Dene Nation, Treaty 8 First Nations Unite Against Water Threats

The Dene Nation and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding to protect and steward shared waters. The agreement, which was announced on Wednesday, establishes a formal partnership between the two organizations to care for the waters that connect their territories.

According to the news release, water is considered 'a living and spiritual relative' by the two parties. They plan to work together on Indigenous-led monitoring and Guardian programs throughout the Mackenzie River basin, push for accountability from governments and the oil sands industry over tailings ponds, and call for independent assessments of their structural integrity and downstream effects.

The agreement also includes plans to seek reform of Alberta's Mine Financial Security Program, which is designed to ensure the industry covers the cost of cleaning up mines. Additionally, they will examine the effects of lithium development, hydro dams, and proposed nuclear reactors along the Peace River.