First Nations combine to take on Coalspur’s coal mine project

Whitefish Lake First Nation and Ermineskin Cree Nation have undertaken an aggressive joint campaign to stop Coalspur’s proposed Vista coal mine project- the first of four stages in a massive 470 sq/km open pit operation in the Eastern Slopes, which will impact diverse wildlife populations and threaten one of the last hunting grounds of several First Nations’ communities. The drive to stop Coalspur will start with an international awareness campaign to ensure media and the general public in Canada, Australia and abroad are fully aware of Coalspur’s plans. Then, an intensive government lobbying plan will commence, stated a news release from Whitefish Lake First Nation. “We know what motivates Coalspur, and it’s not their impact on this beautiful land. It’s profit. We will ensure that the cost of pursuing this project outweighs the benefits for Coalspur, their shareholders, and their investors,” said Ermineskin’s Chief Craig Chief Makinaw.