An ecosystem study, based on the concept and approach of biogeoclimatology (sensu the Krajina school of ecosystem classification), was conducted in the boreal forest of northeastern British Columbia in the Fort Nelson area. The prime purpose of this study was to produce an ecological classification of forested ecosystems of the area. The resulting classification was based on an analysis of as many environmental and vegetational characteristics as feasible. Interpretations of the environmental and vegetational analyses presented attempt to explain the factors which conspicuously contribute to ecosystem processes and development. The vegetation from 95 phytogeocoenotic plots was classified into 6 orders, 10 alliances and 15 associations and the soils were classified into 17 subgroups, some with their gleyed variations. Detailed soil analysis and descriptions are major components of the ecosystem descriptions. The ecosystems are summarized environmentally by their projection on an eda-topic grid of moisture and nutrient regimes. An elemental ash analysis was carried out on surface organic horizons. Ca and Mg content appear to be good indicators of the positions that ecosystems occupy on the edatopic grid. Additionally, mor humus of black spruce ecosystems was compared with moder humus of aspen ecosystems. It is confirmed that moder humus has properties which are more conducive to high biological activity than does mor humus. It is concluded that the cold boreal climate , flatness of the terrain, prevailingly fine textured soil parent material, and fairly frequent forest fires are the dominant environmental factors influencing ecosystem structure and dynamics in the study area. The fine texture of the parent material frequently causes very slow percolation of water through soils which produces semi-stagnant water conditions instead of the rich seepage sites of more easily drained materials in other areas. Sufficient moisture is retained in these fine textured soils to prevent xeric conditions from developing, even in shedding topographic positions. The cold temperatures reduce biological activity, of the area to the point where nutrient poor, mor humus conditions develop. Mor humus promotes degradation of soils. However, this process is greatly inhibited by frequent forest fires. These fires maintain aspen stands as a fire climax which retards the development of strong acidity, so characteristic in mor humus of black spruce stands (the theoretical climatic climax). The general flatness of the terrain results in poor drainage of the area and favours the development of bogs. In high moors, a permafrost layer consistently occurs. / Science, Faculty of / Botany, Department of / Graduate

This Master’s thesis seeks to develop a better understanding of how Indigenous voices can be included in water governance. As a starting point, social learning theory, collaborative governance and Indigenous and Canadian relations were carefully studied. Despite the large body of research on collaborative governance with First Nations and on social learning in water governance, little is known specifically about social learning processes in colonial contexts. Using grounded theory and Indigenous methodologies, this research investigates how the current approach to implementing the Province’s legal constitutional, “duty to consult” affects social learning processes and the inclusion of Indigenous people in water governance. Findings indicate that the laws and policies that have been created based on the Crown’s interpretation of Treaty 8, an agreement signed between the Fort Nelson First Nation and Canada in 1899. This duty to consult constrains social learning, as it does not allow for the flexibility needed for a reframing process that might bring the actors to a common understanding of Treaty 8, the treaty relationship and its application as such today, as a basis for future collaboration. Without reframing processes, the consultation process is perceived by the Fort Nelson First Nation, a Treaty 8 nation, to lack legitimacy and neutral facilitation. Subsequently, consultation is seen as a checkbox that must be completed, but fails to include First Nations’ knowledge, interests and concerns about impacts from development and appropriate accommodation. This research also investigates a new governance arrangement emerging in northeast BC, which changes the way Fort Nelson First Nation voices are included in decision-making. Processes of nation building and capacity building contribute to Fort Nelson First Nation’s New Approach to governance. The New Approach sees changes to the sites of authority, revenue and norms and beliefs, resulting in a governance innovation that circumvents the provincial government’s role in governance by creating a closer working relationship between industry and the Fort Nelson First Nation. The results are development planning and decisions that better reflect the Fort Nelson First Nation’s concerns and interests in the near future. / Graduate

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This thesis examines Tse Keh Nay (Sekani) ethnic identity over three periods of Aboriginal-European relations: the fur trade period, the missionary period, and the treaty and reserve period. It examines the affects these three periods have had on the Tse Keh Nay as an ethnic group in four chapters, the first two dealing with the fur trade and missionary periods, and the last two with the treaty and reserve aspects of the treaty and reserve period. In it I argue that during the first two periods wider Tse Keh Nay ethnic identity was reinforced, while during the latter period local Tse Keh Nay identities were reinforced through government policies that dealt with Tse Keh Nay subgroups on a regional and localized basis. Despite this shift in emphasis, wider Tse Keh Nay ethnic identity has remained, proving that Tse Keh Nay ethnic identity is both situational and dynamic. / History