Title
Western James Bay Watershed Contamination and Human Health
Fiscal Year
2010-2011
Community/Region
Mushkegowuk Environmental Research Centre (Timmins), Ontario
Principal Investigator
Jennifer Simard
Community Project Lead
N/A
Project Members
Jennifer Simard, Alex Litvinov, Roseann Ross, Mitchel Eshkakogan and Cathleen Sutherland

Project Summary
Previous data from fish population and habitat studies showed evidence that existing levels of pollution in the lakes and watersheds of Albany River, Attawapiskat River and Moose River, including the tributary rivers of Abitibi, Mattagami and Missanabie, may impact the health of Mushkegowuk First Nations (Attawapiskat First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Moose Cree First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Missanabie Cree First Nation).
The purpose of this study was to monitor the health and well-being of Mushkegowuk First Nations by measuring the levels of PCBs and methylmercury in blood and hair samples of community participants. However, due to a series of unforeseen circumstances and events, the study could not be completed.