• First Nations Chief threatens legal action against province if tailings water is released

  Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
  Date: 2026-09-21 15:59:11.0
  Tags: [Alberta, Indigenous, Energy, Environment, Resources, Mining]

  Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam has threatened a 20-year legal battle against the Alberta government if provincial or federal regulators approve plans to treat and release oilsands mining wastewater from companies like Suncor Energy Inc. into the Athabasca watershed. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation strongly oppose the "treat and release" approach for the 1.4 billion cubic meters of fluid tailings, citing severe local health concerns and threats to Treaty rights along the 1,230-kilometer river. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that wastewater release is governed under federal jurisdiction and oilsands leases, while Environment Minister Grant Hunter maintains that treated mine water release is necessary to achieve site reclamation and return land to a self-sustaining boreal forest.

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• Support wavers from pair of Akaitcho First Nations on major N.W.T. infrastructure projects

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-09-11 19:13:19.0
  Tags: [National, Infrastructure, Energy, Indigenous, Mining, Resources]

  Two Akaitcho First Nations, Deninu Kųę́ First Nation and Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation, have expressed strong disapproval and suspended support for major Northwest Territories infrastructure initiatives, specifically the Taltson Hydro Expansion and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. Deninu Kųę́ First Nation stated its suspension will persist until the Government of the Northwest Territories formally recognizes its severe legacy impacts from the original 1965 Taltson generation facility built near Fort Resolution. Both First Nations cited a lack of meaningful consultation and failure to secure free, prior, and informed consent under Section 35 of the Constitution Act. In response, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek maintained that the territorial government remains confident it can address outstanding concerns and continue discussions regarding land use, caribou habitats, and community benefits.

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