North American Aboriginals, First Nations join hands to thwart domestic oil development

VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Canadian and Northern US Aboriginal groups and First Nations, this week, adopted the Treaty Alliance Against Tar Sands Expansion, seeking to officially prohibit and collectively challenge and resist oil sands industry expansion in Alberta.

This extends to preventing the transport of such expanded production, whether by pipeline, rail or tanker.

Some 50 First Nations and tribes have committed to stopping five current tar sands pipeline and tanker project proposals – Kinder Morgan, Energy East, Line 3, Northern Gateway and Keystone XL – as well as tar sands rail projects such as the Chaleur Terminals export project, at the Port of Belledune, in New Brunswick.

“What this treaty means is that, from Quebec, we will work with our First Nation allies in British Columbia to ensure that the Kinder Morgan pipeline does not pass and we will also work with our tribal allies in Minnesota as they take on Enbridge’s Line 3 expansion, and we know they’ll help us do the same against Energy East,” said Kanesatake grand chief Serge Simon.

The groups believe that tar sands development has poisoned First Nation water resources in Alberta and also argue that new tar sands pipelines, trains and tankers will threaten the water of "many more nations". The signatories noted that Indigenous peoples were also suffering intense impacts from climate change in the form of wildfires and floods, and the ongoing climate emergency now threatened many of the plants and animals that lie at the heart of their cultures.

“We are in a time of unprecedented unity among Indigenous people working together for a better future for everyone. The Kinder Morgan pipeline proposal in our territory represents an unacceptable risk to the water, land and people: we are proud to stand together with all of our relatives calling for sensible alternatives to these dangerous projects,” Tsleil-Waututh Sacred Trust Initiative spokesperson Rueben George stated.

INDUSTRY RESPONSE
The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) said it respects and encourages discussion about North America’s energy future, underscoring that transmission pipelines remain the most viable option to move large quantities of oil and natural gas in a manner that emphasises best practice in safety and environmental protection. 

“The fact remains there is a critical need for pipelines in Canada. Industry, Indigenous groups, government and the public have an opportunity to work together to ensure we get resources to market safely, and with respect to the environment and communities,” CEPA said in a statement, adding that it values input from First Nations, tribal chiefs and “all who have an opinion on energy infrastructure, a healthy environment and a stable economy”.

The association noted that it has committed to listening to diverse perspectives through an external advisory panel.

It also affirmed its belief that members have a solid standing for building consent with all stakeholders through respectful dialogue, education and two-way understanding about their projects.