Piikani chief releases statement on Grassy Mountain mine testing
By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 7, 2024.
Chief Troy Knowlton of the Piikani Nation has released a statement in support of the proposed drilling test program by Northback Holdings.
Hearings for submissions from limited participants regarding the testing program took place earlier this week.
Knowlton says the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) should be encouraged to allow people in the region as well as provincewide to begin testing as to gain information and data which can only come through testing.
“To properly determine the benefits and potential impacts of any mine that may be proposed in the future, it is imperative that we allow the proponent to undertake testing in the area,” said Knowlton.
Knowlton hopes the AER will take into consideration that Piikani is a significant stakeholder in the project, as the proposed testing and mining will be on traditional Piikani territory.
“It is also important to note that the testing and any future mining operations, if approved, will take place wholly on Piikani Territory. That means Piikani is a significant stakeholder in this project,” said Knowlton.
Knowlton says the proposed project would stimulate economic growth for the Nation.
“This region, and my people, need opportunities for job creation and economic development. Our ability to fund cultural community and educational initiative depends in large part on being able to develop those economic opportunities,” said Knowlton.
Part 2 of the hearings will happen on Jan. 14.
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So much for the “keepers of land and water” and protectors of Mother Earth. “It’s the lure of easy money, it’s got a very strong appeal”. Same goes for carpet bomb fracking just over the river. You gotta wear the blinkers to see Smith’s pristine view.
Of course you would take a shot at Smith. The chief is looking for opportunities for his people.
Thank you Chief Knowlton. Good vision.
yeah, selling out on the natural world – i understand the importance of nurturing mother earth is a core cultural belief – is a good idea if it means a few bucks for some workers, and oodles of money for the corp pig.
shucks, that approach has worked out so very well for all capitalists.
i somehow feel this a cultural sell off, and/or a cultural purchase, that will hardly provide a good return.
Any kind of testing re: this proposed mine could appear to be moot….because, the reality is that we’re still in a drought and there, simply, is not enough water to support a mine such as this. Open pit coal mining takes a large amount of water and our waters here are already fully designated.