First Nations want active role in greening the province

March 14, 2016.

Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is in the “discovery stage” of developing a solar farm. The First Nation has reached out to both provincial and federal governments and is coordinating with industry working in the area.

“So we are on that path and I can confidently say I can see all First Nations moving in that direction,” said Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Chief Tony Alexis, who is also Grand Chief for Treaty 6.

But as First Nations forge ahead with their own developments, they are still waiting to be brought into the discussion with the Alberta government.

“Most of the tribes have their blueprint for how they will make the transition of oil and fossil fuel to renewable energy, with such things as wind energy and solar energy, those types of things,” said Treaty 7 Grand Chief Charles Weasel Head. “But there’s nothing really tangible, nothing very specific with us (from the government).  We are waiting.”

Alexis says not only are First Nations waiting to be brought directly into the discussions, but they are waiting for solid action from the Notley government.

“We believe that this government’s leadership on climate change is positive for our people, good for our land and ultimately good for the vital energy industry. However, no meaningful progress can be made on building a more sustainable energy industry without immediate improvement of fulfilling its consultation duties and truly supporting Indigenous capacity building,” said Alexis.

After unveiling an aggressive climate change policy late last year, the NDP government has since then made numerous announcements about going-green projects and grants. On Tuesday, Energy Minister Diane McCuaig-Boyd signed an agreement with the United Kingdom to drive economic development while lowering the carbon imprint.

There has been no Indigenous involvement in moving forward with greening the province, says Alexis.

“We’ve been good as Grand Chiefs. We are part of the announcements, we’ve been part of the direction. We’ve been supporting the government in terms of showing up. Now we need to move,” said Alexis.

Weasel Head agrees.

He says the recent Speech from the Throne was just one more benchmark for a government that should have completed its orientation by now.

“They talk about diversification, they talked about adaptation with the climate, but again, with all due respect to the government, we’ve heard that continuously,” said Weasel Head. “We’ve already expressed we want to be part of the process.”

“We have to be involved in all areas of dialogue. Not just climate change but in every area,” said Alexis. “If the governments are … serious about redefining the relationship and refining the relationship and making it a nation to nation, there has to be a spot made available for … Indigenous leaders, at that table when those discussions and strategies are being planned out.”