Study Board

As part of the March 8, 2024, request to the IJC from the Governments of Canada and the United States, in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation, the International Joint Commission (IJC) was asked to appoint an independent Study Board to explore the impacts of water pollution in the Kootenai/y watershed to protect the river system. 

The IJC approved the Study Board’s Directive on September 26, 2024. The Directive will guide the activities of the Study Board over the course of the duration of the Study. The Study Board is comprised of Western Science and Indigenous experts and knowledge holders. Under the Reference, it will prepare an interim report by fall 2025 and a final report by September 2026. 

 

Per the Directive, the Study Board will:  

  • conduct transparent and coordinated transboundary data and knowledge sharing 
  • share, synthesize and analyze data and information to support a common understanding of pollution within the Kootenai/y watershed and the impacts of that pollution on people and species 
  • report and recommend in a transparent and publicly available format on the matters set forth below and in its Directive: 
  • the best available observational data, scientific research and traditional Indigenous knowledge on influences, sources, status and trends of pollution in the Kootenai/y watershed and associated effects on ecosystem health, which could include but is not limited to fish and aquatic life, wildlife, human health  and cultural uses 
  • data and research gaps, assumptions and uncertainties, including any factors affecting data accessibility and comparability, such as data types and collection and reporting methods relevant to improving understanding, measurement and monitoring of the matters reviewed by the Study Board 
  • recommendations for strengthening, coordinating and prioritizing efforts on data sharing and transparency, science, monitoring and research, and incorporation of Indigenous knowledge, and other next steps and recommended actions on the matters reviewed by the Study Board 
  • a synthesis of the available data and scientific information and a resulting understanding of the water quality issues in the Kootenai/y watershed including contaminants of concern, areas, and water and ecological resources affected 
  • methods and procedures for ongoing monitoring and data analyses to further define the extent of pollution and identify trends in concentrations of contaminants in the watershed. 

Throughout this two-year process, the public will have opportunities to engage in this work via a Public Advisory Group, in person and virtual public meetings, and other forms of participation. 

Engagement with Indigenous Peoples is and will continue to be an essential element of the Study Board’s work. The Study Board will encourage Indigenous engagement and participation in its work through several means, including membership on the Study Board and a Council of Indigenous Knowledge Holders to be established consistent with the Study Board’s Directive.  

As well, the Study Board’s work will also be informed by an Industry Advisory Group, a Council of Governments Advisory Group, and various technical working groups. More details about the work of these entities will be provided as they are established.