Aamjiwnaang First Nation is calling on the Crown to hold meaningful discussions before any approvals are granted for the proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor.
The premiers of Ontario and Alberta unveiled the primary route for the proposed crude oil pipeline and energy corridor on Monday, travelling from Hardisty, Alberta to Sarnia.
Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin said she received a call from Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford prior to Monday's announcement.
"I knew this may have been coming given the situation with the U.S. and Canada and the rocky relationship between the two countries," Nahmabin told Sarnia News Today. "It was only a matter of time."
A statement posted to Aamjiwnaang First Nation Administration and Council's Facebook page on Tuesday stressed the need to be included in the decision-making process.
"I do see the collective opportunities for potential shared environmental oversight with the proposed line. I also see economic opportunities and economic assertions for First Nations. I see the energy sovereignty for Canada as a whole, but I also am acutely aware of the pipeline history here in Aamjiwnaang," Nahmabin said. "That still remains to be addressed because there's still ongoing concerns that we have. So let's talk about the issues that we have here now so that Aamjiwnaang could have a little more trust in the longevity of this proposed pipeline."
Current community concerns listed in the statement included ongoing spikes in benzene, Sulphur Dioxide concentrations, and a spill in the St. Clair River in March from a Sun-Canadian Pipeline.
Aamjiwnaang issued a state of emergency in 2024 due to high benzene emissions and recently filed legal action against INEOS Styrolution, citing multiple community impacts.
Nahmabin said concerns have been raised with upper levels of government and she will continue to advocate to be included in these types of discussions.
"Other First Nations, I do know feel very similar, that we should be involved in discussions because the proposed route impacts many First Nations all across Canada," Nahmabin said, as she has spoken with regional chiefs within The Anishinabek Nation.
In its initial news release, the provincial government said it has initiated its duty to consult with Indigenous partners and communities, while supporting Indigenous involvement in nation-building projects.
Local politicians also commented on the proposed project, expressing excitement about the economic opportunities.
