Zabel, NelsonSwanson, HeidiBranfireun, BrianKassi, Norma2021-05-042021-05-042016-06http://hdl.handle.net/10012/16944This report, produced for Kluane First Nation, details in plain-language the major findings of their joint research project, investigating levels of environmental contaminants and nutrients and fatty acids in fish from their traditional territory.The outcomes of a collaborative project led by the Kluane First Nation (KFN), in partnership with the Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research (AICBR), the University of Waterloo, and Western University, are presented here. This research project was initiated by KFN to answer questions about contaminants in fish in Kluane Lake, to determine the health benefits of eating fish from Kluane Lake, and to develop a youth exchange between KFN and university partners. The funded program has accomplished all of the program objectives. The key scientific findings are: - Average concentrations of mercury in Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish are beneath the Health Canada subsistence consumption guideline for mercury. - No Lake Trout or Lake Whitefish of any size exceed the Health Canada commercial sale guideline. - Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish from Kluane Lake have extremely low concentrations of mercury compared to other northern Canadian lakes. - Concentrations of organochlorines in Lake Trout < 750 mm long and average concentrations in Lake Whitefish are beneath US EPA consumption guidelines. - Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish from Kluane Lake have similar or lower concentrations of organochlorines compared to other northern Canadian lakes. - Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish in Kluane Lake are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial micronutrients, such as selenium, zinc, and copper. - Ratios of selenium (nutrient) to mercury (contaminant) in both Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish from Kluane Lake are better than in any other lake in Canada’s north. KFN, AICBR, the University of Waterloo and Western University had a very successful exchange of youth and community members in Spring 2016. KFN youth were involved in many aspects of the research, including fish collection and processing, and mercury analysis. This exchange will hopefully be the first of many that will empower and educate youth as well as contribute to both scientific and traditional knowledge (AICBR related project on traditional knowledge)enKluane LakeLake TroutLake WhitefishMercuryOrganochlorinesTrace MetalsTechnical Report