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.