Climate change Risk Assessment in Yellow Quill First Nation

yellow-quill

Understanding the Challenges

Yellow Quill First Nation, located approximately 300 km east of Saskatoon, experiences a wide range of extreme weather conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below -30°C for extended periods, while summer heat waves and heavy storms bring additional risks. Past events, such as flooding in 2005 and 2006, have already demonstrated how vulnerable the community’s roads, drainage systems, and housing infrastructure can be.

The FN-IRT Process: A Community-Driven Approach

The FN-IRT is a climate risk assessment tool designed to help First Nations identify infrastructure vulnerabilities and develop solutions tailored to their specific needs. The process in Yellow Quill took place over a series of four workshops, engaging local leaders, community members, technical experts and local knowledge keepers.

Key infrastructure assessed included:

  • Community Buildings – School, Safe House, Fire Hall, Health Centre, and Headstart facility.
  • Water and Wastewater Systems – Water treatment plant, sewage pump station, and booster station.
  • Housing – Residential homes and cistern-based water supply systems.
  • Roads and Drainage – Gravel roads, culverts, and drainage infrastructure.

    • Combining local knowledge and engineering expertise, the assessment combined traditional observations with scientific climate data. This allowed the community to clearly see how different climate events—such as extreme cold, heat waves, tornadoes, and flooding—could impact their daily lives and essential services.

    Findings: What Are the Risks?

    The assessment found that several climate risks were already affecting Yellow Quill’s infrastructure, with the potential to worsen in the future:

    • Flooding continues to be a significant concern, particularly in the spring when rapid snowmelt and frozen ground create water accumulation issues. Homes, roads, and drainage systems were identified as vulnerable.
    • Extreme Cold poses challenges for heating systems, pipes, and community buildings, increasing the risk of power outages and damage to essential infrastructure.
    • High Winds and Tornadoes have been observed in the region, threatening roofs, power supply lines, and communication networks.
    • Heat Waves are expected to become more frequent, placing strain on homes, water supplies, and the community’s ability to maintain a comfortable living environment.

    Adaptation Actions

    Based on the findings, adaptation measures were recommended to improve the community’s resilience. Some of these include:

    • Flood Prevention Measures – Improving culverts, redesigning drainage systems, and considering flood-resistant home designs.
    • Extreme Cold Preparations – Strengthening heating systems, ensuring backup generators are in place, and developing emergency warming shelters.
    • Wind and Storm Protection – Reinforcing roofs, using hurricane clips, and securing power supply infrastructure.
    • Cooling Solutions for Heat Waves – Creating cooling centers, increasing tree cover for shade, and improving building ventilation systems.

    These recommendations align with the community’s goals of ensuring infrastructure remains strong and sustainable for future generations.

    FN-IRT Works for First Nations

    The FN-IRT process is more than just a technical assessment—it is a tool that empowers communities to take charge of their future. Engaging local knowledge, prioritizing community-driven solutions, and tailoring strategies to specific needs provide a pathway for First Nations to build resilience that aligns with their values and traditions.

    For Yellow Quill First Nation, this process has set the foundation for long-term adaptation planning. It has also demonstrated that proactive climate assessments can help communities secure funding, advocate for necessary infrastructure improvements, and ensure that future generations are protected against the growing risks of climate change.

    Read the Full Report here