Jim Prentice will be sitting down regularly with First Nations and Metis groups from Fort Chipewyan. Today, the premier met with leaders of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree and Metis Local 125.
He said they have a lengthy list of grievances with the province and oil industry, which includes the consultation process and making sure traditional knowledge is integrated into in the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring.
“It’s important that we collect data that is scientific accurate, that we can rely upon. That the whole purpose of AMERA to begin with. But it’s also important that First Nations be supportive of that,” said Prentice.
The premier will sit as chair at meetings with Chief Allan Adam, Chief Steve Courtoreille and President Fred Fraser. Prentice said decisions weren’t made other than to hold these meetings and catalog the their concerns.
“I think that’s an infinitely better situation for the people of Alberta than the province communicating with these First Nations through lawyers and through media reports,” he said.
The premier is also meeting with Chief Jim Boucher in Fort McKay today.
