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Psycho-Social Problems Associated with Resource Development in Three Northern Native Communities

Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
January 1983

Abstract

Analysis of data from three contrasting northern resource developments showed differing patterns of psycho-social stresses on native populations. At Coppermine, many Inuit employees travelled to distant work sites with frequent rotations between home and work. Relatively few North Baffin Inuit travelled to the lead-zinc mine at Nanisivik for lengthy periods in camp. In contrast, the Syncrude developments in the Fort McMurray area affected native community life over a broad region and particularly in Fort MacKay. The Coppermine and Nanisivik experience indicated that rotation employment was the source of most disruptive impacts: whereas the experiences of Fort MacKay illustrated major negative impacts to communities in close proximity to major resource developments.

Résumé

L'analyse des données provenant de trios différents projects d'exploitation des richesses naturelles dans le Nord a révélé l'existence de profiles différents de stress psycho-sociaux chez les populations autochtones. A Coppermine, bon nombre d'employés inuit devaient se render à des lieux de travail éloignés et faire des roulements fréquents entre la maison et le travail. Un nombre relativement faible d'inuit du nord de l'ile Baffin se sont rendus à la mine de plomb et de zinc à Nanisivik pour y passer de longues périodes dans des camps; parallèlement, les projects d'exploitation de Syncrude dans la région de Fort McMurray influaient sur la vie communautaire des autochtones dans une vaste région et particuliérement à Fort MacKay. L'expérience de Coppermine et de Nanisivik ont montré que le système de roulement du personnel entrainait les effets les plus perturbateurs, alors que les expériences à Fort MacKay ont montré que les communautés situées à proximité d'importants projects d'exploitation des richesses naturelles étaient gravement touchés par l'arrivée de l'industrie.

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cover image Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 2Number S1January 1983
Pages: 73 - 79

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Version of record online: 28 April 2009

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Charles Hobart

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