Annihilation of both place and sense of place: the experience of the Cheslatta T’En Canadian First Nation within the context of large‐scale environmental projects

Abstract

The water resources of Canada are today, and have always been, of major importance to the welfare of Canadians. Throughout most of Canada's history, these resources have been viewed within a supply–management framework and, frequently, exploited through the construction of ‘megaprojects’, often with little or no concern for issues such as environmental harm and social and community disruption. As in many parts of the world, those most affected by such large‐scale water resource developments have been aboriginals (in Canada, ‘First Nations’ peoples). Although the issues of environmental, social and economic damage to First Nations as a result of water megaprojects have been investigated, little has been written about the impact of such projects – especially dam construction – on the loss of sense of place of deracinated peoples. This paper investigates one example of such loss of sense of place, that of the Cheslatta T’En forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the 1950s so as to allow for the construction of a private hydroelectric dam by the Aluminum Company of Canada (Alcan).

Navigating "place" in evaluation design and practice

“…It is where we belong, where we return home, where we know its stories and ways, where the spirits of the place know us, and where we are kept together within its mountains; a bridge between generations (Windsor & McVey, 2005). The place itself is sustenance for body and soul, imbued with memories, commitments made, and obligations met, where people and environment are co-habitors (Penetito, 2009).…”

“…For example, Penetito (2009) notes that a sense of place is a fundamental human need, a message of connectedness and inter-relatedness (p. 21). Windsor and McVey (2005) assert that "the importance of place and sense of place to human wellbeing cannot be overstated" (pp. 147-148).…”

Le jour et la nuit

“…Le déplace-ment doit receler une certaine qualité. » (Fry 1994 : 129) Le pouvoir des nouveaux lieux s'est avéré à moyen terme « mémoricide » (Windsor et McVey 2005), en ce que les connaissances et les émotions liées à l'ancien territoire ont été étouffées sous la chape de la désintégration sociale et culturelle (voir aussi Read 1996 ;Emery et Grainger 1994 : 77). Dans les faits, tout un savoir ancré dans la perception de l'environnement s'est dissipé.…”

Earth Stewardship: science for action to sustain the human-earth system

“…Sometimes, the grassroots support needed for environmental protection emerges when a community's sense of place is threatened (Windsor and McVey 2005). In the late 19th century, coal companies built towns in the Appalachian Mountains to house miners when it became apparent that power from coal would fuel major U.S. development.…”