The Mikisew Cree First Nation is throwing their support behind Teck Resources’ Frontier project.
The oilsands, which would be north of Fort McMurray next to Wood Buffalo National Park, is currently being reviewed by the federal government.
In a letter, Chief Archie Waquan says the oil company has worked with them to address their concerns calling the progress ‘groundbreaking.’
“With Teck, the approach has led us to co-develop important protections for Wood Buffalo National Park, such as tough project conditions around water use.”
He adds Teck has also agreed to avoid developing the part of the project closest to the park until they can demonstrate initial mining hasn’t impacted the area.
“Yes, a mine like Frontier will always create a risk for our people and our lands,” said Waquan.
“But, as Chief of the Mikisew, the story about Frontier that we see is one where, if the project is built and accommodations measures are in place, Teck and both government will have made significant environmental and social commitments to tackle those risks proactively and in partnership with Indigenous peoples so that Wood Buffalo National Park and our future generations have more confidence and tools than we had in the past.”
They join the Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, Fort McMurray Métis, Fort McKay Métis, Willow Lake Métis Nation, and the Athabasca Landing Métis who’ve already publicly expressed their support for the project.
If approved, it would create around 7,000 jobs during construction and another 2,500 through operations. It would also produce around 260,000 barrels of oil per day.
The federal government is expected to make a decision on the project by the end of the month.