Moose Lake has been a traditional and cultural centre for local people for centuries. (Photo: Fort McKay First Nation)

By Canadian Press

Moose Lake

First Nation lauds plan to protect traditional land use in oilsands management plan

Feb 9, 2021 | 4:23 PM

EDMONTON – The Alberta government says it has completed a plan to manage oilsands development in an area near the Fort McKay First Nation that supports traditional land uses and maintains its ecological integrity.

The announcement follows an Alberta Court of Appeal ruling last April, which overturned regulatory approvals for a $440-million oilsands project that would have encroached on land the First Nation considers sacred.

The court ruled that the Alberta Energy Regulator violated the honour of the Crown when it approved the proposal even though the development infringed on an agreement between the province and the First Nation.

Chief Mel Grandjamb says the Moose Lake Access Management Plan means band members will have a place to practise treaty rights and live in a traditional manner.

Fort McKay, north of Fort McMurray, is surrounded on three sides by oilsands development and 70 per cent of the band’s traditional territory is taken up by mines.

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Grandjamb says the plan calls for oilsands processing facilities to be outside the Moose Lake area and recognizes the negative effects such facilities would have on the First Nation’s ability to practice traditional land uses essential to the preservation of Cree and Dene cultures.

(The Canadian Press)