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Transcript

National Indigenous News May 13 · National Indigenous Newscasts

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  SPEAKER_00: This is a look at your National Indigenous News.
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  SPEAKER_00: I'm Daryl Stranger.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Mikasukri First Nation is suing the governments of Alberta and Canada for the effects it says nearby industrial development and activity, such as oil sands mines, have had on its territory over the years.
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  SPEAKER_00: In a statement of claim filed Monday, the First Nation, which is located in northern Alberta, alleges both governments have violated Treaty 8, which their ancestors signed with the Crown in 1899.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: The lawsuit alleges both governments have allowed land and water to be contaminated by substances that have caused higher than average rates of cancer among the First Nations members.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: The federal and provincial governments have yet to file a statement of defense.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Allegations made in the statement of claim have not been tested in court.
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  SPEAKER_00: Billy Joe Tuckaroo, chief of the Micasukri First Nation, told reporters at a news conference in Edmonton Tuesday that he believes the federal and provincial governments have not properly assessed and managed the impact of industrial activity.
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  SPEAKER_00: The lawsuit seeks a number of remedies, including a declaration by the court that the governments have breached their treaty obligations.
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  SPEAKER_00: The lawsuit asks the court to stop the governments from approving future projects that will impact the First Nations territory.
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  SPEAKER_00: The Micasukri First Nation wants remediation of the land to be fully funded to have a meaningful role in land management and to have binding agreements to ensure wildlife and habitat restoration.
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  SPEAKER_00: Officials in Southeast Saskatchewan are warning residents of a fast-moving wildfire that destroyed some minor structures and threatened several homes on Star Blanket Crenation and Little Black Bear First Nation.
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  SPEAKER_00: Although the fire was contained, the File Hills First Nations Police Service notified the public late Monday afternoon it had reignited, jumped the road, and was continuing to spread.
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  SPEAKER_00: Firefighters from all four First Nations in File Hills, as well as the Balkar Fire Department, worked together to fight the fire.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: The chief of police for File Hills First Nations Police Service said the wildfire started near a residence on the east side of Star Blanket Cree Nation before moving into the neighboring Little Black Bear First Nation.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Two adult males have since been identified as responsible for starting the fire by burning cardboard boxes.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: Officials said charges under the Provincial Wildfire Act are being considered.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: The Chiefs, who represent 33 First Nations in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Maine say that kind of collaboration will create economic growth and job opportunities while helping the industry meet its labor requirements.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: Premier Tim Houston has proposed a$60 billion project called Wind West, which he says could generate up to 5 gigawatts of electricity by 2033 in its first phase and more than 40 gigawatts by 2050.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: In October, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator launched the province's first call for bids process to license offshore wind energy.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: Today's report says indigenous businesses are well positioned to collaborate on offshore wind projects through equity partnerships, community based workforce training, and supply chain agreements.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_00: As well, the report calls on offshore developers to encourage Indigenous participation by offering limited scope contracts and joint ventures.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: Governments and developers, meanwhile, should draft benefit and revenue agreements that support reinvestment in Indigenous communities, the report recommends.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_00: That's a look at your national Indigenous News.