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Dehcho Collaborative on Permafrost (DCoP)

Dehcho Collaborative on Permafrost (DCoP)

Researchers and communities come together as “partners in learning” to exchange experiences and ideas, and to co-develop new knowledge. Photos courtesy of William Quinton.

Researchers and communities come together as “partners in learning” to exchange experiences and ideas, and to co-develop new knowledge. Photos courtesy of William Quinton.

Project Background

The Dehcho is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. Widespread permafrost thaw is negatively affecting the economy and the health, well-being and livelihoods of Dehcho communities. In direct response, researchers and community members formed the Dehcho Collaborative on Permafrost (DCoP), a fusion of scientific and Indigenous approaches. DCoP generates and mobilises new knowledge, customised tools and innovative risk management strategies to help communities predict, manage and adapt to permafrost thaw. This strengthens the capacity of communities to manage the natural resources that support Dene ways of life.

Outcomes

  • Canada’s first Indigenous-led research station: a flagship for scientific-Indigenous collaboration
  • New community-led permafrost mapping techniques and products
  • New high-quality public data sets
  • A new data framework with standardised methods, templates, formats and tools for data query, visualisation, analysis and sharing essential for effective integration of science into policy
  • New permafrost thaw adaptation instruments and strategies
  • New permafrost thaw predictive tools and capacity
  • Coordinated educational events for Dehcho youth and Guardians
  • Coordinated regional permafrost monitoring
  • Greater Indigenous community leadership in research
Collaborative learning and research empowers communities with a voice in creating new knowledge. Photos courtesy of William Quinton.

Collaborative learning and research empowers communities with a voice in creating new knowledge. Photos courtesy of William Quinton.

Impacts

DCoP’s collaborative approach aligns closely with the 51本色-GNWT Partnership and advances sustainable development (UNSDG, UNESCO), sustainable land use (IUCN), and Indigenous rights to manage resources (UNDRIP). DCoP responds directly to the NWT “Knowledge Agenda” by fostering data and information sharing among departments and with other agencies. DCoP’s new tools for efficient data and information management directly support the GNWT’s “Open Government” mandate and “Open Data” policy. High quality datasets and decision support tools of the type produced by DCoP are the foundation for policy and management decisions and are explicitly called for by the Pan-Territorial Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Water Strategy Action Plan.

Partners

  • Dehcho First Nations
  • Dept. of Environment and Climate Change (NWT)
  • Jean Marie River First Nation
  • Liidlii Kue First Nation
  • NWT Geological Survey
  • Nogha Enterprises
  • Sambaa K’e First Nation
  • Twist Developments
  • Woodwell Climate Research Center

More Information

 

Interested in Learning More?

William Quinton

E: wquinton@wlu.ca

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