Networking with other First NationsEffects
on Aboriginals of the Great Lakes Environment (EAGLE) Project Objectives:
The goal of the EAGLE Project was to blend community and scientific
knowledge in a partnership to examine the effects of contaminants on the health
and well-being of native peoples in the Great Lakes Basin. Walpole Island was
one of the First Nations communities which participated in the EAGLE Project because
it hoped that national and international action would be taken to protect community
health on the basis of the research findings. In particular, WIFN established
a Task Force to discuss the possibility of conducting a health study related to
the environment. Description: In 1993, Walpole Island
residents participated in the Eating Patterns Survey conducted by the EAGLE project
in over 20 communities. The survey was designed to establish the extent to which
fish and wildmeats are consumed. In 1994, a study of contaminant levels in blood
was initiated on Walpole Island by Heritage Centre and the EAGLE Project. A draft
report entitled Bkejwanong: Our Environment, our Health was prepared in 1994.
The report documented what is known about how the health of the residents of Walpole
Island has been affected by the environment. Specifically, the report examined
how water quality, air quality, the contamination of other species, biodiversity,
land use and waste management could affect health, by discussing physical health,
economic health and socio-cultural health. Despite effects on health, the report
found that residents of Walpole Island have done much to take control and responsibility
for their community. Outcome: WIFN participated strongly
in this project because of its level of concern about community health in WIFN.
However, it is unclear whether WIFN will get back from the project the community
health information it expected. For example the 1994 report was never released
because of community disclosure rules, and the project is now winding down. Support:
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