Dene National Chief George Mackenzie, is concerned about how Bill 7 will impact Treaty 8 Indigenous lands and ways of life as the proposed legislation will allow water to be taken from anywhere within the Atla. border and sent abroad. Area organizations are joining the Dene Nation in sounding the alarm, including the Alberta Wilderness Association and Keepers of the Water.
“The Dene and Treaty 8 peoples have stewarded these lands and waters for generations, relying on them for sustenance, cultural practices, and spiritual well-being. The potential for increased industrial activity and water transfers poses a direct threat to the health of these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them,” said Chief Mackenzie.
Indigenous leaders, Indigenous rights activists and environmentalists are concerned that there will be no measurement of how much water would be taken and lack of accountability regarding where it’s taken from and sent to Chief Mackenzie says the introduction of inter-basin transfers, in particular, raises concerns about the potential for ecological imbalance that could alter water flow patterns, affecting fish populations and other aquatic life that are crucial to the subsistence and cultural practices of Indigenous communities.
“The Mackenzie Water Basin is one of the largest and most pristine freshwater systems in the world. It supports a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, many of which are integral to the traditional lifestyles of the Dene and Treaty 8 peoples. The proposed amendments could disrupt these ecosystems, leading to irreversible damage,” said Chief Mackenzie.
The Chief said that interfering with the natural flows of the basin along with the lack of thorough environmental assessments and lack of community consultations, has precipitated increasing concerns among members of the Dene Nation.
“The introduction of inter-basin transfers, in particular, raises concerns about the potential for ecological imbalance. Such transfers could alter water flow patterns, affecting fish populations and other aquatic life that are crucial to the subsistence and cultural practices of Indigenous communities. Furthermore, the lack of stringent environmental assessments and community consultations in the bill exacerbates these concerns,” said Chief Mackenzie.
Earlier this week, North Now reached out to Atla.’s environment ministry but has not heard a response as yet.
The Dene Nation took part in a historic joint meeting on Nov. 20 with Treaty 8 First Nations, including Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Tthebatthı̨ę̨́Denęsųłı̨né Nationto, to oppose Bill 7 the 2025 Alberta Water Amendment Act.
The legislation was first introduced in October. In response, Chief Mackenzie said the proposed bill poses significant threats to the traditional lands and waters of the Dene and Treaty 8 territories, particularly the Mackenzie Water Basin.
“Bill 7 introduces provisions for disclosing prices for water license transfers, ministerial approval for some inter-basin transfers, and simplified boundaries. While these measures may appear to streamline water management, they fail to account for the unique ecological and cultural significance of the Mackenzie Water Basin. The proposed changes could lead to increased water extraction and transfers that threaten the delicate balance of this critical watershed,” said Chief Mackenzie.
Chief Mackenzie and Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi expressed concerns that the proposal sets out provisions for disclosing prices for water license transfers which could lead to increased commercial and industrial use.
The chiefs said the proposed changes could lead to increased water extraction and transfers that threaten the balance of the Mackenzie Water Basin, which serves as a vital ecosystem and cultural cornerstone for the Dene and Treaty 8 Nations.
Chief Mackenzie and Grand Chief Mercredi are calling on the Canadian government to take part in meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities regarding Bill 7 and to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to manage and protect their traditional lands and waters.
The rights of Indigenous people, to their traditional lands, to self-determination with respect to their ways of life, is recognized in Canada under a number of laws including the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The law was modeled after the 2007 United Nations declaration.
“Concerned that Indigenous peoples have suffered from historic injustices as a result of, inter alia, their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources, thus preventing them from exercising, in particular, their right to development in accordance with their own needs and interests.”
The United Nations declaration acknowledges the rights of Indigenous people to their traditional lands, beginning on page two of the 32 page document first published in 2007.
“Recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources.”
The chiefs are urging policymakers to consider alternative approaches that respect Indigenous knowledge and prioritize ecological sustainability.
“The Dene Nation and the Treaty 8 First Nations in attendance at the meeting, invite all Canadians to join them in opposing Bill 7 and advocating for the protection of the Mackenzie Water Basin. They emphasize the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem for future generations and ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their lands and waters. As stewards of the land, the Dene and Treaty 8 peoples remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the natural resources that sustain their communities and cultures. They call on the government to honor its obligations under treaties and to work collaboratively with Indigenous nations to develop water management policies that reflect the values and priorities of all Canadians.”
