FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2023

Just three days before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and less than a week after the UN Climate Ambition Summit (New York, NY), Indigenous communities from Treaty 8 territories in Northern Alberta are reeling after the release of the report from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The report investigated the Imperial Oil Ltd Kearl facility tailings spill from earlier this year where more than 5.3 million litres of toxic tailings spilled into the Athabasca watershed—upstream of designated UNESCO heritage site, Wood Buffalo National Park, and the community of Fort Chipewyan—claiming the company did not breach any regulatory policies or procedures, inferring that Imperial Oil Ltd was not at fault and minimal recourse is required.

The AER findings completely neglect calls to action from Indigenous communities and Environmental groups which demand shut down of the Imperial Oil Kearl facility, charges be laid against the company for willful inaction, as well as an Indigenous-led overhaul of the AER. In addition to the AER’s failure to hold Imperial accountable, input shared by Indigenous nations about the catastrophe were left out of the reports’ recommendations, reduced to stakeholder and non-rights holder suggestions and commentary. The report not only fails to meet ongoing demands to address the AERs’ legacy of harm, but directly undermines the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—threatening sovereignty and self-determination—and paves the way for weakened tailings management policies into the future.

“They don’t live there, they don’t drink the water. Oil and gas groups have spent millions, if not billions, aiming to weaken policies so they can continue to get away with destroying our planet. Their only interests are their bottom lines—our community and our rights mean nothing to them,” comments Eriel Deranger, member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Executive Director, Indigenous Climate Action (ICA). “The findings from the AER are unfortunately not surprising. It only affirms that spills, leaks and overflows are considered acceptable and normal within the Canadian colonial system. Standard “business as usual” holds no consequences for industry. It’s the land, waterways and the people that are expected to shoulder the consequences for them,” concluded Deranger.

As the country prepares for the third National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023, communities downstream from the tar sands will determine what next steps, if any, are available to them in addressing the long standing destruction caused by the Alberta tar sands. The AER report exemplifies that lack of care and concern within colonial policies and procedures for Indigenous rights and downstream community members. 

“Truth and reconciliation goes beyond the history of residentials schools. We can’t truly work toward reconciliation until the whole truth is told about the oppressive colonial systems and practices that caused, and continue to cause, harm to our lands, waterways and rights of our peoples.” comments Jamie Bourque-Blyan, member of Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement and Engagement Manager, ICA. “The Imperial Oil spill is one example of these ongoing harms.  For more than 9 months the downstream communities, including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Mikisew Cree First Nation, were left in the dark about the tailings breach and increase in toxic chemicals in the waterways and environment often used to practice inherent Indigenous and treaty rights, including those of harvesting foods and medicine, and practicing land-based ceremonies.” concluded Bourque-Bylan.

”Trudeau’s commitments at the Climate Ambition Summit  sound promising but continue to miss the mark when it comes to upholding human rights, including Indigenous rights,” states Katie Wilson, member of Peguis First Nation and Digital Media Coordinator, ICA. “Not once did Trudeau mention Indigenous rights in his address last week and this report from the AER further demonstrates the sincere lack of interest by colonial governments in upholding Truth and Reconciliation, as long as it impacts industry wealth.”

Indigenous Climate Action believes that the proposed framework by the Federal Government lacks the enforcement mechanisms necessary to actually reduce emissions, protect the lands and the peoples, and uphold Indigenous rights and culture in regions like the Alberta tar sands.  The report’s protection of  existing policies and procedures is a clear example of the importance of updating existing policies and ensuring that big Oil Companies do not continue to get off scot-free despite devastating local ecosystems and community health. 

Call to Action

1. Sign the letter to demand both the federal and the Alberta government to hold industry accountable.

2. Amplify Indigenous and Environmental groups Calls to Action for the Federal Government.

Media Contacts:

Rosalyn Boucha - Communications Manager
rosalyn@indigenousclimateaction.com

Katie Wilson - Digital Media Coordinator
katie@indigenousclimateaction.com