CLEAN WATER - A NORTHERN HERITAGE

Abstract

The Northwest Territories covers 34% of the land mass and contains 20% of the freshwater found in Canada. Of the 55 000 people in the Northwest Territories (NWT) 63% are of aboriginal descent. The NWT is characterized by an abundance of wildlife, vast areas of undisturbed land and generally pristine waters. However, degradation of water quality is occurring; primarily from long range transportation of pollutants by air or from upstream sources.Northern people place great emphasis on environment protection because of the reliance on renewable resources as sources of food, shelter and income. As well, the use of the lands resources is the foundation of northern aboriginal identity and culture. Therefore, residents and the Government of the Northwest Territories are concerned about the protection of the northern ecosystem as it relates to the subsistence lifestyle and to future lifestyles options for their children.