Energy projects in Alberta should prioritize Indigenous communities, experts say

The long-term impacts of future energy projects in Alberta should be centred on meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities, especially any nuclear projects, experts in the field say.

Small and large-scale nuclear energy projects have been part of the energy conversation in Alberta since 2021.

That's when former United Conservative Party premier Jason Kenney signed a memorandum of understanding with the premiers of Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan to explore small modular reactors (SMRs).

While a nuclear future may be years away in Alberta — the first unit in Ontario's pilot SMR project is expected to be in commercial operation by 2029 — what happens after the projects run their course should also be taken into consideration.

"The work needs to start now. You know, ideally yesterday," said Sean Conway, Indigenous participation specialist at engineering firm AtkinsRéalis.

AtkinsRéalis, formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, is involved in many power and renewable projects across the country.

"We've seen historically that when there is early Indigenous engagement, partnerships, participation, projects work a lot better when people work together."

Conway has consulted on nuclear energy projects in Ontario, and lives on Curve Lake First Nation, about 170 km northeast of Toronto.

Data from 2022 indicates that First Nations land equals 767,818 hectares in Alberta, and Métis settlements top 512,121 hectares. Together, that's 1,279,939 hectares, though all of Alberta is traditional territory for many Indigenous nations and people. 

Conway, who was recently in Edmonton as a speaker at a nuclear symposium, said nuclear proponents need to look at the impacts of a project, not only from the pre-development phase, but all through the assets' life cycle.

"So before there's a shovel in the ground, there is a plan for 100 years from now, about what returning that site looks like," he said. "Coming from a First Nations perspective, that's what we want to see on any and all projects."

This isn't a box-checking exercise … It's an ongoing relationship.- Akshay Dubey, CEO of CVW CleanTech

He said showing the plan from beginning to end to First Nations communities is a way to build trust. 

Nuclear projects can benefit Indigenous communities by creating jobs, but also by setting up partnerships with the communities that allow them to become actual owners of the assets. 

"They're operating on their traditional territory across Canada," Conway said. 

"There's an imperative for proponents to get this right and to make sure that the First Nations and Indigenous people of this country are a part of the energy transition."

That partnership is something that Akshay Dubey, CEO of Calgary company CVW CleanTech, takes seriously. 

CVW CleanTech works on technology that cleans tailings from oil sands mining. Five Indigenous nations have partnered with the company: Fort McKay Métis Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation Economic Development Corporation, and McMurray Métis. 

"What they wanted was a voice at the table. A meaningful voice at the table, and an ability to create generational wealth," Dubey said in an interview. 

The model for partnership in this industry, especially in Indigenous communities, has historically been flawed, Dubey said.  

Companies go in, extract the resource, give Indigenous companies some contracts and a benefits agreement, but never really go in and seek true partnership, according to Dubey. 

"This is their traditional land, their way of life has been intertwined with this land for generations. It's important to have that perspective and approach them with that respect," he said. 

Listening is key, and asking for advice from the people whose land the company is operating on is not only smart, but right, Dubey said. 

"This isn't a box-checking exercise. This isn't something we should be doing just to say 'Hey look, we've checked the box, we've talked to the communities, that's now put to bed.' It's an ongoing relationship," Dubey said. 

The Ministry of Affordability and Utilities said in an emailed statement to CBC that the government is keen to hear feedback from Albertans about the potential for nuclear energy. 

"That is why we hope to open engagements with the public, Indigenous communities, industry, experts and other important community partners to help determine the future of nuclear energy development in Alberta," the statement reads.