Revised CEMA attracts Mikisew Cree First Nation

The Mikisew Cree First Nation has rejoined the Cumulative Environmental Management Association as a full member. Melody Lepine will represent the Mikisew Cree. The revised CEMA – creating a sector based management board of four caucuses: Aboriginal, industry, government and non-governmental organizations – is why the Mikisew Cree renewed its membership. Said Chief Steve Courtoreille in a news release, “We very much hope that the new governance structure and operational mode of CEMA will allow for meaningful input of our knowledge and expertise. One of the reasons we left CEMA was because our views, expertise and information were not being meaningfully considered and incorporated into the decision making process of CEMA.” In 2007 several First Nations withdrew membership from CEMA. In response CEMA formed the review committee in June 2009, which led to the adoption of new goals, structure, and by-laws in June 2010.