Mikisew Cree First Nation, AFN, and Treaty 8 First Nations call for science-based safeguards, true Nation-to-Nation dialogue, and urgent attention to community health in Fort Chipewyan

By NetNewsLedger Staff

OTTAWA — As the federal government advances its first growth-focused budget, Indigenous leaders are warning that economic plans must not sacrifice community health or Treaty rights.

The Mikisew Cree First Nation, joined by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, is urging Ottawa to reject any “treat-and-release” proposal that would allow treated toxic oilsands tailingsto be discharged into the Athabasca River system.

What “Treat-and-Release” Means

“Treat-and-release” involves processing oilsands tailings—industrial waste stored in massive ponds—and returning the treated water to the environment. Around the Athabasca, these ponds hold an estimated 1.4 trillion litres of tailings. Communities including Fort Chipewyan rely on the river system for drinking water, fishing, and subsistence harvesting.

Alberta has been exploring treated releases as part of site reclamation. Indigenous leaders say the approach is not supported by science, is unsafe, and unreasonable, given downstream health risks.

Leaders’ Messages to Ottawa and Alberta

“Industry need isn’t an excuse to dump toxic oilsands waste in an essential waterway,” said Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro. “By choosing treat-and-release, these governments are choosing to make companies richer over keeping my people alive.”

Chief Tuccaro added that Mikisew Cree members are living through a cancer crisis, with higher-than-average rates and rare cancers, and called for urgent meetings with federal leaders and real Nation-to-Nation consultation before further oilsands development, including the Pathways Plus carbon capture and pipeline project.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak echoed the call: “Governments must respect First Nations rights and Treaties and ensure the health and well-being of First Nations people… Canada needs to reach out to Chief Tuccaro now and work with the First Nation to address the current crisis.”

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi said: “Our Nations have carried the burden of industrial development long enough… Protecting our lands and waters is not negotiable. Canada and Alberta must move beyond words and work with us through true Nation-to-Nation dialogue to protect the health and well-being of our people.”

The Mikisew Cree First Nation has invited the Prime Minister to visit Fort Chipewyan to see firsthand how oilsands waste is affecting lives, livelihoods, and the Peace-Athabasca Delta—part of Wood Buffalo National Park.

Where Policy Stands Now

Indigenous leaders note there are currently no provincial or federal regulations that permit releasing oilsands tailings. The Government of Canada is developing its own regulatory approach and discussing options with a Crown-Indigenous Working Group, in which Mikisew Cree First Nation is participating.

Fast Facts

• Tailings volume: ~1.4 trillion litres stored in northern Alberta tailings ponds.

• No approvals to release: At present, no provincial or federal rules allow tailings releases.

• Regulatory work: Ottawa is developing regulations and consulting First Nations through a Crown-Indigenous Working Group and bilateral talks.

• Reclamation gap: Only 0.1% of oilsands lands have been certified reclaimed; many projects were approved under “adaptive management.”

• Health study underway: The Fort Chipewyan Health Study—led by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation—is examining health impacts of oilsands activity, with federal funding support.

About Mikisew Cree First Nation

Mikisew Cree First Nation lives on the Peace-Athabasca Delta in northeastern Alberta, where traditional lands overlap significant Athabasca oilsands deposits. Community life is closely tied to land, water, and traditional knowledge.