Woodland Cree Protecting Traditional Territory from In-situ Project-Related Seismic Activity

For immediate release: May 14, 2024

Treaty, 8 Territory─Keepers of the Water, urgently raises its voice against the alarming increase of oil and gas industry-induced earthquakes in Treaty 8 Territory and the relentless encroachment of industrial companies on First Nation traditional lands. 

The underground activities of tar sands in-situ extraction projects strongly indicate a direct industry cause. A comprehensive independent geological and seismological investigation is imperative to assess the actual damage this process wreaks on underground water systems.

After a record-breaking Northern Alberta earthquake in November of 2022, the AER claimed that this earthquake was natural and not likely caused by steam injection projects; however, several months later, a study from Stanford University proved the connection.

Woodland Cree First Nation has recently blocked access to oil company Obsidian, formerly Pennwest, due to mounting concerns, including multiple earthquakes in the area, which the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has since confirmed.

In a powerful display of Treaty and Inherent rights, Woodland Cree has taken a stand, even if it means preventing the entry of companies they typically engage with into their traditional territory. In response, the company has sought an injunction to remove the blockade.

“One oil company is not considered critical infrastructure. We are in a province that has over-extracted and exploited natural resources. If anything, the blockade should be considered critical infrastructure.” said Jesse Cardinal, Keepers of the Water Executive Director

Daniel T’seleie, a respected First Nations legal scholar, asserts, “This is not just a local or national issue. It is an international one. International law experts have recognized the right of indigenous peoples to have their treaties upheld by states like Canada and its governments. Furthermore, international human rights courts have ruled that in cases of large-scale development like this, the state has an obligation not just to consult but also a requirement to obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples.”

The Alberta government had created laws to enable energy companies to encroach on Indigenous lands and territories further without consultation or consent of impacted First Nations people, clearing the way for complete impunity for record-breaking profit-driven industries. This bill further empowers the Alberta government to use violence against Indigenous people when they stand up to exercise and exert their rights over lands.

Jesse Cardinal goes on to say, “The Alberta Energy Regulator has been completely irresponsible in allowing companies to operate knowing they are causing extensive harm to entire landscapes and watersheds that affect many communities and municipalities; unforeseen costs of the aftermath of disasters fall on the underserved and rural communities, while the energy regulator walks away with no accountability.” 

Keepers of the Water will continue supporting Indigenous communities' right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and advocating for widespread support on local, national, and international levels.

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Contact: Jesse Cardinal, Keepers of the Water Executive Director ed@keepersofthewater.ca