Lawyer Rangi Jeerakathil advised the Fort Chipewyan Métis in coming to a long-term benefits agreement with Imperial Oil in 2018.
The relationship between the Fort Chipewyan Métis and Imperial began with the development of Imperial’s Kearl oilsands mine in Fort Chipewyan more than 10 years ago. Imperial is currently working on developing its Aspen oilsands project, scheduled to open in Fort Chipewyan in 2022.
The new agreement between the two parties outlines enhanced opportunities for consultation and environmental stewardship related to Imperial’s business activities, and also includes community funding, employment and business contracting opportunities for the Fort Chipewyan Métis.
“This agreement creates a better future of the Fort Chipewyan Métis community,” Cam MacDonald, president of the Fort Chipewyan Métis, said in a release on Imperial’s website. “We will be able to provide our traditional knowledge and expertise into the design and work with Imperial throughout the life of these projects. Our members will benefit with better opportunity for education, training and business development, which is good for both Imperial and the Métis.”
Fort Chipewyan is a remote community located approximately 200 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.
About Rangi Jeerakathil
A partner in the MLT Aikins Saskatoon office, Rangi practises in the areas of environmental, energy and Aboriginal law, including corporate social responsibility. He advises Aboriginal communities and industry on environmental, land, resource, constitutional rights and jurisdictional matters.