2020 Indigenous Forum on Cumulative Effects – Smith’s Landing First Nation
Becky Kosta, Chief Gary Cheezie
2020
English
Alberta
Smith’s Landing First Nation
Smith Landing First Nation talks about the challenges they’ve had with an impact assessment for an oil sand mine in Alberta that’s being considered for approval. Smith’s Landing Territory crosses provincial borders extending from Alberta to Northwest Territories and water flows from Alberta to the North. However, the Government of Alberta refuses to consult Smith’s Landing saying they are too far north to be impacted.
Smith’s Landing is developing their own form of environmental effects assessment that examines in a way that is culturally appropriate for Smith’s Landing (i.e., encompasses the 7 sacred teachings, and has a holistic look that includes traditional knowledge). They are working to have their own eyes and ears on the land to monitor and collect their own evidence because they are being told that they are not affected by industry.
The Guardians Program, a community-based monitoring program has been developed to monitor the waterways and environment, to encourage community to reconnect to the land, and to empower the community to assert rights and protect their treaty territory.
Recent Resources
November 14, 2022
July 25, 2022
July 25, 2022