First Nations Concerned About Survival; Alberta Government Ignoring Treaty Rights

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Press Release, March 19, 2010–The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is asking why the Alberta Government continues to move forward with its plans and approvals without meaningful Consultation on the ACFNs section 35 Rights. Numerous Government and Regional initiatives are underway without adequate consultation with the ACFN. ‘When will Alberta Wake up and Address our Concerns?” Chief Adam asked.

“There has been no assessment of impacts to ACFN constitutionally-protected uses of the Athabasca River and surrounding areas, nor has there been adequate involvement of the ACFN in the development of these Initiatives” says Chief Adam. ACFN members have used the Athabasca River for centuries, yet in the past few decades our members have witnessed a significant deterioration. This change is limiting our traditional uses and limiting our practice of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights.

Land Use Planning for Northeastern Alberta is underway whereby the Government is developing plans for five main land uses in the Lower Athabasca Region: Bitumen Extraction and Production; Transportation and Infrastructure; Forestry; Conservation; Recreation and Tourism. The ACFN is being ignored and cannot understand why their constitutionally-protected rights and uses have not been identified as a priority. Contrary to the principles of consultation, the Provincial planning process is secretive; the Government has refused to disclose their advice sheets on Aboriginal Impacts. The ACFN wants assurance that traditional uses on the lands in the Region will be protected. Alberta has given us no assurances that they will consult in a transparent manner; worse they have not even developed criteria and thresholds to assess impacts on our rights or done the studies which would allow them to properly consult and assess such impacts.

These ACFN Concerns are well known by the Alberta Government which continues to dismiss and ignore them. The ACFN is now publically stating these concerns in the hope that attention will be given to address them adequetly. Chief Adam states: “What is happening to us here is just a start and will eventually happen to the rest of the planet, what is happening here is where the stone hits the ponds and ripples out eventually affecting everyone”.

“We are worried” says Chief Adam “there is uncertainty with what the future holds for us. Our way of life is impacted, we are being moved further and further away from areas we use to practice our Treaty and Aboriginal Rights”.

The ACFN is warning the rest of the world about these impacts. Our position is that our Nation must be able to continue to exist within our Traditional Lands and must be able to continue practicing our Treaty and Aboriginal Rights. We cannot do so if our concerns are not respected and dealt with in a meaningful, fair and transparent way.

For Further Information:
Chief Allan Adam, ACFN, 780-697-3730.
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Tel: (780) 697-3730
Toll-free: 1-888-420-7011
Fax: (780) 697-3500