“I’m pleased to announce today we have secured agreements with both Mikisew Cree First Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation supporting the Teck Frontier mine project. Together these First Nations and Alberta have been able to do what Alberta has always said we can: become true partners in prosperity by developing our resources while protecting the land and culture of our Indigenous people.
“The Teck Frontier mine is a project that has undergone the most thorough regulatory approval process in history, lasting nearly a decade. It will bring wealth, opportunity and thousands of jobs to both the Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations, to other Indigenous communities in the area and to all Albertans.
“Our First Nations have always had a special relationship with the bison and the protection of their habitat, which demonstrates a respect for their traditional ways of life. To reinforce our commitment to create this wealth responsibly, we have been able to address and sustain bison and caribou habitats, protections for Wood Buffalo National Park, and we have set out a path for cooperative management of the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland and the Ronald Lake Bison Herd.
“Our actions are in addition to the many steps Teck has already taken over 10 years – including efforts to mitigate environmental impact, reduce water use, and committing to progressive reclamation. Teck has also been a partner in addressing the concerns of Indigenous communities, including reducing the footprint of the project and adjusting timelines.
“I want to personally thank Chief Waquan and Chief Adam who have demonstrated strong leadership for their people, working hard to balance differing interests and determining the best path for their communities. Their vision of how resource development can happen alongside Indigenous culture is of great value.
“I am proud of what our partners, including Teck, Mikisew Cree and Athabasca Chipewyan, have achieved with this agreement. It is more important than ever to demonstrate that real and meaningful reconciliation can be advanced by ensuring our First Nations are real partners in prosperity. That’s why I am again calling on the federal government to approve the Teck Frontier mine project, given that the major concerns raised by the Joint Review Panel have been addressed. The opportunity that this project presents for our Indigenous communities, our province and the thousands of jobs it would create cannot be killed for political reasons. This project has played by the rules. It has followed the process. It’s time to get it done.”