Mikisew Cree First Nation has withdrawn as an intervener from Syncrude’s Mildred Lake Extension (MLX) hearing.
The two have reached an agreement that Chief Archie Waquan said will create shared benefits of the extension.
“This new partnership with Syncrude builds on the successes that we have had with Syncrude for more than 40 years,”
Waguan said the agreement will also ensure long-term, stable employment opportunities.
Syncrude Managing Director Doreen Cole said the Mikisew Guthrie Limited Partnership has played an “integral” role onsite.
Cole called the agreement a “tremendous accomplishment.”
“This agreement reflects our philosophy that Indigenous communities should share in the opportunities that come from developing the oilsands.”
Syncrude has also contributed $2.3 million towards the Birch Wildland Provincial Park which is within the Mikisew Cree’s traditional territory.
The Alberta government, as a result, has granted a land disturbance offset for future mining development.
