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FORT MCMURRAY — Treaty 8 leaders say they remain open to major energy projects in northern Alberta, including a potential new pipeline to the British Columbia coast, but insist the Alberta and federal governments cannot move ahead without full and early consultation from the First Nations whose territories would be directly affected.
Their concerns follow the release of a memorandum of understanding signed in November by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The agreement sets out a broad framework for cooperation on a future bitumen pipeline and commits to exploring regulatory and trade measures intended to increase oil exports to Asian markets. Treaty 8 leaders say they were not notified before the MOU was announced publicly and had no opportunity to participate in its development.
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation councillor Mike Mercredi said his nation has decades of experience negotiating pipeline agreements and working with industry, noting that First Nations across the region have long been involved in environmental reviews, routing discussions and accommodation measures. He said Indigenous leaders are not rejecting development, but objecting to being left out of initial planning for a project of this scale.
Mercredi said inclusive discussions at the outset could have prevented the current dispute and may have even positioned First Nations to participate in a joint announcement with Alberta and Canada. Instead, he said many Treaty 8 communities feel sidelined and are now forced to respond publicly to decisions already made.
Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, speaking in Ottawa, said the nations had no consultation, notice or involvement before the agreement was signed. He said proceeding unilaterally risks damaging relationships and could lead to political action or legal challenges, especially given treaty obligations and the constitutional duty to consult. He noted that First Nations consider themselves rights holders rather than stakeholders and expect governments to treat them accordingly.
The potential pipeline would still require a proponent, regulatory approval and a formal project application, steps that typically take years. Under Canadian law, the duty to consult becomes fully active when a project that could infringe on treaty rights is formally proposed. Treaty 8 leaders argue the spirit of that requirement demands far earlier engagement, particularly for projects with regional impacts.
Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney responded to the concerns by acknowledging the nations’ expertise in energy development and describing Treaty 8 as a valued partner. She said work remains in its earliest phase and that the MOU establishes a foundation for early and meaningful engagement as planning progresses. According to her statement, once an application reaches the Major Projects Office, Indigenous communities will be consulted at every step, consistent with constitutional obligations.
Sawhney said she looks forward to meeting with Treaty 8 leadership soon as part of continued government to government dialogue. She emphasized the province’s goal of building partnerships based on respect, treaty rights and transparency.
Federal officials have also said any pipeline project would require Indigenous cooperation to advance, a position echoed in recent regulatory decisions across the country.
Treaty 8 leaders say cooperation remains possible, but only if Alberta and Ottawa reset the process, recognize the nations as full partners and begin engaging before decisions are finalized. For now, the nations are preparing for further discussions and considering their options as the process unfolds.
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