Indigenous leaders are calling on the Alberta government to implement vital First Nations recommendations from the Allan Inquiry’s Final Report, including the establishment of Elders Wisdom Panels..The statements were issued in a press release by the Indian Resource Council which was founded in 1987 by chiefs following the recommendation of a task force that was established to study the role of the Crown in the management of First Nations oil and natural gas resources..The IRC now represents more than 155 oil and gas producing First Nations across Canada..“Commissioner Steve Allan has defined a vital instrument — Elders Wisdom Panels — for opening a novel path to relationship development, establishing common purpose and the cooperative and constructive economic foundations for reconciliation,” said Stephen Buffalo president and CEO of IRC..“We call upon Premier Jason Kenney to advance a motion of acceptance in the Alberta Legislature of the Allan Inquiry Final Report’s six recommendations. Energy Minister Sonya Savage should then work with Chief Littlechild and other respected elders to formulate the terms and mandate for Elders Wisdom Panels, including the implementation of regulations that require Elders Wisdom Panels as constructive intermediators for all substantive resource developments.”.In his report, Steve Allan noted that $102 million had gone from nine U.S. foundations to indigenous environmental initiatives from 2003 through 2019..Allan said elders panels could “breach the divide, not only within and between First Nations communities, but also to advance greater understanding among all Canadians of First Nations issues, as well as the responsible stewardship of Canada’s natural resources.” .Bearspaw First Nation, part of the Stoney-Nakoda Nation in Alberta, has been involved in resource development and natural gas for nearly 70 years. Chief Darcy Dixon believes the Allan report and elders panels could facilitate more development..“The Allan Inquiry provides solid recommendations for resolution of conflicts among indigenous groups, energy developers, environmental groups and governments. For too long we have been handicapped by the Indian Act and a government bureaucracy that restricts our ability to create strong economies for ourselves and to become true business partners. Elders Wisdom Panels would certainly help bring about mutually beneficial agreements, as well as a greater level of mutual understanding,” he said..Former Grand Chief Wilton J. Littlechild, a lawyer and one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, also gave his endorsement..“Commissioner Steve Allan’s recommendations must not be ignored,” said Littlechild, who added the panels could help Canada fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples..The Ermineskin Cree Nation, located 80 kilometers south of Edmonton, has been involved in oil and gas for more than 60 years from the Bonnie Glen Field at Pigeon Lake. Chief Randy Ermieskin believes economic development and reconciliation go together..“Reconciliation begins when indigenous people grow their own economies for financial security and stability and have meaningful participation in the greater Canadian and international marketplace. First Nations themselves also need to come together to joint venture and partner in large projects, many of which are in the energy sector. We are a force that is not going away,” said Ermineskin..Mac Van Wielingen, Founder of ARC Financial Corp and incoming chair of the Business Council of Alberta, believes the indigenous aspects of the “large and comprehensive” Allan report have received too little attention..“The public discussion to date has focused narrowly on foreign funding of opposition to Canadian oil and gas development… [but] the Allan Inquiry Final Report has many other constructive recommendations,” said Van Wielingen..“Canada’s resource sector is ideally placed to accelerate indigenous reconciliation through partnership, education, training and economic development that advance multi-generational self-reliance and shared prosperity. Elders Wisdom Panels will help bridge the opportunity gaps and build the structural conditions for economic and social sustainability among all Canadians.”.Harding is a Western Standard contributor based in Saskatchewan.lharding@westernstandardonline.com
