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Hydro and First Nations communities

Many hydro projects are developed in northern areas inhabited by Aboriginal communities. These projects directly affect their environment, communities and traditional way of life.

In some cases, large dams have flooded cultural and heritage sites. Hydro operations change the natural water flow in rivers, affecting traditional hunting, fishing and trapping activities. And in recent years Aboriginal people have decreased their traditional fish consumption because of actual or perceived increases in mercury contamination.

Over the past three decades, Aboriginal groups have become increasingly vocal about the environmental and social impacts of large hydro projects.

In the 1970s, construction of the first phase of the James Bay Project in northern Quebec raised controversy for its effect on the environment and Aboriginal people. Vast areas of wilderness were flooded and river systems were changed.

This project and other events, such as a highly publicized Aboriginal campaign against the proposed Great Whale Project in Quebec, furthered increased activism by Aboriginal groups.

Today Aboriginal communities are active participants in public dialogue and, in some cases, partners on proposed hydro projects. Through consultation processes for proposed projects, hydro developers work closely with Aboriginal communities to address the potential environmental impacts and to create new opportunities for training, jobs and economic growth.