Item N-2001-016: CN-47A - Prospectors Hugh Arden I

• Sound recording

1 audio cassette (48 min).

This item is the first part of a two-part interview of Hughie Arden at Yellowknife, likely in 1995, recorded by Gordon (Lennie?). The interview is in English. The original source item is side A of a 90 minute audio cassette. The interview also includes item CN-47B. This part of the interview focuses on the predicted environmental and socio-economic impacts of diamond mines in the NWT, in particular, the proposed BHP Diamonds Inc. operation. The interviewer goes through a series of questions on various topics including effects on the terrain, watershed, permafrost, wildlife (especially caribou, bears, wolves, and fish), and local hunters, trappers, and fishermen resulting from mine operations, including construction and use of roads and airstrips, draining of lakes, stream diversion, dams, mine site construction, open pit operations, processing operations, disposal of tailings, use of diesel generators for power, waste management, and use of wildlife by mine employees. Mine reclamation and employing Indigenous people are also discussed. Another set of questions discuss the socio-economic impacts of the mine including effects on people, families, and their lifestyle caused by shift work and tensions between southerners and Indigenous northerners. The interviewer introduces the concerns already raised by others and solicits Hughie's opinions as to effects he feels the mine will have, whether he shares the concerns of others, and any other concerns he has. Hughie often draws on his experience with other mines to make comparisons. The interviewer spends a lot of time talking through the questions and concerns, with the result that he frequently puts words in mouth of the interviewee. The recording ends abruptly.