Networking with other First Nations

Environmental Audit Model for First Nations

Objectives:

Walpole Island was invited by DIAND to prepare an environmental audit model that might be useful to other First Nations, taking into account environmental settings and existing knowledge bases very different from those encountered by Walpole Island itself.

Description:

An environmental audit is a report on the relationship of a First Nation to its environment and resource base, that identifies current problems and needs, and that can be used as a basis for planning a sustainable future for the First Nation. The manual was prepared in January 1995, and drew on the experience of WIFN and its Heritage Centre, which had worked with a consultant to carry out an environmental audit of Walpole Island in early 1993. The manual included the following sections intended to assist other First Nations in developing an environmental audit:



• An environmental audit: What it is and what it is not;
  
  
• Choosing an auditor, and defining the First Nation-Auditor relationship;
  
  
• Audit facilities and duration;
  
  
• Format and presentation of the audit report;
  
  
• Elements of the audit report -solid and liquid wastes, water supply, air quality, contaminated sites, natural hazards, agriculture, forests, fish and wildlife, species & habitat protection, knowledge & education.

Outcome:

The environmental audit manual was distributed to all First Nations, and can be accessed through the Heritage Centre's web site. Continuing requests for copies demonstrate its relevance to First Nations environmental management initiative.

Support:

Funding was provided by DIAND