Alberta First Nation pushes for a fair share of resource riches – Canada’s National Observer
September 16, 2025
Canada’s National Observer: After decades burdened by oil spills and environmental damage, an Alberta First Nation is pushing back — not against resource development, but for a fair share of industry profits to restore land scarred by these projects.
Whitefish Lake First Nation, situated in the boreal forests of northern Alberta, borders vast oil fields that have long shaped and worn down its territory. “It’s not just the land that’s sick — our people are sick too, because our health is tied to the health of the land,” said Fabian Grey, the nation’s consultation manager.
Poverty persists across many First Nations despite funding they receive from various government agencies, he said. Whitefish Lake is not seeking compensation, but rather a fair “piece of the pie” from the wealth generated on their territories.
