Jocelyn Joe-Strack

Bio

Jocelyn is currently working on her M.Sc. with the University of Northern British Columbia. Her thesis project involves the role of sulfur-reducing bacteria in the speciation of atmospherically deposited mercury and mercury toxicity in sub-arctic lake sediments of the southern Yukon. To complete this project, she is also employed by the Alaska-Canada Research Innovation Centre, which aims at increasing engineering and scientific development in the Yukon. Here, she is responsible for relations with First Nations and environmental projects.

She obtained her B.Sc. with the University of Victoria in Biochemistry and Microbiology. While attending school, she worked on various co-operative projects regarding stem cells in breast cancer malignancy, pine beetle pathogens and tree mycology. Since graduating, she has worked for the Government of Yukon as the Hydrology Technologist. Her responsibilities were to operate and maintain the Yukon’s hydrometric, snow survey and meteorological networks. She was also involved in government activities during flooding events.

Community

Jocelyn was born in Whitehorse, Yukon and is a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN), in Haines Junction, Yukon. As one of Canada’s few self-governing First Nations, CAFN has strived to conserve our environment and culture while promoting healthy and self-reliant people. Throughout her life, Jocelyn has been a part of the CAFN community and participated in the events hosted to help promote our people’s vision.

Issue of Investigation

To utilize her education and experience with water, Jocelyn’s project will involve the development of an educational strategy to inform and prepare Yukon First Nations communities for upcoming water resource policy changes and developments. Issues of concern include but are not limited to: climate change, jurisdiction, mining, southern water shortages, hydroelectricity, and the Northwest Passage. Overall, the project goal will be to provide strategies for strengthening their consultation position before, during and after the development proposal process.