Tipping Points in First Nations' Land Use: Understanding the Impacts of Industrial Development in Northeast British Columbia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Guo, Xulin | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Natcher, David | |
| dc.contributor.committeeMember | Hackett, Paul | |
| dc.contributor.committeeMember | Epp, Tasha | |
| dc.contributor.committeeMember | Robson, James | |
| dc.creator | Lu, Xiao Jing | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-09-05T20:57:51Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-09-05T20:57:51Z | |
| dc.date.copyright | 2023 | |
| dc.date.created | 2023-08 | |
| dc.date.submitted | August 2023 | |
| dc.date.updated | 2023-09-05T20:57:51Z | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study examines the impact of industrial development on the land use practices of the Saulteau First Nations (SFN) in northeastern British Columbia. Using household surveys and spatial data analysis, the goal is to identify critical tipping points at which industrial activities disrupt SFN members’ traditional harvesting practices. The 12-month household survey revealed that most of the SFN harvest occurred near the SFN reserve, although some distant locations in the north were used to target specific species. Additionally, the northwest region of the SFN reserve offered better hunting opportunities compared to the east region, which faced extensive oil and gas developments. Significant constraints to SFN land use were identified as human-induced disturbances, such as industrial development, environmental change, food contamination, and recreational development. Spatial analysis revealed areas of conflict between industrial activities and SFN harvesting practices, particularly near the SFN reserve and municipality centre. This study proposes an industrial tipping point model and identifies a cessation tipping point (industry density = 0.084 km2/km2) where industrial development significantly hinders SFN's traditional land use practices. The results also highlight the subjective and varied nature of determining a tipping point influenced by specific land use activities and household assets. The research findings are intended to facilitate constructive dialogue between the SFN community and the provincial government of British Columbia to preserve environmental livelihoods and territorial rights. The study emphasizes the importance of conservation and restoration efforts in core areas of the SFN territory. The insights provided can assist the Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment Project Team in striking a balance between sustainable economic development and the rights of First Nations in the region. | |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10388/14953 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.subject | First Nations | |
| dc.subject | harvesting | |
| dc.subject | barrier | |
| dc.subject | industry | |
| dc.subject | conflict | |
| dc.subject | the tipping point | |
| dc.title | Tipping Points in First Nations' Land Use: Understanding the Impacts of Industrial Development in Northeast British Columbia | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| dc.type.material | text | |
| thesis.degree.department | Geography and Planning | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Geography | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | University of Saskatchewan | |
| thesis.degree.level | Masters | |
| thesis.degree.name | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |