Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have partnered with a southern Saskatchewan First Nation to measure the effects of climate change on reserve lands.
Automated climate monitoring stations are in the process of being installed on the Okanese First Nation to observe the temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure and wind conditions of the area.
The Kikawinaw Askiy project is being spearheaded by the First Nation.
“The community generally feels that the environment, their land and water has been affected in the past,” Bob Patrick, a faculty member in the geography and planning department at the university and a co-leader on the project, says. “They are really wanting to focus on making the land healthy.”
The $125,000 three-year study is being funded through Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
The data collected will be used to formulate climate change adaptation and source water protection plans for the First Nation.
(PHOTO: Researchers set up one of four climate monitoring stations on the Okanese First Nation. Photo courtesy of the University of Saskatchewan)