The Métis Settlements of Alberta say they want to buy a stake in a proposed oil pipeline to the West Coast. They also hope to work with First Nations in British Columbia who oppose the project and plan to raise concerns at the Assembly of First Nations meetings in Ottawa.
Dave Lamouche, president of the eight Métis settlements, said a new pipeline could help their communities become financially stable. He said Alberta is offering full partnership, but added that Coastal First Nations have valid concerns.
A recent agreement between the federal and Alberta governments says any new pipeline must allow Indigenous co-ownership and economic benefits. It also says the federal government might change the oil tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast to allow Alberta’s oil to reach Asian markets — something many Coastal First Nations strongly oppose.
Because the plan is so divisive, Lamouche wants to meet with Coastal First Nations to see if they can work together. If not, he says the Métis will look for other options.
The proposed pipeline will be a major topic at the Assembly of First Nations meetings this week. B.C. leaders plan to bring an emergency resolution asking the AFN to support keeping the oil tanker ban in place. Many First Nations leaders say the proposal has created mistrust and that their consent is required for any project on their lands.
Lamouche says the agreement with Alberta offers a chance for Indigenous groups to work together instead of being left out of major decisions. The Métis Settlements are also looking into provincial loan programs that could help them invest in the pipeline. Money from the project could support important infrastructure like roads and water systems.
The settlements have about 10,000 members and hope to be able to fully fund their communities by 2038.
Alberta officials say they are working closely with Indigenous groups in both Alberta and B.C. to build stronger, long-term partnerships.
