How some First Nations in Ontario's northwest are overcoming the effects of climate change

Some First Nation leaders in northwestern Ontario are seeing the effects of climate change in their region — including more widespread forest fires and shorter winter roads season — and taking steps to try to adapt.

They spoke to CBC in the wake of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which was released Feb. 28 and details the impact of global warming worldwide. 

Temperatures across Ontario's northwest are projected to rise by two degrees above 2005 levels by 2050, and communities in the westernmost parts of the province could see them climb by close to 2.5 degrees, according to data compiled by the Climate Atlas of Canada. Precipitation will rise by six to seven per cent per year over 2005 levels.

"With every degree rise in temperature, that means that the air can carry seven per cent more water vapour," said Geneva Kejick, the climate specialist for Grand Council Treaty No. 3.

"For the area I'm in, which is Kenora, Ont., we've definitely had a lot more snow. And the frequency of heavier snowfall has increased. So it's not like it's been consistent. All winter, it's been several episodes of 15-centimetre days."

Some of those winter snowfalls can knock out services to First Nations for multiple days, necessitating evacuation, Kejick said. 

The run-off from the extra snow could lead to salt and chemicals from roads washing into lakes and other bodies of water, meaning communities need good drainage and should consider diverting run-off to artificial lakes or ponds, she said.

An increase in evapotranspiration — the loss of water through evaporation and absorption by plants — means the forest floor is also drier in summer, contributing to forest fire risk, Kejick added.

In addition, communities are feeling the effects of climate change through reduced availability of traditional foods, such as wild rice, berries and traditional meats, she said. 

"There are certain medicines that it's hard to find for some reason," said David Meekis, a band councillor from Deer Lake First Nation. 

The temperature of the water around Deer Lake also appears to be warming, he said, causing fish that would normally be near the surface in the spring to seek refuge in deeper water. 

"Some people still rely on traditional food and medicine, so if you can't find it then that means they don't get it at that time," Meekis said.  "The elders … would rather have more traditional foods, but if you can't provide it, then that affects them as well. It's almost like a comfort food."

Deer Lake was one of six First Nation communities evacuated last year due to nearby forest fires.

When residents returned home, Meekis said community leaders discussed a proposal to build a fire break around the community, an area of cleared land that helps prevent wildfire from spreading.