First Nations are saying tactics are being employed to silence their voices

First Nations are saying tactics are being employed to
silence their voices and concerns over ongoing development of the oil sands after the government of Alberta said they shouldn’t be heard at a review of environmental plans for the area, reports the Canadian Press. A panel of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan has been told the Nations aren’t directly impacted by the plan or to hear issues about treaty rights. “The majority of concerns raised by the applicant are not related to the content of (the plan) and are therefore outside the panel’s jurisdiction and so must not be considered,” said government arguments presented to the panel. Similar arguments have previously been used to limit testimony on individual energy projects held by the province and its industry regulator, allege the bands. “When the nation raises cumulative impacts on treaty rights in relation to individual projects, it is told that LARP is the appropriate place to have these concerns addressed,” said Melissa Daniels, lawyer for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “Now Alberta is arguing that it is inappropriate to raise these concerns with the panel specifically designed to review LARP. “If this isn’t in bad faith, I don’t know what is.”
    Land transfers under an Incremental Treaty Agreement with the Homalco Indian Band will create significant economic opportunities, reads a press release from the B.C. government. About 826 hectares on Sonora Island and East Thurlow Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island will be transferred as part of the ITA, providing benefits to Homalco in advance of treaty. The land will be transferred in three stages. The Homalco Indian Band owns and operates Homalco Forestry LP and a bear viewing business, Homalco Wildlife Tours Inc. These land transfers will allow the First Nation to build on current business opportunities and provide new business and training opportunities for their members.  “Homalco has worked hard over the past 20 years to build a successful forestry company,” said Homalco Indian Band Chief Richard Harry. “This Incremental Treaty Agreement will allow Homalco to realize our vision of integrated resource management that will provide long-term sustainable jobs and income to our people.  This is a huge step forward in our treaty process and paves the way for a successful treaty with BC and Canada.”