1(4), 701–719.

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Potentially ‘catastrophic’ changes underway in Canada’s northern Mackenzie River Basin

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Canada’s Mackenzie River basin -- among the world’s most important major ecosystems -- is poorly studied, inadequately monitored, and at serious risk due to climate change and resource exploitation, a panel of international scientists warn. Largest single threat to the Basin: a potential breach in the tailings ponds at one of the large oil sands sites mining surface bitumen. A breach in winter sending tailings liquid under the ice “would be virtually impossible to remediate or clean-up.”

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A sustainable Mackenzie-Peace Basin must balance environmental conservation, social equity, and economic resilience. This requires cross-border cooperation, Indigenous partnerships, and forward-looking policy.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Synthesis. Island Press.

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A Blueprint for Watershed Governance in British Columbia

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Alberta Environment. (2003). Highlights of Mackenzie River Basin Board’s state of aquatic ecosystem report 2003 [PDF]. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/20c8e9cd-beed-4b89-b935-c15a0385b195/resource/ee16430d-a2ce-4d23-8c46-b987caaae422/download/aenv-highlights-of-mackenzie-river-basin-boards-state-of-aquatic-ecosystem-report-2003-5785.pdf

ArcticNet. (2019, June 6). Mackenzie River climate change impacts [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/nT4a_sY_Ir4

Bakker, K. (2007). Commons or commodity? Geography Compass, 1(4), 701–719. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-8198.2007.00080.x

Booth, A. L., & Skelton, N. W. (2011). “You spoil everything!” Indigenous peoples and industrial development in British Columbia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 13, 685–702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-011-9284-x

Canada Water Agency. (2024). Mackenzie River freshwater ecosystem initiatives. https://www.canada.ca/en/canada-water-agency/funding/freshwater-ecosystem-initiatives/mackenzie-river.html

Castleden, H., Garvin, T., & Huu-ay-aht First Nation. (2009). Hegemony and water governance: The politics of Indigenous knowledge. Alternatives Journal, 35(1), 12–18.

Dene Nation & Dunmall, K., et al. (2023). Department of Fisheries and Oceans collaboration report. https://denenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Department-of-Fisheries-and-Oceans-Dunmall-et-al_Dene-Nation_Mar-2023-1.pdf

David Suzuki Foundation. (2021, Nov 15). Climate impacts on the Mackenzie River [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/zAskd6_6rEE

Globe and Mail. (2017). Mackenzie River photo [Image]. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/ece-images/f34/news/national/article36527626.ece/BINARY/w1100/mackenzie-river9nw2.JPG

Gregory, S. V., Swanson, F. J., McKee, W. A., & Cummins, K. W. (1991). An ecosystem perspective of riparian zones. BioScience, 41(8), 540–551. https://doi.org/10.2307/1311607

Hill Times. (2017). Mackenzie River photo [Image]. https://www.hilltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/568A0945.t584063b6.m800.xc6a029ad-1.jpg.webp

Mackenzie River Basin Board. (2022). MRB permafrost [Image]. https://mrbb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mrb-permafrost-en.jpg

Mackenzie River Basin Board. (2022). MRB population [Image]. https://mrbb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mrb-population-en.jpg

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