International Joint Commission 3 rd Annual AFN National Water - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

3rd Annual AFN National Water Symposium and Tradeshow

20 November 2019 - Toronto, Ontario

Introducing the

International Joint Commission

International Joint Commission Origins

The IJC:

• Binational Canada-United States treaty
• rganization.
• Established in 1909 to administer the Boundary

Waters Treaty, which enables the cooperative management and protection of the freshwater lakes and rivers along the border.

• Takes direction from the governments of Canada

and the United States, but is not empowered to negotiate agreements or carry out the functions or

• bligations of federal governments.

International Joint Commission Major transboundary basins

Columbia River, Kootenay, Osoyoos

• St. Mary &

Milk Rivers Souris River Red River Lake of the Woods and Rainy River The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Saint Croix River Lake Champlain & Richelieu River Poplar River

• St. John River

Skagit River Lake Memphremagog Yukon River

International Joint Commission Primary responsibilities

The IJC has 2 main responsibilities related to:

• Water levels and flows (e.g. approving transboundary

diversion projects, and their operation); and

• Investigating transboundary water issues and

recommending solutions (e.g. water quality concerns).

Lake Erie, Aug 2011 - Tom Archer, Michigan Sea Grant St Mary’s River Control Structures – US Army Corps of Engineers

International Joint Commission Challenges for today and tomorrow

Key challenges for today and tomorrow:

Adapting to a changing climate

• Managing water levels and flows
• Maintaining ecosystem health

Sea lamprey on L. Huron salmon (M. Gaden / GLFC) Lake Champlain flooding 2011 (IJC) Field sampling L. Ontario (CWF/GLAM) Wild rice, Kathio State Park, MN (Brett Whaley)

> 200 people working on IJC boards, committees, and advisory groups International Joint Commission Who we are, and how we work 6 Commissioners

Rob Sissons

US

Lance Yohe

US

Jane Corwin

US Co-Chair

Pierre Béland

CAN Co-Chair

Henry Lickers

CAN

Merrell-Ann Phare

CAN

3 offices with IJC staff

Washington, DC

US Section

Ottawa, ON

Canadian Section

Windsor, ON

Great Lakes Region

International Joint Commission Indigenous Peoples Engagement

Indigenous Peoples Engagement

• The Boundary Waters Treaty requires the IJC to give all

interested parties the opportunity to be heard in matters before the Commission.

• Indigenous Peoples’ interests are important to understand

and consider when studying watersheds and making recommendations about their future management.

• Indigenous knowledge brings insights to current

understanding of the environment, and guides the creation

• f new knowledge.

International Joint Commission Indigenous Peoples Engagement

Indigenous Peoples Engagement (continued)

• The IJC has therefore made greater engagement with

Indigenous Peoples a priority in its work going forward.

• While participation in the IJC’s work is voluntary, the IJC will

be more proactive in making First Nations, US Tribes, and Metis Nations aware of its work, and creating opportunities for involvement.

Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty 3 Leadership meet with IJC Commissioners (August 2019)

International Joint Commission Visit us online!

www.ijc.org