Doig River First Nation

Modern Impact Assessments

SVS worked with Doig River First Nation (DRFN) on two Modern Impact Assessments (MIA) for development projects impacting their territory. DRFN policies and land use plans were applied to redesign the standard impact assessment value components, indicators, criteria and metrics to complete an impact assessment that fits the community’s needs. Accommodation measures and recommendations were identified by consulting DRFN’s governance documents.

A standard Impact Assessment process fails to bridge gaps between biophysical and socio-economic effects and both the tangible and intangible impacts to the community member’s Rights, way of life and community well-being. The Modern Impact Assessment [MIA] is a key mechanism of a consent-based decision-making approach for DRFN. The objectives of the DRFN-specific MIA process are to develop an effective means to enable sustainable resource development without compromising Treaty Rights.