What's Happening?
Indigenous leaders, legal experts, scientists, and youth advocates from across Canada are set to gather in Alberta for a national conference focused on the impacts of oilsands tailings and water protection as a fundamental Indigenous and human right.
The event, titled 'Tarsands Tailings Crisis: Protecting Our Water,' will take place on March 25 and 26 at the River Cree Resort and Casino on Enoch Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory. Hosted by the Mikisew Cree First Nation and Keepers of the Water, the conference will address health and environmental impacts of oilsands development, cumulative effects on land and water, and the role of Indigenous and Treaty rights in water protection. Key speakers include Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro and Sharon H. Venne, a Cree legal scholar. The conference will also feature youth perspectives, including remarks from Miss Earth Canada 2025, Hailey Hamelin-Wilson.
Why It's Important?
The conference highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of oilsands development, particularly on Indigenous lands. It underscores the importance of Indigenous and Treaty rights in environmental protection and resource management. The gathering aims to foster dialogue on federal and provincial legislation, such as Bill 7 and Bill C-5, and explore accountability measures and potential solutions. This event is significant as it brings together diverse stakeholders to address the pressing issue of water protection, which is crucial for the sustainability of Indigenous communities and the broader ecosystem. The outcomes of this conference could influence policy decisions and promote greater collaboration between Indigenous groups and government bodies.
