Sahtu Secretariat wants commitment on benefits from Imperial Oil

The chair of the Sahtu Secretariat says it wants less talk and more partnership from Imperial Oil.

The two parties met in Tulita last month and Imperial Oil gave a presentation about the operations, environment, employment and future community relations in the Sahtu.

Imperial Oil has been operating oil wells in Norman Wells, N.W.T., for more than 70 years, with about 10 years of production left.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, chair of the Sahtu Secretariat, says it wants a formal commitment to benefits from Imperial Oil for people in the region.

Blondin-Andrew says she'd like to see Imperial Oil fund a project like the Elders' Centre that was built in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. Imperial Oil gave $1 million towards construction of the centre.

But she says the company told her it doesn't do legacy projects and denied making the contribution. 

"We get tired of listening to Imperial Oil come and do what I term as a dog and pony show," she said.

"What we want to know is how we can meaningfully engage, and have a meaningful role. And it's not a meaningful role when they come to us and they say 'We can't do anything.' When you look around and you don't see anything from Imperial Oil."

She says Imperial Oil needs to commit to more environmental monitoring, employment, training and contracts.