A study was designed to determine possible mercury contaminant risk, as well as the nutrient and sociocultural benefits of fish consumption. Study participants were sixty-seven community residents and consumers of fish from the Kelly Lake area. To investigate the social and cultural context of fish consumption practices and mercury contamination, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven community knowledge holders and a public health officer involved with Tulita. Analysis of interviews reveal that in traditional lifestyles, fish was a reliable food source that ensured survival of the Dene and Metis peoples, explaining the deep cultural significance. People still prefer fish as a food today and identify the need to ensure cultural practices of traditional food harvesting continue in the future. Interviews also suggest that negative reactions to the public health mercury advisory stemmed from the ways the information was handled and circulated in the community. The study findings are being used to create a positive public message about fish.