Treaty 8 Nation chiefs are calling on the federal and Alberta governments to correct what they say was a unilateral decision in signing a memorandum of understanding on a possible pipeline to the West Coast.
In a statement released by Treaty 8 leadership, they said the resources at the heart of the MOU and pipeline plan come from their lands — and that neither government can speak for, negotiate or make commitments about those resources without violating the Crown’s treaty obligations and breaking promises made to their ancestors.
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi said neither Ottawa nor the Alberta government consulted with the nations, held a meeting or gave notice before signing the MOU for a project that would directly affect Treaty 8 land and resources.
“You know, we’re always concerned when there’s discussions around resource extraction … coming from our territories in the Treaty 8 area,” Mercredi said. “When we see something like this, it’s always important that … the government, federal or provincial, understand that they have a duty to consult and we take that very seriously.”
He said the chiefs want meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and relevant federal and provincial ministers to discuss the MOU and what it entails. They hope the talks will give them a chance to raise their concerns — and have those concerns not just heard, but addressed.
“We’re looking for a change in how things are done here in Alberta when it comes to resource extraction and this big push for industry to be more heavily involved in our areas,” Mercredi said. “So we’re looking at things like resource revenue sharing, equity, and also a larger role for our nations in these projects.”
He added that the nations are not opposed to development but are tired of being sidelined. “No government will decide the future of Treaty 8 territory without the Treaty 8 Chiefs. We are not spectators to our own lands. We are the authority.”
On Tuesday at the Assembly of First Nations special gathering in Ottawa, chiefs voted unanimously in favour of a resolution calling on Ottawa to withdraw the new Canada–Alberta pipeline deal. They also fully backed the First Nations on the B.C. coast who strongly oppose the initiative. The resolution affirmed support for maintaining the federal oil-tanker ban on northern B.C. waters.
Mercredi said the nations believe any progress on the MOU should be put on hold until proper consultation happens.
“Until a discussion happens between our nation leaders, the chiefs, the councils and … the ministers, whether provincial or federal, we’re looking for a meeting and a discussion … with Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney to resolve these issues.”
Mikisew Cree Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro said community leaders teach that the strength of treaty rights “lies in mutual respect and honesty. Neither of those principles were shown here.”
Mercredi reiterated that the nations are not anti-development — but want to be heard and respected.
No matter what economic arguments are made, the chiefs say, “no government will decide the future of Treaty 8 territory without the Treaty 8 Chiefs.”
