The Barrenlands in the Daring Lake area are rich in natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and human history. Situated in the low Arctic, they provide the perfect setting for northern research—and for young Northerners to see firsthand how studies into climate change and other topics are carried out. As part of a long-term study of tundra-atmosphere interactions at Daring Lake, university researchers are studying the exchange of important greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) between tundra surfaces and the atmosphere. They are measuring these exchanges over various tundra types (upland tundra, wet sedge fen, and shrub sites) and assessing carbon sink/source strength of the Daring Lake region.
The Tłı̨chǫ Summer Student Research Assistant Program is a joint initiative of the Wek'èezhìi Renewable Resources Board and Environment and Natural Resources, GNWT and Aurora Research Institute. The objective of this program is to provide hands on education and training experiences for Tłįcho students. This is a five year program in which Tłįcho high school students from the North Slave Region are hired as research assistants to work alongside researchers at the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station at Daring Lake for 1 month in the summer.
Students assist in the field by sampling vegetation and microbial communities and taking measurements of photosynthesis and respiration, and biomass. They also assist in permafrost study fieldwork, measuring permafrost active layer depth; and in the lab by preparing samples for examination under microscopes and by drying plant samples for later analysis. They check sensors, take water temperatures on tundra lakes, haul equipment, record data, collect plant samples, assist with vegetation point framing, and perform other field tasks. And finally, before ending their day, they assist with camp duties at the Research Station.
Tłı̨chǫ Summer Student Research Assistants
2013
Izaak Wedzin Brandon Zoe
Click here to read reflections on the 2013 program.
2014
Susan Machan Roman Lamouelle
Click here to read reflections on the 2014 program.
2015
Trena Wyallon Teya Wetrade
Click here to read reflections on the 2015 program.
2016
Joshua Rebesca Allison Wetrade
Click here to read reflections on the 2016 program.
2017
Janelle Nitsiza Zhalanni Drygeese Jody Zoe
Comming soon reflections on the 2017 program.
For more information about this program, please contact:
Karin Clark
Wildlife Division
Environment and Natural Resources
Phone: 867-920-3014
Fax: 867-873-0293
Email: Karin_Clark@gov.nt.ca
or
Susan Beaumont
Communications Officer
Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board
Phone: 867-873-5741
Fax: 867-873-5743
Email: sbeaumont@wrrb.ca