Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 01/99) - Country foods have sustained the Inuit for thousands of years. By keeping a watchful eye on contaminant levels, Baker Lake residents hope the traditional animals, fish, and plant life will sustain their Arctic community for thousands more.

Last year, a team of Baker Lake community members -- everyone from elders and hunters to hamlet officials -- set out to determine if area contaminants were a threat to their health.

Janet Nungnik coordinated the research team and will be presenting their findings at a national Northern Contaminants Program convention in White Rock, B.C. at the end of September.

"I'm anxious about presenting our report because recommendations from it will be made to important politicians and decision makers," Nungnik said.

"I'm hoping the immediate outcome will be that we can teach our children how to cook traditional foods like caribou and fish in home economic classes in the schools. I'm also hoping people will continue to monitor contaminants in the North because we depend on our country foods and fresh water to survive."

The study measured the levels of radionuclides, heavy metals, and contaminants in the air, wildlife and water to determine if residents in the community who consume traditional foods are at risk.

After the study was done, there was no indication of elevated levels of radiation from Uranium mining in the area. The levels of radon gas in the air was too low to measure, and food and water samples had very low levels of contamination.

"We circled Baker Lake taking samples. We took samples from the bottom of the lake, we checked our drinking water, air and the food we eat," Nungnik said.

"The question our people wanted answered was 'Are we eating wildlife that is contaminated?' The answer was that the levels were low, which is comforting."

Thanks to funding, consulting and scientific assistance from the Northern Contaminants Program, which is administered by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Baker Lake now has baseline data on contaminant levels in the area.

DIAND contaminants specialist, David Kennedy, said the baseline data gives them a pretty good idea of where to begin if a contaminant problem should arise in the area.

"Part of what prompted the community to pursue this project is the residents were concerned about future mining developments on their lands," Kennedy said.

"They now have an idea of what types of contaminants are present before new development occurs. That makes it easier to measure the impacts of future development projects."

Nungnik said she wants to use the information they gathered to reassure people in the communities that food from the land is safe, and to ensure it remains a primary part of their diet.

"People are leaning towards eating more fast foods and fatty foods. There's no doubt we're eating too much sugar and salt," Nungnik said.

"Traditional foods are high in protein, iron, and it's lean. It's altogether healthier.

"If we look after our environment, the animals will remain healthy. If we keep eating country foods, our people will remain healthy."