Developing a Regular Garbage Pickup Plan for Garden Hill First Nation Using a Community-Based Approach

Garden Hill First Nation is an isolated community in northern Manitoba, Canada with a population of approximately 3500. There is currently no Regular Garbage Pickup (RGP). The present pickup system is inadequate, and the community is covered in refuse. The current state of affairs presents health and environmental risks. The objectives of the study are to (1) educate stakeholders of the risks associated with poor Waste Management (WM) practices, (2) outline three RGP options for the consideration of Chief and Council; (3) make disposal site recommendations that compliment the implementation of RGP; and (4) educate residents, through reflection, in undertaking community-based planning projects (i.e., promote community self-reliance). Methods used include: (1) a literary search to understand the risks resulting from poor WM practices, address culturally relevant issues in a First Nations context, and identify national and international examples of WM models that are applicable to the First Nation; (2) field reconnaissance and photography to illustrate risks that are of concern to the First Nation; (3) interviews to learn about former and current WM in the First Nation, and RGP in nearby remote northern First Nations; and (4) public participation sessions to educate residents about risks, gain public input, and develop community-relevant RGP options. Finalized RGP options include schematics for bin construction; diagrams for pickup stations; pickup schedules, including detailed routes and timetables; budgets; and recommended policies and procedures for RGP and dumpsite operations. All household and route data are stored and displayed using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS). The research is critical because it has the potential to improve the cultural and physical health of Garden Hill First Nation and be used as a waste management model for other isolated northern First Nations.