Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Joins CEMA

March 11, 2014

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) officially re-joined the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) to become its newest member. The ACFN will work with CEMA’s Aboriginal Coordinating Committee and the Traditional Knowledge Working Group, to ensure there are adequate discussions around important policy recommendations regarding the cumulative effects of oilsands development and Treaty and Aboriginal rights. CEMA has the largest Aboriginal Caucus of all the multi-stakeholder groups operating in the Wood Buffalo Region. Membership includes:

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation,
Conklin Métis Local #193,
Fort Chipewyan Métis Local #125,
Fort McKay First Nation,
Fort McKay Métis Local #63,
Fort McMurray Métis Local #1935,
Fort McMurray Métis Local #2020,
Mikisew Cree First Nation,
Métis Nation of Alberta Region One,
MNAA Lakeland Local Council #1909,
Nistawoyou Assiocation Friendship Centre and
Willow Lake Métis Local # 780.

“The ACFN have appointed two Elders to sit at the table with CEMA and represent our Nation’s concerns. We are hopeful that the Board of Directors, comprised of four equal caucuses: Aboriginal, Industry, Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, will value the input of our Elders to ensure our treaty rights and territory are protected now and for future generations,” said the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief, Allan Adam. “The world is watching this region, our traditional land for thousands of years, in what is currently known as the oilsands region. Our input must be heard and considered in the development of oilsands policy and we truly hope the future work of CEMA continues in partnership with First Nations in the region.”

“On behalf of the CEMA Board and Secretariat, we want to proudly welcome the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation as our newest member,” stated Glen Semenchuk, CEMA Executive Director. “CEMA developed a new structure and governance model several years ago. Our goal was to re-introduce former First Nations members back to our Aboriginal Caucus. Today’s announcement is a very positive development for the important discussions at the CEMA table by being able to listen and learn from representatives from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.”

ACFN reserve lands are located on the south shore of Lake Athabasca, on the Athabasca Delta, and on the Athabasca River. They have a total registered population of approximately 1200 people. In addition to the Chief, ACFN Council consists of four Councillors. A council of ACFN Elders, representing the main family groups within ACFN, provides the elected leadership with the support of traditional customary governance.

CEMA is a multi-stakeholder society that is a key advisor to Government and is committed to respectful, inclusive dialogue in the development of recommendations to manage the cumulative environmental effects of regional development on air, land, water and biodiversity within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

For more information please visit www.acfn.com or www.cemaonline.ca

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Media Inquiries:

Eriel Deranger
ACFN Communications
eriel.deranger@acfn.com
1-780-780-6598

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