Yellowknives Dene launch arsenic sampling follow-up study

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has launched a follow-up study to measure levels of arsenic and other contaminants among its members.

“This study is exciting for the YKDFN because we want to learn more about the levels of arsenic and other metals in our body, as we are so close to Giant Mine,” stated Melissa Sangris, the health coordinator and acting director of the First Nation’s health and wellness department.

The new study, which the First Nation is conducting in partnership with the Yellowknife Health Effects Monitoring Program, is a follow-up to a study conducted in 2017-18.

That study aimed to determine baseline levels of exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium among residents in Yellowknife, Ndılǫ and Dettah through the collection of urine, toenail and saliva samples.

Results indicated the majority of northern residents’ contaminant levels were similar to other Canadians.

The monitoring program conducted a follow-up study among Yellowknife-area children and youth in 2023.

Preliminary results suggested an increase in lead levels among children and youth over the past five years. The monitoring program said those findings were not connected to elevated lead levels in the drinking water of some Yellowknife schools but could be related to the NWT’s 2023 wildfire season.

How to get involved

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is now inviting all First Nation members aged three years and older that have lived in Ndılǫ, Dettah, Yellowknife or the surrounding area for the majority of the past year to participate in the new study until November 22.

Participation will involve a 15-minute interview followed by the collection of urine, toenail and saliva samples. Participants will receive up to $75 in gift cards for participating in the study.

Those interested in participating can book an appointment online or by contacting Melissa Sangris at [email protected] or 867-920-2925.

The First Nation said participants will receive a letter with their personal results while broader findings will be shared at community gatherings in Ndılǫ and Dettah in 2026.

What is the health effects monitoring program?

The Yellowknife Health Effects Monitoring Program was established in 2017 to meet the requirements of an environmental assessment of the Giant Mine Remediation Project.

It aims to determine baseline levels of arsenic and other contaminants among residents of Yellowknife, Ndılǫ, and Dettah, and monitor them over time as the Giant Mine site is remediated.

“This project will help answer long-standing questions and concerns from the Yellowknives Dene about the health impacts of Giant Mine,” stated Dr Laurie Chan, Canada research chair in toxicology and environmental health at the University of Ottawa, who leads the monitoring program.

Findings from the program published in 2023 have suggested arsenic exposure is not directly linked to diseases such as skin cancer among Yellowknife-area residents.

The next round of sampling for the long-term monitoring project is slated to take place in 2028.

Both past and new participants living in Yellowknife Ndılǫ, and Dettah will be invited to join.