Mi'kmaq Health Impact Assessment in Epekwitk
About Mi'kmaq HIAs
How HIAs Support Chiefs, Band Councils and Leadership
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A defensible decision‑making tool.
Clear evidence and documentation that support responsible governance.
Health Impact Assessments in Epekwitk would be a structured, community‑driven way to understand how proposed projects, policies, or developments may affect the physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing of Mi’kmaq people. They create space for Mi’kmaq knowledge, rights, and lived experience to guide decisions that shape the land, waters, and future generations. An HIA is both a technical process and a relationship‑building tool that strengthens how communities and leadership work together.
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What is a Health Impact Assessment?
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A Health Impact Assessment is a systematic approach used to predict the potential health effects of a proposed action before decisions are made. In Epekwitk, this includes Western public health evidence and Mi’kmaq ways of knowing, such as land‑based teachings, seasonal cycles, and community priorities. The goal is to support informed, culturally grounded decisions that protect and enhance community wellbeing.
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Health Impact Assessments in Epekwitk ultimately create a shared pathway for communities and leadership to protect health, honour Mi’kmaq knowledge, and make decisions that support future generations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
HIAs provide:
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Risk reduction: Early identification of health, environmental, or cultural risks before they become costly or irreversible.
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Risk reduction: Early identification of health, environmental, or cultural risks before they become costly or irreversible.
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Stronger negotiations: Evidence‑based recommendations that strengthen discussions with governments, developers, and partners.
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Alignment with Mi’kmaq values: A structured way to uphold Netukulimk, Etuaptmumk, and community wellbeing in all decisions.
7 Parts of an HIA
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Screening: Determines whether an HIA is needed and how it can add value. In Epekwitk, this includes asking whether the proposal affects Mi’kmaq rights, land use, food systems, or community health priorities.
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Scoping: Defines what the HIA will examine, who will be involved, and what questions matter most. This is where Elders, youth, knowledge holders, and staff help shape the direction of the assessment.
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Capacity building: A repeatable process that strengthens staff skills and supports long‑term self‑determination.
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Assessment: Gathers evidence about potential health impacts. This includes community input, traditional knowledge, environmental data, and public health research. Both positive and negative impacts are explored.
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Recommendations: Identifies actions that can reduce harms and strengthen benefits. Recommendations may include design changes, monitoring plans, cultural protections, or community‑led mitigation strategies.
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Reporting: Summarizes findings in a clear, accessible way for Chiefs, Councils, staff, and community members. Reporting ensures transparency and supports informed decision‑making.
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Decision‑Making: Leadership reviews the HIA and decides how to proceed. The process ensures decisions are grounded in evidence, community voices, and Mi’kmaq values.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracks whether recommendations are implemented and whether they are working. This step supports accountability and continuous learning.
Each HIA follows seven interconnected steps. Together, they create a full picture of potential impacts and pathways for action.
How HIAs Benefit Community Members
HIAs strengthen community wellbeing by:
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Protecting health and culture: Ensuring developments do not harm land, water, food systems, or cultural practices.
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Amplifying community voices: Creating formal pathways for Elders, youth, and families to shape decisions that affect them.
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Increasing transparency: Showing clearly how decisions are made and what evidence was considered.
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Supporting long‑term planning: Helping communities anticipate impacts on housing, climate resilience, safety, and mental health.
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Building trust: Demonstrating that leadership is committed to informed, community‑centered governance.
Additional Resources
Institut national de
santé publique du Québec
Click the button below for a free online course on Health Impact Assessment (HIA)! from NCCHAPP. The HIA course is a structured and innovative approach to inform decision makers about the potential impacts of a project, program or policy on the health and well-being of populations.
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