Dene Nation and Treaty 8 First Nations Unite to Defend Alberta Water Rights
The Dene Nation and Alberta Treaty 8 First Nations have joined forces to defend water rights in the region. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on July 29, creating a partnership between the two groups to protect their treaty water rights.
The MOU aims to create Indigenous-led water monitoring and stewardship throughout the Mackenzie River Basin, as well as improving accountability of oil sands industries in the area. The partnership also seeks to expand the role of Indigenous knowledge and jurisdiction in caring for the land's water.
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie emphasized the importance of water, stating 'Our waters are sacred with a living memory that is central to the wellness of our people and cultures.' Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi added, 'Water does not recognize provincial or territorial boundaries... Our partnership with the Dene Nation strengthens our collective voice and our shared responsibility to defend the lands and waters that sustain our people.'