Alberta Aboriginal Relations: Traditional Use Studies (TUS)


A Traditional Use Study can identify where Aboriginal people hunt, fish, and trap on public land. Information contained in a TUS can also inform resource management decision-making and flag where potential conflicts might exist.

During consultation, a TUS can help avoid infringements of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Alberta, especially where the Aboriginal community shares the identity of significant sites with the province. TUS information can help resource management decision-making and help build positive relationships between the First Nation, government and industry that serve as the foundation to future consultation activities.

In 2003, Alberta developed its  Best Practices Handbook for Traditional Use Studies through sponsorship under the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (federal and provincial funding). This handbook is available through Land and Resource Issues.

Currently, 29 Traditional Use Studies, involving 39 First Nations communities, are underway in Alberta. Further information including a TUS project list may be obtained from

 Contact:  Eric Davey
   Program Manager
   Resource Consultation
 

 Phone:   780.644-4949

eric.davey@gov.ab.ca

On April 27 and 28, 2006, a Traditional Use Studies (TUS) EXPO was held.  The event was designed to allow Aboriginal community members to share their learnings on TUS planning, design, implementation, data collection and use of resulting information.  A Final Report on this event has been developed.

Best Practices Handbook  pdf icon

TUS EXPO Final Report  pdf icon

 

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