Province failed to consult First Nations on mining
By Letter to the Editor on March 13, 2021.
Dear Minister Savage.
RE: Coal Policy Reinstatement
I draw to your attention that the Piikani First Nation is a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Treaty 7. Our community is in the South West corner of Alberta and our territory is inclusive of the Crowsnest Pass where exploration is moving forward with the Grassy Mountain Coal Mining and Tent Mountain Projects.
Those areas are our traditional hunting, gathering and ceremonial grounds that defined the Niit Sti Ta Pi (Blackfoot People). The Piikani are a proud Nation that prides in our rich culture and traditions.
The Piikani First Nation, “Mountain Child Valley Society” is aware that on February 8th, 2021 you made a public announcement to reinstate the Coal Policy and committed to further consultation with Albertans on a new modern coal policy.
Unfortunately, that announcement did not affect the exploration in Piikani Territory as the Grassy Mountain Coal Mining project was exempt from the Feb. 8 statement.
It has become apparent that if the Government of Alberta were truly sincere in addressing coal mining and meaningful consultation, your Feb. 8 announcement would have stopped all exploration in Alberta.
Further, what is disappointing is that in your Feb. 8 Press Conference you failed to mention consultation with the First Peoples as a priority as it is our Treaty Right and Alberta has a duty to consult with the First Peoples in Alberta.
I also remind you Minister that Treaties were made with the Crown and as a result, the Alberta Government has no jurisdiction over First Nation lands.
We are also aware that throughout this process consultation did occur with the Piikani Leadership as a Government-to-Government relationship, however, the consultation with Piikani was flawed as the Nation Members were not brought into the discussion and if indeed Piikani Leadership are telling you that consultation was done at a community level it was very minimal.
Sadly, we are now faced with our Leadership that supports the Grassy Mountain Coal Mining Project without meaningful consultation with its members as the Piikani Members are being left in the dark.
We are aware that there is a vast majority of Piikani Nation Members that do not support exploration of the Grassy Mountain Coal Mining Project as there is deep concern for the protection of the environment.
Although we do support economic benefits for our community, but at what cost? These are not the kinds of jobs that are needed when our territory is at risk for desecration.
The cons far outweigh the pros if this project and coal mining is continued in the province of Alberta.
The “Mountain Child Valley Society” is comprised of a large number of grassroots Piikani Members that are deeply concerned.
As a result, Minister Savage, in your follow up statement dated Feb. 23, 2021 you announced that public consultations will begin on March 29, 2021, however, once again you failed to mention nothing about what that consultation will look like for the First Peoples. What we can tell you, Minister, is that consultation is not consent and when engaging First Nation leadership that dialogue must be inclusive of its members.
Therefore, we are demanding that the Government of Alberta when consulting with First Nations develop a more inclusive strategy by implementing a policy that directs First Nation Leadership to consult with a minimum 80 per cent of its members and that a referendum is a tool that would guarantee each member has a say in any coal mining policy in Alberta.
The “Mountain Child Valley Society” looks forward to your response in a timely manner.
Adam north peigan, chairman Vanessa One Owl, vice chair
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Great letter.
And I think the statement ‘consultation is not consent’ precisely confronts the game plan of this government. The terms of the duty to consult must include the option that mountaintop removal has negative net benefits to our region and all applications must be cancelled – a no-coal policy.
We should keep in mind that the only reason the foreign mining companies have come is because we are giving it away (again).
Wholeheartedly agree! As it is, the Kenney UCP seem to believe that they can run roughshod over, and try to hoodwink, anyone they wish. Perhaps this is why the AB NDP are leading in the polls and would win an election if held today….and, why many right wing voters are looking elsewhere to park their votes.
pimp kenney cannot even get that role down – just givin’ it away, and without necessary consent.
thanks for a smart and much needed sharing of info on the matter, mcvs.