For Immediate Release
Fort Chipewyan, AB – September 22, 2025 –The Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation (FCMN) is formally rejecting the recommendations of Alberta’s Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee (OSMWSC), citing concerns over industry bias, lack of scientific integrity, and the absence of meaningful Indigenous inclusion.
FCMN President Kendrick Cardinal emphasized that while the Nation was invited to participate in the Committee, it declined due to the flawed structure and lack of technical capacity to address the complex and sensitive issue of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). “We’ve been part of this conversation for decades,” said Cardinal. “But Alberta continues to ignore Indigenous voices and push predetermined outcomes that serve industry, not communities.”
The Steering Committee’s recommendations, released in June and September 2025, promote the treatment and release of OSPW into the Athabasca River. FCMN strongly opposes this approach, citing the absence of thorough health research and the failure to consider viable alternatives such as deep well disposal, reuse, and inter-sectoral water sharing.
In a recent CBC interview, President Cardinal stated:
“There should be no release without doing thorough health research.”
President Cardinal’s message was clear: Indigenous communities must not be subjected to environmental decisions that risk their health, lands, and rights without rigorous, transparent science and full Indigenous leadership. FCMN continues to support the Crown–Indigenous Working Group (CIWG), co-led by Indigenous communities and Environment and Climate Change Canada, as the only legitimate, science- and rights-based process for assessing tailings
water management.
Key Messages from FCMN:
- Alberta’s process lacks legitimacy and transparency.
- No release of OSPW should occur without comprehensive health impact studies.
- Indigenous knowledge and leadership must guide water and reclamation decisions.
- Jurisdiction over water release also includes the Government of Canada under the fisheries act.
- FCMN calls on Alberta to halt any advancement of the OSMWSC recommendations and to consult impacted nations in the spirit of reconciliation and the Duty to Consult.
Media Contact:
Carmen Wells
Director, Lands & Regulatory
Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation
carmen.wells@fortchipmetis.ca | 780.697.3111