Fort McKay First Nation appeared in front of the Energy Resources Conservation Board late April to call for the establishment of a 20 km buffer from its reserve in regards to the proposed Dover OPCO. The Dover project proposes a five-phase 250,000-barrel-per-day facility using Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage technology. Fort McKay formally stood against the proposed project because Dover would not agree to adjust its project plan to accommodate a buffer to protect traditional territory surrounding Namur and Gardiner lakes, known locally as Moose Lake.

Plains Midstream Canada ULC is facing three counts under the province’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act in relation to the largest spill in the province in 35 years, which occurred on Lubicon Cree traditional territory in April 2011. A ruptured pipeline leaked 28,000 barrels of crude oil and contaminated more than three hectares of beaver ponds and muskeg in a densely forested area. The Energy Resources Conservation Board said the company had inadequate leak detection and failed to test its emergency response plan.

The Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s bid to block a ruling on Shell’s Jackpine oilsands mine expansion in northern Alberta. In October 2012, ACFN put forward a Constitutional challenge asking the Joint Review Panel to decide whether Crown consultation on the Shell application was sufficient. The JRP ruled it did not have the jurisdiction to consider ACFN’s constitutional questions and that any determination of Crown consultation would be premature.

Peerless Lake Grade 8 students Taron Okemnow (left) and Shavannah Anderson attended the Forum for Young Canadians March 18-22 in Ottawa with their teacher Shonna Marko-Kwasny. The students were two of approximately 120 from across the country selected to attend the event. They toured Parliament Hill, met MPs, senators, public servants and business leaders, and visited the Canadian War Museum.  Shavannah met Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “We talked about Peerless Lake, my interests and I asked her about her job,” said Shavannah.

New substance abuse strategy in context

For 25 years, the Wahkotowin Society has been recognizing the achievements of promising Aboriginal students in Edmonton.

“We wanted to celebrate those kids who are trying their best but may not have top marks in their subjects,” said society member-at-large Susie Robinson.

The “peanut butter and drymeat sandwiches” exhibit on display in the Rutherford Library Atrium features the visual and written work of 30 students, who explore the experiences of first year Aboriginal students at the University of Alberta.

The exhibit, which runs from April 12 to May 15, is a project that launches the journey through the U of A’s Transition Year Program. It stems from a course taught by assistant professors Christine Stewart and Keavy Martin in the Department of English and Film Studies, which aims to “Indigenize the Academy.”

Casey Julian Thunderspirit has learned that strength is not always found in numbers. The 15-year-old organized a march and rally to celebrate Earth Day and the Idle No More movement in downtown Edmonton on April 22.

Elder Taz Bouchier, a frequent speaker at Idle No More events, says she is proud of Thunderspirit and his effort because of the leadership he is showing at such a young age.