Anishinabek Nation says Northern Shield pipeline project proposed without consultation
Grand Chief Linda Debassige calls Sarnia-bound corridor a threat to land and water
"Blindsided" is how the Anishinabek Nation is describing their reaction to the Northern Shield Energy Corridor being proposed to carry Alberta crude oil to refineries in Sarnia, Ont.
In railing against a "unilateral decision" conducted by governments, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige is calling the project "a significant threat to our land, water, and future generations" and an "assault" to their treaty lands that might be better addressed in the courts. Debassige contends the big public reveal this week was done without "meaningful discussions or consultations."
"Historically, we have observed time and time again that First Nations are treated as an afterthought by governments, and their representatives only want to engage in discussions after we assert our inherent and Treaty rights," Debassige said in a July 9 news release.
The pipeline might reduce Canada's dependence on foreign markets and increase the supply chain infrastructure for oil to flow east, but Debassige said it only weakens the treaty partner relationship if there is no dialogue on what are deemed nation-building projects.
"We reemphasize that major infrastructure projects that cross First Nations' traditional territory must include meaningful engagement, consent, and respect for all First Nations along the project corridors."
The Nipissing First Nation-based Anishinabek Nation is a political advocacy group representing 39-member Indigenous communities in Ontario.
