Gateway panel hears development will further impact traditional life

Distrust of the process – especially after Prime Minister Stephen Harper voiced his support of the Northern Gateway project – permeated the five days of hearings held in Edmonton.

“In spite of knowing that the Prime Minister of this country is supporting this project, we still have to have hope because it’s not about us that’s sitting here, it’s about the future, our grandchildren and those children yet unborn,” said Driftpile Chief Rose Laboucan, who made her statements on the final day of the hearings hosted by the Joint Review Panel for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project.

Smith’s Landing Chief Cheyeanne Paulette went further, stating, “As in my own belief I believe this process now is flawed because the outcome has already been determined, without keeping an open mind.”

“Enbridge says it has promised economic benefits and work on the pipeline to offset impacts on First Nations, but those benefits are more PR than substance, in my opinion,” said Yellowbird. “At this point, Samson Cree Nation has no reason to believe we will see anything from this project except for more environmental damage in areas where our people hunt, fish and do traditional activities.”

Laboucan pushed the need for revenue sharing if development were to happen on First Nations land.
Enoch member Leigh Ann Ward said employment for band members had to be guaranteed.

A handful of northern First Nations from Alberta, as well as the Dene Nation from the Northwest Territories, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, participated in the Edmonton hearings Jan. 24-27 and Jan. 31, focusing on how development would impact their traditional way of life.

 “Oral evidence is only that information which is relevant to the matters the panel will be considering and that cannot be provided as written evidence. This will primarily be oral traditional knowledge such as that given by Aboriginal peoples,” said board chair Sheila Leggett.

Leggett was joined on the review panel by Kenneth Bateman and Hans Matthews. All three are members of the National Energy Board.

The scope of the Joint Review Panel’s jurisdiction was brought under question repeatedly.

After recapping the environmental and health impacts the Swan Hill Treatment Plant has had along with the impact of forestry activity in the region, Swan River First Nation Chief Leon Chalifoux said, “You cannot look at this pipeline in isolation of any other existing development.”

Grand Chief Bill Erasmus of the Northwest Territories took that belief a step further. “We are being affected by the pipelines that are already built. There are thousands of miles of pipeline in Alberta.”

Erasmus invited the panel to come north and see how development in Alberta impacted those downstream.
Leggett replied, “While we understand that you’re concerned about further development of the oil sands, we will not be considering these issues in making our decisions on this project.”

Liidii Kue First Nation Chief Jim Antoine, of Fort Simpson, said he had written Enbridge president regarding the increase of pollution in Alberta rivers which flow to the Mackenzie.

Laura Estep, counsellor for Enbridge, said, “The material is of questionable relevance given that it applies to Treaty territory that is hundreds and hundreds of kilometres away from the proposed pipeline area.”

Another issue that was pushed to the forefront was that of Treaty.

“It is stated in Treaty Number 8 that any development that occurs within Treaty 8 territory will require the consent of the First Nation or the First Nation’s people that use and utilize the land where the project is going through. Clearly stated,” said Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam.

The Métis Nation of Alberta criticized Enbridge’s lack of consultation with Métis people in the region.

“We hope you appreciate that this pipeline will significantly affect our rights, interests and way of life,” said MNA President Audreyn Poitras. “We do not accept that the Crown can sit idly by and not take any efforts to ensure our communities are meaningfully consulted.”

Pipeline breakage and spillage, water and air pollution, health, impact on wildlife and plant life were all noted as fears if the Northern Gateway project were to go ahead.
The last public hearings in Alberta will take place in Grande Prairie March 26-28.

Photo caption: Enoch First Nation drumming group and protestors demonstrated outside the Wingate Inn in Edmonton’s west end where community hearings took place for the Northern Gateway project.

Photo: Shari Narine