Driven by a commitment to empower Indigenous peoples to protect their health, Amy Nahwegahbow's PhD research in epidemiology is a deeply personal journey.
As a member of Whitefish River First Nation near Manitoulin Island, Nahwegahbow examines how exposure to environmental contaminants may affect the health of northern First Nations communities. Her research explores data on industrial pollution both in her home community and in Yellowknife, as well as the impacts on people's health and well-being among their populations.
"This topic resonates with me because First Nations are disproportionately affected by industrial pollution due to our deep connection to the land, reliance on traditional foods and proximity to industrial sites," Nahwegahbow says.
She adds that First Nations communities' cultural practices of hunting, fishing and berry harvesting combined with their reliance on the land for food, increased poverty levels and limited access to clean water or safe housing all make them more susceptible to environmental risks.
That's why part of Nahwegahbow's research methodology is her community, which she considers a leader in this work. She plans to form an advisory committee of community members to work with community-based researchers. Depending on local approval, she will then analyze the results from specific biological samples to look at the different levels of contaminants in people's bodies.
She notes that high levels of contaminants in foods not only increase the risk of poor health, but also take a toll on the community's peace of mind. Parents, in particular, fear their children may be consuming contaminated food or water that's likely to make them sick.
"Understanding the impact of these contaminants is important because it empowers First Nations to advocate for environmental justice to protect their health and drive policy change that will include their voices and respect their rights," Nahwegahbow explains.
She believes this work will contribute to reconciliation.
"It's building respectful relationships between First Nations and academia," she says. "It fosters trust, and collaboration. It helps correct historical injustices by getting them the data that they need to then advocate for improved policies, programs and find a way that they might need to right any past wrongs."
