A Community Study to Examine Health Issues and their Relationship to Environmental Contaminants within the Takla Lake First Nation and Tsay Keh Dene Traditional Territories

The Takla Lake First Nation (TLFN) and Tsay Keh Dene Nation (TKDN) have encountered increasing industrial activity within their traditional territory since the 1960s and community members have expressed their ongoing concerns about its resulting impacts to the health of their environment and their own health and wellbeing.

The overall goal of this study was to identify sources of contaminants, specifically mercury, which may have bioaccumulated in the food chain as a result of industrial activity. Qualitative semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and food frequency questionnaires were administered. Participants were asked to indicate both the frequency and portion size of a list of traditional foods eaten over the previous year. Hair samples from members of both communities were collected and analysed for mercury.

The results of the hair analysis indicated that community members had detectable exposure to mercury, but none of the hair samples showed levels that were concerning. Older community members were more likely to have higher mercury levels, which may be due to fact that traditional foods tend to constitute a greater proportion of their overall diet. The study investigators emphasized the importance of continuing to harvest and consume traditional foods as they provide proven health benefits to First Nations.