Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 05/01) - Contaminants specialist say eating a variety traditional foods is healthy.

While toxic substances such as mercury are found in trace amounts, it shouldn't be blown out of proportion, said Denise Maxwell, contaminants specialist with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), who recently visited the Deh Cho along with other experts.

"You don't have to stop eating traditional foods ... they're generally healthier than the food you're going to get if you go to the Northern Store," said Maxwell.

Lyle Lockhart, a biochemist with 30 years experience, said mercury is a naturally occurring substance in rocks. It's also produced through man-made activities such as burning fuel and garbage.

"Mercury has always been with us and it will always be with us," he said.

Generally, predatory fish like lake trout and Northern pike (jackfish) contain more mercury than non-predatory fish like whitefish and suckers. As well, the larger the fish, the more mercury it stores. For this reason, Myles advises eating different types of smaller fish from different lakes.

Overall, the level of contaminants in the North is relatively low, he says.