Young researchers from the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) made a significant impact at the Indigenous Health Research Summit held in Kahnawake from September 10 to 12. Alongside hundreds of other knowledge holders from across Canada, they showcased their work through impressive presentations.
Marine biologist Dante Torio collaborated with CERRI researchers Preston Sam, Collin Snowboy, and Nicholas Chakapash to present three interconnected projects addressing environmental challenges in Eeyou Istchee. The organization aims to empower local youth by hiring two individuals each year from all 40 traplines in Chisasibi. Torio noted that attending such conferences significantly enhances the participants” confidence, receiving positive feedback, including suggestions for Snowboy to start a podcast due to his clear speaking voice.
CERRI is gaining recognition for its youth-led initiatives, with seven of its ten permanent staff being local young people. Additionally, the organization employs two community-assigned individuals on short-term contracts and has three local students working over the summer. CERRI originated from President George Lameboy“s long-standing quest to understand the decline of eelgrass on his trapline. Torio commenced postdoctoral research on Chisasibi”s coastline in 2016, assisting Dr. Fred Short from the University of New Hampshire before joining CERRI in 2019.
Torio emphasized the importance of traditional knowledge in analyzing eelgrass beds, which serve as crucial habitats for migrating geese, fish, and other species. This approach, referred to as “two-eyed seeing,” integrates Western scientific methods with cultural wisdom passed down through generations. “Elders can direct you to specific locations that have undergone significant changes, as well as areas that remain unaffected,” Torio explained.
The decline of eelgrass is primarily attributed to nutrient and sediment starvation, with organic silt necessary for growth being trapped behind a dam. Since 1975, large hydroelectric projects upstream from Chisasibi have drastically altered the water flow into James Bay. While the community of Wemindji has not seen a severe decline, both Waskaganish and Eastmain are experiencing similar depletions of eelgrass and associated sediments due to major river diversions.
In Eastmain, the reduction of water flow has resulted in pure sandy conditions devoid of organic silt. Torio mentioned ongoing discussions about restoration strategies, indicating that if measures could be taken to prevent sand accumulation, eelgrass could likely regenerate with some assistance.
The coastal research conducted by CERRI has also led to projects in archaeology, fish population monitoring, climate change analysis, and community farming initiatives. Agricultural research assistants Sam and Snowboy highlighted their work on a geodesic dome greenhouse project in one of Eeyou Istchee”s most challenging growing environments. “Fresh food is medicine, and growing it ourselves is a means of reclaiming our wellbeing,” stated Sam.
CERRI is expanding its agricultural projects with the construction of new greenhouses and experimentation with cold-climate growing techniques and container farming to ensure year-round food production. In addition to a geodesic dome completed in 2023, a second greenhouse dedicated to food production was established this year, and a hydroponics container farm is expected to arrive in the autumn.
The dome has become a central hub for experimentation, research, and community engagement. The new high school in Chisasibi has even incorporated a rooftop greenhouse. Sam mentioned, “We had day camp students during the summer. We have an outdoor grow-bed where we”re testing potatoes and corn, along with our raspberry plant. Last year, we limited our planting to focus on experimentation with various crops.”
CERRI also offers workshops on soil preparation and germination techniques. Snowboy reported that tomatoes planted during an Earth Week seeding activity in April have already outgrown him, as he explores potential cold-climate crops like sunchokes. “In the mornings, I enjoy checking on the flowering plants; it”s the optimal time for pollinating them since the greenhouse lacks bees,” Snowboy noted, expressing a desire to pursue plant breeding to acclimate crops to the local climate.
Despite a setback when the dome”s main pipe burst last winter, garlic planted outside thrived. Torio has successfully cultivated onions, potatoes, cabbage, and peas in his backyard garden, even after experiencing late frosts in mid-June. Although initial attempts to grow rice in local waters have not been successful, pumpkins have shown promise after wind protection was implemented.
Snowboy mentioned, “I have been asking Elders about their preferred foods. Some suggested rutabaga, so I planted some for people to pick. We also donated lettuce to a local food pantry in Chisasibi.” Having joined CERRI in January, Snowboy has long been passionate about farming and studied native plants prior to his employment.
While some participants have aspirations to attend universities in southern regions, the institute”s young scientists have engaged in a STEM program at McGill University and completed professional development courses at Chisasibi”s new college. They have also received training on equipment such as ground-penetrating radar and drones, which were utilized in a recent survey of a former residential school on Fort George Island, providing an opportunity to harvest rhubarb.
However, CERRI still lacks the facilities necessary for comprehensive laboratory testing, including contaminant analysis in wildlife harvests. During the summit, Chakapash presented findings on mercury levels in traditional foods. Generally, brook trout, sculpin, and whitefish were found to be safe, while lake trout often exceeded safety thresholds. Waterfowl breast meat showed low mercury levels, but the livers should be avoided, and he advised against consuming merganser altogether.
Chakapash also joined Torio at a conference hosted by the Canadian Space Agency, where they discussed the use of remote sensing to identify threats such as algae blooms, shoreline erosion, and forest fires. Torio believes that satellite imagery could provide valuable insights for youth monitoring the vast region.
Ongoing projects led by Peter House and Preston Bobbish focus on enhancing waterfowl habitats and conducting water quality testing at local natural springs. The summit in Kahnawake marked a pivotal moment for CERRI and the youth shaping its future, underscoring the significance of local research. Sam expressed, “I aspire to build connections between Eeyou knowledge and contemporary agriculture. My vision is for future generations to recognize agriculture not as something imported from the south but as something we have always possessed the ability to cultivate right here at home.”
