Northern Stars 2013

The proud Cree and Dene First Nations
people of Athabasca celebrate 25 years

of healthy and productive growth
Shell Conodo Energy ls 0 owner ol lhe Alhobosco Cll Sonds Pro|ecl [ACSP| olong wllh Chevron Conodo
Llmlled [20| ond Morolhon Cll Conodo Corporollon [20|. ACSP lncludes Shell Alblon Sonds
[Muskeg Rlver Mlne & )ockplne Mlne| ond lhe Scollord pgroder.
Your Success, Our Success
Shell Alblon Sonds congroluloles lhe Alhobosco lrlbol Councll on 2 yeors ol bulldlng successlul
Flrsl Mollon Communllles.
Conlrlbullng lo suslolnoble developmenl ls lnlegrol lo lhe woy we do buslness. As we work lo
help meel lhe worlds growlng energy needs we olm lo shore benehls wllh locol communllles by
developlng our mosl voluoble resources people!
Greol People. Greol Ploce. Greol Communlly. www.shell.ca
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7 Messages
HearfromtheNationalChiefoftheAssemblyofFirstNations
andthepresidentoftheAthabascaTribalCouncil
8 We Walk Beside TheM

CEORoyVermillionlooksbackontheATCsfrst25years
anditsevolvingrelationshipswiththefvemembernations
13 TriBal TradiTions
TimelineofhumanactivityintheAthabascaregion;
TheroleofaTribalCouncil;HistoryofTreatyDays
49 close The gap
TheEducationdepartmentstoppriorityistoeliminatethe
gapbetweenFirstNationsstudentsandtherestofCanada
55 The perfecT JoB
TheEmploymentandTrainingdepartmentisaprimeplayer
inhelpingpotentialFirstNationsworkersfndtherightjob
61 puT healTh firsT
ProgramsoftheHealthdepartmentaretailoredtothe
regionsspecifcchallenges
67 hope aT hoMe
Buildingstrongerrelationships
takestime,practiceand
goodexamples.Childand
FamilyServiceshelps
72 final Words
Strongregionalpartnerships
arethekeytotheATCs
prolongedsuccess
17 sTrong foundaTions
FortMcKayFirstNationlookstothefutureforindustry
partnershipwithenrichedtraditionalculture
23 close To The land
CommunityleadersinChipewyanPrairieFirstNation
dontcompromisewhenitcomestoworkingwithindustry
30 old groWTh region
UnemploymentinAthabascaChipewyanFirstNationisnt
ashighasitoncewas.TheChiefwantsthistrendtocontinue
36 legacy issues
ThereisamovementinFortMcMurrayFirstNationto
addressdivisionsthatdatebacktoTreaty8searlydays
42 long TiMe coMing
MikisewCreeFirstNationsChiefturnedchildhoodanger
intoinspirationandnowhasbigplansforhispeople
conTenTs
FALL 2013
DEPARTMENTS
FIRST NATION FEATURES
The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet norThern sTars
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10259-105 Street,
Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3
Tel: 780-990-0839 Fax: 780-425-4921
NORTHERN STARS
RUTH KELLY
Publisher
JOYCE BYRNE
Associate Publisher
MIFI PURVIS
Director of Custom Magazines
JORDAN WILKINS
Managing Editor
CHARLES BURKE
Art Director
ANDREA DEBOER
Associate Art Director
COLIN SPENCE
Assistant Art Director
BETTY-LOU SMITH
Production Coordinator
BRENT FELZIEN, BRANDON HOOVER
Production Technicians
Northern Stars is the annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet,
celebrating corporate and community leadership in Wood Bufalo.
Northern Stars is published through a collaboration between Venture
Publishing and Westbrier Communications. The 2013 honoree is
The Athabasca Tribal Council. To be placed on a list to receive more
information about the banquet and the organizations it supports,
email: westbrier@shaw.ca
VENTURE PUBLISHING INC.
WESTBRIER COMMUNICATIONS
PHIL ENARSON
Event Management & Marketing
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Carissa Halton, Tricia Radison, Lisa Ricciotti,
Scott Rollans, Samus Smyth
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Pat Kane, Joey Podlubny
ROY VERMILLION
Chief Executive Ofcer
MARGARET CAINE
Executive Assistant
ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL
Celebrating strong,
vibrant communities
1hoo's a oo|goo ooogy that comos oot o |oca| ovoots aod tad|t|oos.
|oogy that stoms om tho povo o commoo|ty sp||t aod om
b|og|og poop|o togotho. 1o thoso vho coot|boto to tho ma||og
o stoog, v|baot commoo|t|os, vo thao| yoo. Cooovos |oogy.
A Caoad|ao o|| compaoy.
Congratulations Athabasca Tribal Council on your 25th anniversary.
cenovus.com
New ideas. New approaches.
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The Byncrude Project is a joint venture undertakin_ anon_ Canadian Oil Bands Partnership =1, lnperial Oil Resources, Mocal Ener_y linited, Murphy Oil Conpany ltd.,
Nexen Oil Bands Partnership, Binopec Oil Bands Partnership, and Buncor Ener_y Ventures Partnership.
Nuwe nn beghan|ta. We |ove our |and. This land is our hone, and hone holds a special place in the
hearts of all its peoples, across all lan_ua_es. That's why Byncrude is proud to invest in and work with the
connunities and peoples of our re_ion.
Byncrude con_ratulates the Athabasca Tribal Council on its 25th anniversary - the work you do stren_thens
and bri_htens the place we all call hone, and will continue to do so for nany years to cone. syncrude.ca
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Welcome Messages
F
OR 25 YEARS THE ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL (ATC) HAS PROVIDED PROGRAMS
and services for the First Nations communities in our area. As president of the ATCs
board of directors, I work with the Chiefs from the other First Nations that make up the
ATC, and with the organizations CEO, to establish long-term goals and objectives that
will help achieve our vision of where we want to be in fve to ten years. Its up to us to identify the
challenges in our First Nations communities and develop sound plans of action to address these
challenges.
The ATCs staf throughout its various departments work hard to implement the strategic and
operational plans we conceive together as a board of directors and on behalf of the board, I would
like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their great work. Providing quality programs and
services to First Nations people in the area is always a top priority for us. It is our intention to make
the tribal council, our First Nation members, and our neighbours aware of our efforts to help
communities become self-sufficient and to increase the overall quality of life for people in
the region.
Vern Janvier,
President of the ATC
The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NORTHERN STARS
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Shawn A-in-chut Atleo,
National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
N BEHALF OF THE ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS AND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE,
it is my pleasure to ofer greetings to all those attending the Athabasca Tribal Council 25th
Anniversary Banquet taking place in beautiful Treaty 8 territory.
As Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge and give thanks to the peoples and nations of the
lands on which we gather. We acknowledge their contributions and we support their continued suc-
cess. This is what the 25th anniversary celebration is all about acknowledging the stewards of the
land, their rights and their accomplishments, and supporting their eforts as they pursue economic
opportunities and partnerships.
At the same time we welcome non Indigenous peoples, and honour the unique relationship we
share based on the agreements and promises made by all of our ancestors hundreds of years ago.
By working together in mutual respect and mutual recognition, we fulfll the vision of our
ancestors and together can reach our full potential as First Nations. I commend the eforts of the
Athabasca Tribal Council and the many other Treaty 8 nations for driving change in their communi-
ties by establishing efective and meaningful partnerships respectful of their own community plans
and visions. Congratulations on this 25th anniversary.
O
ATC_NorthernStars_p06-07.indd 7 9/27/13 9:47:27 AM
ILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
provide an occasion for refection
as well as for celebration, and
the Athabasca Tribal Councils
25th anniversary this year is no exception. Roy
Vermillion, who has occupied the CEOs chair at
the ATC since 2003, sat down recently to look back
at the organizations achievements over its frst
quarter century and at the continuing work that
lies ahead.
Vermillion feels very privileged to play a role in the ATCs mandate.
My interests, and all the work I do, evolves from being a First Nations
person in this region, he says. Vermillion sees himself not as the head of
the ATC, but rather as a conduit for the collective eforts of the fve First
Nations that make up the tribal council. Whatever happens at the tribal
council starts with the direction provided by the First Nations leaders.
The fve Chiefs make up the board of directors. This makeup and direct
involvement in the communities is what helps make the ATC a success.
The Athabasca Tribal Council provides advice and services for fve
First Nations in northeastern Alberta: the Athabasca Chipewyan First
By Scott Rollans
We Walk
Beside Them
CEO of the ATC Roy Vermillion talks about the changing relationship
between the council and the fve nations it represents
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www.atc97.org 25 yEARS: the athabasca tribal council
LOng-TERm LEAdER: As CEO, Roy Vermillion
leads the exceptional staff throughout the
various departments of the ATC. Both the ATC
and its five member nations have come a long
way since he started the position a decade ago.
ILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
provide an occasion for refection
as well as for celebration, and
the Athabasca Tribal Councils
25th anniversary this year is no exception. Roy
Vermillion, who has occupied the CEOs chair at
the ATC since 2003, sat down recently to look back
at the organizations achievements over its frst
quarter century and at the continuing work that
lies ahead.
Vermillion feels very privileged to play a role in the ATCs mandate.
My interests, and all the work I do, evolves from being a First Nations
person in this region, he says. Vermillion sees himself not as the head of
the ATC, but rather as a conduit for the collective eforts of the fve First
Nations that make up the tribal council. Whatever happens at the tribal
council starts with the direction provided by the First Nations leaders.
The fve Chiefs make up the board of directors. This makeup and direct
involvement in the communities is what helps make the ATC a success.
The Athabasca Tribal Council provides advice and services for fve
First Nations in northeastern Alberta: the Athabasca Chipewyan First
By Scott Rollans
We Walk
Beside Them
CEO of the ATC Roy Vermillion talks about the changing relationship
between the council and the fve nations it represents
P
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www.atc97.org 25 yEARS: the athabasca tribal council
LOng-TERm LEAdER: As CEO, Roy Vermillion
leads the exceptional staff throughout the
various departments of the ATC. Both the ATC
and its five member nations have come a long
way since he started the position a decade ago.
We Walk
Beside Them
The ATC at 25
Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Fort
McMurray No. 468 First Nation, and Mikisew Cree First Nation (Vermillions
home community). As such, it represents the interests of more than 5,000
Cree and Dene people in the region.
That region is also home to the Athabasca oil sands, one of the planets
largest industrial developments and, for First Nations people, a provider
of both opportunity and challenges. There are more than 30 major oil
sands companies within the traditional territories of our fve First Nations,
marvels Vermillion. With that comes a lot of development, a lot of growth,
and a lot of pressures social, economic, environ-
mental all kinds of pressures.
For the better part of a decade from 2002
through 2010 the main avenue for dealing with
those pressures was the All Parties Core Agreement
(APCA). The APCA brought together the fve First Nations, 17 representa-
tives from industry, and the three levels of government (federal, provincial,
municipal) to identify issues rising from development, and to create
strategies to deal with those issues.
Adele Thompson, manager of stakeholder and Aboriginal relations for
Canadian Natural Resources, worked alongside Vermillion throughout
the APCAs mandate. She saw frst-hand the power of the tribal council to
translate talk into action. The ATC was pivotal, she explains. They were
really, really key in the whole operation.
The ATCs contribution extended well beyond fnancial management
and administration, says Thompson. Everything went through them.
They disseminated all the information. They coordinated everyone. They
managed the ad hoc committees developed to manage the specifc issues,
such as employment, addictions, and cultural retention. Without the
ATC, the APCA wouldnt have been as successful.
Thompson points to the APCAs many cultural retention initiatives
promoting participation in Indigenous Games, coordinating summer camps
to bring together youth and elders, and sponsoring regional gatherings. It
pulled all of the fve First Nations together, she observes. That was really
important to everyone involved, that we incorporate and promote that
cultural retention thread.
The APCA also devoted a lot of energy toward education and training. A
Sustainable Employment Committee was created to look for ways to keep
Aboriginal people actively engaged in the workforce.
The frst thing they looked at was the labour pool,
says Thompson. Whos out there, and what back-
grounds do they have? That was quite an extensive
project, because youre managing fve communities,
all at great distances.
That data helped shape the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership
(ASEP), a fve-year, $3.9 million joint venture between industry, the federal
government, the provincial government, the fve First Nations, and the Mtis
Nation of Alberta. It developed a program and strategies so we could employ
all those underemployed people in the communities, says Thompson. It
provided occupational training, on-the-job training, GED upgrading, some
entry-level and sometimes more in-depth skill training.
The program, now called ASETS (Aboriginal Skills, Employment and Train-
ing) continues to prepare First Nations and Mtis workers for meaningful jobs
in industry.
Concern for the environment no surprise was the undercurrent to
APCA discussions and eforts, says Vermillion. There was a lot of work done on
environmental issues, and trying to reduce the pressures, to reduce the pollution
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Vermillion is buoyed by the remarkable
strides made by the fve First Nations
during the ATCs frst quarter century.
The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NortherN StarS
TEAM WORK: The ATC has a staff of 20 who
oversee the various programs and services.
ATC_NorthernStars_p08-11.indd 9 9/30/13 2:07:37 PM
that comes with the industrial development,
he says.
And, although the APCAs mandate ended in
2010, Vermillion says it laid the groundwork for
a more active and constructive ongoing dialogue
between First Nations, government and industry.
Its unfortunate that, for
the last three years, we
havent been involved on a
day-to-day basis, he says.
However, our leadership
still comes together at
the tribal council level, and theyre able to talk
collectively about things like environmental issues
and then bring it back to their communities.
Even without the APCA, the ATC still has plenty
on its plate, says Vermillion. Weve been at it for
25 years, but theres still a large amount of work
that needs to be done in several areas education,
employment and training, economic development,
and the environment.
Theres so much growth in this region, and so
much pressure that comes with growth, Vermillion
continues. There are large impacts on our First
Nations on our traditions, on our communities,
on the economic aspect, on the health of our
communities. Its not all good stuf that comes with
large-scale development.
To make matters worse, says Vermillion, First
Nations still arent reaping their share of the
benefts. I was at a meeting just recently, and they
were talking about how the average household income in urban Fort McMurray
is $190,000. But I would think that the average household income of our First
Nations communities is about a quarter of that. Even though theres lots of
money coming in, not a whole lot of it is going to our First Nations people.
Theres a need for some kind of mechanism to balance that. Vermillion suggests
its time for federal and provincial authorities to recognize that need. Revenue
sharing in this region would help our First Nations
economically, and help them build stronger communi-
ties, he says. Money is not the only answer, but its
sure going to help.
Meanwhile, the ATC continues to grapple with
social issues that have nothing to do with the oil
sands for example, the enduring tragic legacy of Canadas Indian Residential
Schools. Vermillion is circumspect about the ongoing impact Aboriginal
communities face. Its probably going to take a few generations to deal with
that, he says simply.
As the ATC heads into its second quarter century, Vermillion predicts that
it will continue to provide a united voice for the fve First Nations and their
chiefs. Sure, there are a few little issues where not everyone sees eye to eye,
but theyre always able to be resolved, as leaders and as board members at
the ATC.
Looking back, Vermillion is buoyed by the remarkable strides made by
the fve First Nations during the ATCs frst quarter century. From when
we started up until today, there has been a vast improvement in all our First
Nations communities, he says. Theyre all more organized. Theyre able to
operate in todays environment with the outside world, the government, and
industry, and all the other pressures that come with them.
As a result, the ATC has become less of an advisor to the First Nations,
and more of a partner and facilitator. Back in the 1980s, we were kind of
holding the hands of some of the First Nations. Now were able to walk
beside them.
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There are large impacts on our First
Nations on our traditions, on our
communities, on the economic aspect,
on the health of our communities.
www.atc97.org 25 years: the athabasca tribal council 10
000Westbrier-Athabaskan-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:22:13 AM
Wood Buffalo Revival: Syncrude and Fort McKay First
Nation have worked together to develop several wood bison
habitats. Around 300 wood bison now graze on land reclaimed
from oil sands mining and tailings operations.
that comes with the industrial development,
he says.
And, although the APCAs mandate ended in
2010, Vermillion says it laid the groundwork for
a more active and constructive ongoing dialogue
between First Nations, government and industry.
Its unfortunate that, for
the last three years, we
havent been involved on a
day-to-day basis, he says.
However, our leadership
still comes together at
the tribal council level, and theyre able to talk
collectively about things like environmental issues
and then bring it back to their communities.
Even without the APCA, the ATC still has plenty
on its plate, says Vermillion. Weve been at it for
25 years, but theres still a large amount of work
that needs to be done in several areas education,
employment and training, economic development,
and the environment.
Theres so much growth in this region, and so
much pressure that comes with growth, Vermillion
continues. There are large impacts on our First
Nations on our traditions, on our communities,
on the economic aspect, on the health of our
communities. Its not all good stuf that comes with
large-scale development.
To make matters worse, says Vermillion, First
Nations still arent reaping their share of the
benefts. I was at a meeting just recently, and they
were talking about how the average household income in urban Fort McMurray
is $190,000. But I would think that the average household income of our First
Nations communities is about a quarter of that. Even though theres lots of
money coming in, not a whole lot of it is going to our First Nations people.
Theres a need for some kind of mechanism to balance that. Vermillion suggests
its time for federal and provincial authorities to recognize that need. Revenue
sharing in this region would help our First Nations
economically, and help them build stronger communi-
ties, he says. Money is not the only answer, but its
sure going to help.
Meanwhile, the ATC continues to grapple with
social issues that have nothing to do with the oil
sands for example, the enduring tragic legacy of Canadas Indian Residential
Schools. Vermillion is circumspect about the ongoing impact Aboriginal
communities face. Its probably going to take a few generations to deal with
that, he says simply.
As the ATC heads into its second quarter century, Vermillion predicts that
it will continue to provide a united voice for the fve First Nations and their
chiefs. Sure, there are a few little issues where not everyone sees eye to eye,
but theyre always able to be resolved, as leaders and as board members at
the ATC.
Looking back, Vermillion is buoyed by the remarkable strides made by
the fve First Nations during the ATCs frst quarter century. From when
we started up until today, there has been a vast improvement in all our First
Nations communities, he says. Theyre all more organized. Theyre able to
operate in todays environment with the outside world, the government, and
industry, and all the other pressures that come with them.
As a result, the ATC has become less of an advisor to the First Nations,
and more of a partner and facilitator. Back in the 1980s, we were kind of
holding the hands of some of the First Nations. Now were able to walk
beside them.
P
h
o
t
o
:

C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y

S
y
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There are large impacts on our First
Nations on our traditions, on our
communities, on the economic aspect,
on the health of our communities.
000Westbrier-Athabaskan-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:22:13 AM
Wood Buffalo Revival: Syncrude and Fort McKay First
Nation have worked together to develop several wood bison
habitats. Around 300 wood bison now graze on land reclaimed
from oil sands mining and tailings operations.
ATC_NorthernStars_p08-11.indd 10 9/27/13 9:52:46 AM 000Westbrier-Athabaskan-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:22:13 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p08-11.indd 11 9/27/13 9:53:12 AM
Remote Workplace Services
Congratulations to the
Athabasca Tribal Council
on Celebrating 25 Years
With more than 30 years of experience as a full-service
provider of workforce accommodation and catering services
in remote locations both on land and offshore, you can
rely on ARAMARK Remote Workplace Services to provide
not only the safest and most comfortable accommodations,
but also the best food and support services available.
000Westbrier-Aramark-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 8:57:04 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p12-15.indd 12 9/27/13 9:54:25 AM
000Westbrier-Aramark-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 8:57:04 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p12-15.indd 12 9/27/13 9:54:25 AM
THE ATHABASCA TRIBAL COUNCIL PLAYS
an important role in the lives of residents in its
fve member nations, but what exactly is a tribal
council? Tribal councils are groups of First
Nations communities that share common interests
who voluntarily band together in order to provide
advisory and program services to the member
bands.
Tribal councils dont have as long of a history
in Canada as First Nations do. The Tribal Council
Program was established in 1984 by the federal
department of Indian Afairs and Northern
Development in an efort give more power to First Nations over their own
communities. Essentially, what the Tribal Council Program did was turn
over the responsibility of administering government services in First Nations
communities from the federal government to First Nations.
The federal government still provides funding through Indian Afairs to
each tribal council in order to enable councils to provide advisory services
to its First Nation members. This also allows councils to deliver programs
and services, subject to the agreement of its member nations. Many specifc
advisory services fall under tribal council administration. These include
economic development; fnancial management; community planning;
technical services; and band governance. Before 1984 these responsibilities
fell under Indian and Northern Afairs Canada, but these days its the tribal
The Role of a Tribal Council
Tribal Traditions
000Westbrier-Aramark-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 8:57:04 AM
13 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NORTHERN STARS
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A smallpox epidemic breaks out across northern Alberta,
particularly afecting First Nations in the Athabasca
area. It is estimated that the mortality rate among
First Nations with the disease was around 95 per cent
Approximate frst human
habitation of what is now
northern Alberta after
glaciation. Some of the
oldest inhabited sites in
the Athabasca region are
estimated to be more than
twice the age of the frst
Egyptian pyramid
Peter Pond leads the frst Europeans to the Athabasca
area and establishes a post built on the Athabasca
River nearly 100 kilometres upstream from Lake
Athabasca
11,000 9,000 B.C. 1000 A.D. 1781-1783
1788
The North West Company builds Fort Chipewyan at
Old Fort Point Lake Athabasca and Fort of the Forks
on North Bank of Clearwater River on the opposite
side of the river from modern day Fort McMurray to
establish its prescience in the local fur trade
1778
Leif Ericson, son of Erik the Red,
is the frst European explorer to
land in Canada.
councils that are required to provide all fve of
these advisory services to its member nations.
Funding for tribal council advisory services and
administrative overhead is determined by a fund-
ing formula that takes into account the services
delivered, the number of First Nations that make
up the member nations of the tribal council, the
on-reserve population of member nations, and the
geographic location of the tribal council ofce.
Tribal councils also enter into agreements
with other federal government departments
such as Health Canada and Human Resources
and Social Development Canada on behalf of
member nations in order to deliver programs and
services to the communities it serves. Councils are
required to incorporate under provincial or federal
legislation and must maintain good standing in
their corporate afairs to be eligible for continued
funding. Chiefs or other representatives from
member communities serve as a board of directors
and oversee the provision of advisory or other
common services to member communities.
The main priority of a tribal council is its mem-
ber First Nations. Councils can exercise fexibility
in managing the delivery of advisory services
or programs, consistent with the departments
responsibility to account for public funds.
There are around 78 tribal councils across
Canada providing advisory and program services
to 475 First Nations. The Athabasca Tribal Council
is one of nine in Alberta. There are around 135 First
Nations across the country that are not afliated
with any tribal council, but 16 of these First
Nations, with a population of 2,000 or more, also
receive funding for advisory services. Approxi-
mately 80 per cent of the on-reserve population
reside in communities where tribal councils or
large unafliated First Nations provide advisory
services.
THE FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE OF WESTERN CANADA HAVE LIVED
life on the lands since before recorded history. Hunting, fshing and farming
were the ways of their world, and while the First Nations people had clearly
defned territories associated with regional bands, the concept of land owner-
ship was a foreign one. The social organization of the First Nations people
consisted of interaction between bands for trading. Many of these bands were
related to one another through marriage and kinship.
Treaty 8 was the last and the largest of the 19th century land agreements
made between First Nations and the Government of Canada. Signed in 1899
at various locations throughout what is now known as Alberta, Saskatchewan,
British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, the Treaty 8 agreement
covered over 840,000 square kilometers of land. This was an unprecedented
land agreement as the total area of Treaty 8 is larger than France.
Since that historic signing, the federal government has claimed that the
Cree, Dene, Mtis and various other First Nations peoples living within the
Treaty 8 boundaries had surrendered any claim to title to all lands except for
what was set aside as reserve land. However this claim has been contested for
almost as long as the treaty has been in place. Many First Nations leaders have
challenged this view, claiming instead that their people signed a nation-to-
nation treaty that not only recognized their rights to maintain a traditional
way of life without restriction, but that also included rights to education,
medical care, tax exemptions, immunity from military conscription and
access to land, game and
other resources for as
long as the sun shines
upon those lands. Over
100 years since the
signing of the treaty
itself, the context and
meaning of the treaty
and the treaty process
remains hotly debated to
this day.
Treaty 8
www.atc97.org 25 yEARS: the athabasca tribal council 14

A smallpox epidemic breaks out across northern Alberta,
particularly afecting First Nations in the Athabasca
area. It is estimated that the mortality rate among
First Nations with the disease was around 95 per cent
Approximate frst human
habitation of what is now
northern Alberta after
glaciation. Some of the
oldest inhabited sites in
the Athabasca region are
estimated to be more than
twice the age of the frst
Egyptian pyramid
Peter Pond leads the frst Europeans to the Athabasca
area and establishes a post built on the Athabasca
River nearly 100 kilometres upstream from Lake
Athabasca
11,000 9,000 B.C. 1000 A.D. 1781-1783
1788
The North West Company builds Fort Chipewyan at
Old Fort Point Lake Athabasca and Fort of the Forks
on North Bank of Clearwater River on the opposite
side of the river from modern day Fort McMurray to
establish its prescience in the local fur trade
1778
Leif Ericson, son of Erik the Red,
is the frst European explorer to
land in Canada.
councils that are required to provide all fve of
these advisory services to its member nations.
Funding for tribal council advisory services and
administrative overhead is determined by a fund-
ing formula that takes into account the services
delivered, the number of First Nations that make
up the member nations of the tribal council, the
on-reserve population of member nations, and the
geographic location of the tribal council ofce.
Tribal councils also enter into agreements
with other federal government departments
such as Health Canada and Human Resources
and Social Development Canada on behalf of
member nations in order to deliver programs and
services to the communities it serves. Councils are
required to incorporate under provincial or federal
legislation and must maintain good standing in
their corporate afairs to be eligible for continued
funding. Chiefs or other representatives from
member communities serve as a board of directors
and oversee the provision of advisory or other
common services to member communities.
The main priority of a tribal council is its mem-
ber First Nations. Councils can exercise fexibility
in managing the delivery of advisory services
or programs, consistent with the departments
responsibility to account for public funds.
There are around 78 tribal councils across
Canada providing advisory and program services
to 475 First Nations. The Athabasca Tribal Council
is one of nine in Alberta. There are around 135 First
Nations across the country that are not afliated
with any tribal council, but 16 of these First
Nations, with a population of 2,000 or more, also
receive funding for advisory services. Approxi-
mately 80 per cent of the on-reserve population
reside in communities where tribal councils or
large unafliated First Nations provide advisory
services.
THE FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE OF WESTERN CANADA HAVE LIVED
life on the lands since before recorded history. Hunting, fshing and farming
were the ways of their world, and while the First Nations people had clearly
defned territories associated with regional bands, the concept of land owner-
ship was a foreign one. The social organization of the First Nations people
consisted of interaction between bands for trading. Many of these bands were
related to one another through marriage and kinship.
Treaty 8 was the last and the largest of the 19th century land agreements
made between First Nations and the Government of Canada. Signed in 1899
at various locations throughout what is now known as Alberta, Saskatchewan,
British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, the Treaty 8 agreement
covered over 840,000 square kilometers of land. This was an unprecedented
land agreement as the total area of Treaty 8 is larger than France.
Since that historic signing, the federal government has claimed that the
Cree, Dene, Mtis and various other First Nations peoples living within the
Treaty 8 boundaries had surrendered any claim to title to all lands except for
what was set aside as reserve land. However this claim has been contested for
almost as long as the treaty has been in place. Many First Nations leaders have
challenged this view, claiming instead that their people signed a nation-to-
nation treaty that not only recognized their rights to maintain a traditional
way of life without restriction, but that also included rights to education,
medical care, tax exemptions, immunity from military conscription and
access to land, game and
other resources for as
long as the sun shines
upon those lands. Over
100 years since the
signing of the treaty
itself, the context and
meaning of the treaty
and the treaty process
remains hotly debated to
this day.
Treaty 8
www.atc97.org 25 yEARS: the athabasca tribal council 14
The Hudsons Bay Company builds Fort
McMurray on Clearwater River across the
Athabasca River from NWCs Fort of the Forks
1988 2013
1889
The Government of Canada signs Treaty 8 at Fort
Chipewyan and Fort McMurray recognizing the status
of First Nations across 840,000 square kilometres in
Western Canada. It was the largest treaty, by land,
that the government had ever signed at that time
1870
Four years after the federal government implements
the Tribal Council Program, the Athabasca Tribal Council
(ATC) is established to represent the fve First Nations
in the region
The ATC celebrates 25 years of providing programs,
services and regional partnership for the fve
member nations
Tribal Traditions
EVERY JUNE, FIRST NATIONS IN THE ATHABASCA REGION CELEBRATE
Treaty Days. The festivities held by Treaty 8 First Nations usually take place
around June 21 to coincide with National Aboriginal Day, although every First
Nation across Canada celebrates its Treaty Days at a diferent time. The aim
of Treaty Days is to honour, celebrate and relive the culture and heritage of
the First Nations people. Historically, the event evolved from a stipulation
in Treaty 8 that requires the Canadian government to pay $5 to every First
Cultural Celebration
Nations member. Every year the Cree and Dene people of the Athabasca area
would come together to receive this promised payment from the RCMP and
Indian Affairs. Tipis were usually set up at the location and drummers and
dancers would perform, celebrating the First Nations traditional heritage.
Today traditional drummers and dancers are still a large part of Treaty
Days, as are the RCMP, who honour the Treaty 8 agreement by giving out
five-dollar bills to First Nations members.
TAKE FIVE: Part of the Treaty 8 agreement requires the Government
of Canada to pay $5 to each First Nation member. This tradition
formed the foundation of the Treaty Days celebration.
P
h
o
t
o
:

P
a
t
r
i
c
k

K
a
n
e
hile people in many First
Nations might prefer not to
be located so close to some of
the largest industrial projects
in Canada, Fort McKay First Nation, located 65
kilometres north of Fort McMurray, has always
had a diferent outlook toward industry. Raymond
W
Powder has served on the Fort McKay First Nations council for the last four
terms and, while he admits that industry does bring environmental challenges,
ultimately the Fort McKay people are better of because of the economic stabil-
ity of the band. The most important thing for us is to build our community
and become independent, Raymond explains. And Fort McKay is well on its
way to addressing both. Raymond stands proud as he points to diferent areas
of the Fort McKay community. Some are existing accommodations like the
strong Foundations
Residents of Fort McKay keep their eyes on the future,
without neglecting their living library of Elders
DaniEllE KiRKwooD, Syncrude.
By Jordan Wilkins
Photography by Patrick Kane

PERFECT ViSion: The goals of Chief Jim Bouchier and his
community have always been the self-sustainability of Fort McKay.

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000Westbrier-Finning-FP.indd 1 9/24/13 8:52:44 AM

17 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet northern stars
Fort McKay First Nation
river-front administration building; others are
empty now but will soon be home to more facilities
for Fort McKay people.
Raymond says that the main focus of the band,
under the leadership of Chief Jim Bouchier, is to
increase self-sustainability in the community.
Its approach includes a variety of programs and
initiatives. Fort McKay
has its own kindergarten
to Grade 8 school as well
as the Dorothy McDonald
Learning Centre, a
satellite campus of
Keyano Collage that allows adult learners to
obtain their Grade 12 equivalency. Also located
in the Dorothy McDonald Learning Centre is the
bands own health centre, which includes family
physicians, therapists and a lab for blood testing.
Raymond says in the coming years Fort McKay
First Nation hopes to expand its health services
to include dental, optometry and pharmaceutical
practices. The idea is that the people of Fort
McKay shouldnt have to leave for any of these services, Raymond explains.
And it applies to residents of all ages. The next generation is important to
Raymond and the rest of the community, which is why he says the band places
an emphasis on its youth. In 2011, Fort McKay opened its youth centre to go
along with its wellness centre. Both are aimed at providing a safe environment
where children and youth have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our self-worth is important to us and we want to foster that self-worth in
each and every child, Raymond explains. We pride
ourselves on our sustainability. We are way ahead in
the region. In fact, the Fort McKay First Nation has
an entire sustainability department geared toward
maintaining environmental stewardship, especially as
it relates to local industry. Raymond says sustainability
is part of Fort McKay First Nations tradition of building relationships with
industry for the betterment of its people.
Raymond admits that all of these programs and facilities and the overall
advantageous position Fort McKay First Nation is in comes directly because
of its relationship with industry. Industry is a challenging situation for us, he
explains. In many situations, they are our adversaries, like when it comes to the
environment. But, a lot of the time they are our partners too. These partner-
ships amount to hundreds of millions of dollars to Fort McKay First Nation every
year. Through either its own Fort McKay Group of Companies or joint ventures,
Under the leadership of Chief Jim
Bouchier, the band aims to increase
self-sustainability in the community.
river-front administration building; others are
empty now but will soon be home to more facilities
for Fort McKay people.
Raymond says that the main focus of the band,
under the leadership of Chief Jim Bouchier, is to
increase self-sustainability in the community.
Its approach includes a variety of programs and
initiatives. Fort McKay
has its own kindergarten
to Grade 8 school as well
as the Dorothy McDonald
Learning Centre, a
satellite campus of
Keyano Collage that allows adult learners to
obtain their Grade 12 equivalency. Also located
in the Dorothy McDonald Learning Centre is the
bands own health centre, which includes family
physicians, therapists and a lab for blood testing.
Raymond says in the coming years Fort McKay
First Nation hopes to expand its health services
to include dental, optometry and pharmaceutical
practices. The idea is that the people of Fort
McKay shouldnt have to leave for any of these services, Raymond explains.
And it applies to residents of all ages. The next generation is important to
Raymond and the rest of the community, which is why he says the band places
an emphasis on its youth. In 2011, Fort McKay opened its youth centre to go
along with its wellness centre. Both are aimed at providing a safe environment
where children and youth have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our self-worth is important to us and we want to foster that self-worth in
each and every child, Raymond explains. We pride
ourselves on our sustainability. We are way ahead in
the region. In fact, the Fort McKay First Nation has
an entire sustainability department geared toward
maintaining environmental stewardship, especially as
it relates to local industry. Raymond says sustainability
is part of Fort McKay First Nations tradition of building relationships with
industry for the betterment of its people.
Raymond admits that all of these programs and facilities and the overall
advantageous position Fort McKay First Nation is in comes directly because
of its relationship with industry. Industry is a challenging situation for us, he
explains. In many situations, they are our adversaries, like when it comes to the
environment. But, a lot of the time they are our partners too. These partner-
ships amount to hundreds of millions of dollars to Fort McKay First Nation every
year. Through either its own Fort McKay Group of Companies or joint ventures,
Under the leadership of Chief Jim
Bouchier, the band aims to increase
self-sustainability in the community.
Fort McKay First Nation
the First Nation supplies everything from catering
services to heavy equipment to oil sands producers.
The Fort McKay Group of Companies dates back
to 1986 and is fully owned and operated by the
community. The group was created to share in the
wealth of the oil sands development and it serves
everyone from the oil sands, pipeline, and forestry
industries to the public sector.
Though these companies and ventures allow
Fort McKay First Nation to use Own Source Rev-
enue that is, money that Fort McKay raises on its
own through business and resource revenue for
the majority of its operating budget, to Raymonds
grandfather Zachery Powder, development has
afected the land.
Zachery is 85 and hes lived in Fort McKay his
entire life. I was born here and Ill die here, he
says. I was brought up in the bush here. He is grey-haired and the ropy veins
show on the back of his hand that grasps his cane. People around here tell
stories that paint a picture of Zachery in his youth, tracking big game in the
bush and fshing from the Athabasca River. He continues to emphasize the
importance of living the traditional way. But Zacherys transformation into a
less-traditional way of life parallels Fort McKay today.
Zachery says the area looks quite diferent than it did during his child-
hood. He lived in a log cabin, not at all like the hundreds of new houses that
have popped up in the community over the last decade. Like his grandson,
Zachery takes great pride in pointing out areas around the community, but
instead of new facilities he points to areas that used to be completly covered
by dense forest and wild game. The old days were the best, he recalls. But
it was very diferent from today. If my father didnt kill a moose, then we went
without meat for a while. My father taught me everything too; thats how we
passed on our traditions and history.
Through The Years: Fort McKay First Nation is a different
place than it was during Zachery Powders childhood.
19 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NortherN StarS
Fort McKay First Nation is made up of Cree and Dene who have for
generations hunted, trapped and fshed along the Athabasca River. They were
largely nomadic, but when the fur trade industry started booming, the Fort
McKay people started settling near trading posts. The community of Fort
McKay itself dates back to 1820 when the Hudsons Bay Company established
a post near the present-day site. Fort McKay was originally part of the Fort
McMurray No. 468 First Nation, but disbanded in 1942. Growth in the region
remained stagnant from that time until the oil sands industry began mining in
the area following the construction of the Suncor plant in the 1960s and then
the Syncrude site in the late 1970s. In 2004, Fort McKay First Nation signed
the Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement that saw 23,000 acres of
land in the area transfer to the First Nation and while 8,200 acres containing
natural resources will eventually be used to further strengthen the economy,
10,000 acres were set aside to preserve traditional practices. This preservation
is important to Zachery as he feels its up to him to pass on the culture of the
Fort McKay people, as his father did before him. Im not going to be around
forever, so I have to make sure that our history survives.
His grandson Raymond agrees and, while it may seem like he spends most of
his time looking forward, Raymond can speak his native tongue fuently and can
recite his bands history with ease. He adds that the Elders Centre acts not only
as a great care resource for Elders in the community but also as a resource to
share and educate the community on the bands past. Honouring your heritage is
something that Raymond says is vital to the success of any First Nation, adding
that its every bit as important as planning ahead. You absolutely have to focus
on who you are as a First Nation, Raymond says. But you also have to make
sure that your First Nation benefts going forward.
Glory Days: Every year Fort McKay First Nation plays
host to a weekend of Treaty Days events and festivities.
000Westbrier-ConocoPhillips-FP.i1 1 8/30/13 11:19:08 AM
www.atc97.org 25 years: the athabasCa tribal CounCil 20
Fort McKay First Nation is made up of Cree and Dene who have for
generations hunted, trapped and fshed along the Athabasca River. They were
largely nomadic, but when the fur trade industry started booming, the Fort
McKay people started settling near trading posts. The community of Fort
McKay itself dates back to 1820 when the Hudsons Bay Company established
a post near the present-day site. Fort McKay was originally part of the Fort
McMurray No. 468 First Nation, but disbanded in 1942. Growth in the region
remained stagnant from that time until the oil sands industry began mining in
the area following the construction of the Suncor plant in the 1960s and then
the Syncrude site in the late 1970s. In 2004, Fort McKay First Nation signed
the Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement Agreement that saw 23,000 acres of
land in the area transfer to the First Nation and while 8,200 acres containing
natural resources will eventually be used to further strengthen the economy,
10,000 acres were set aside to preserve traditional practices. This preservation
is important to Zachery as he feels its up to him to pass on the culture of the
Fort McKay people, as his father did before him. Im not going to be around
forever, so I have to make sure that our history survives.
His grandson Raymond agrees and, while it may seem like he spends most of
his time looking forward, Raymond can speak his native tongue fuently and can
recite his bands history with ease. He adds that the Elders Centre acts not only
as a great care resource for Elders in the community but also as a resource to
share and educate the community on the bands past. Honouring your heritage is
something that Raymond says is vital to the success of any First Nation, adding
that its every bit as important as planning ahead. You absolutely have to focus
on who you are as a First Nation, Raymond says. But you also have to make
sure that your First Nation benefts going forward.
Glory Days: Every year Fort McKay First Nation plays
host to a weekend of Treaty Days events and festivities.
000Westbrier-ConocoPhillips-FP.i1 1 8/30/13 11:19:08 AM
ATC_NorthernStars_p16-21.indd 20 9/30/13 2:10:21 PM 000Westbrier-ConocoPhillips-FP.i1 1 8/30/13 11:19:08 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p16-21.indd 21 9/27/13 10:12:30 AM
000Westbrier-AthabascaOil-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:13:34 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p22-29.indd 22 9/27/13 10:55:47 AM
000Westbrier-AthabascaOil-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:13:34 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p22-29.indd 22 9/27/13 10:55:47 AM
HIEF VERN JANVIER OF CHIPEWYAN
Prairie First Nation is barreling down
the road toward Chard, the First Nations
largest community. Hes just received
word that his new ceremonial headdress a wolfs
head is waiting for him at the band ofce. Its been
a long road from the bush camps of his childhood
to leadership of the First Nation, but he has earned
respect locally and regionally, among peers and
in industry.
C
Janvier knows the careful balance involved with leading a First Nation
community in the 21st century. As the Chief of the Chipewyan Prairie First
Nation for the last fve years, he and his people continue to honour their
Dene heritage and keep in sync with the traditional values of their ances-
tors. But Janvier also recognizes that it is his duty to lead his people and
put his community in the most advantageous position possible, meaning
that relationships with industry are a must, despite some of the negative
efects industry occasionally brings.
Finding that balance has been one of Verns mandates since he became
Chief, explains Kevin Coulsen, band manager of Chipewyan Prairie
By Martin Dover
Photography by Joey Podlubny

Close to the Land
In Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, community leaders dont compromise
when it comes to working with industry
000Westbrier-AthabascaOil-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:13:34 AM
For the trIbe: Chief Vern Janvier found success in the
oil and gas industry, but its his goal for every member in his
band to have the opportunity to succeed.
23 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NORtHERN StARS
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation
First Nation. He seeks opportunities for our First
Nation that dont contradict our traditional values.
Vern isnt afraid to put up a fght if he has to, and
thats what makes him such a great leader. Balanc-
ing opportunity with industry and our heritage is a
struggle that he knew would be challenging, but he
knows how important it is. Its a fne line one that
Janvier has been walking nearly his entire life.
Janviers father was once the Chief of the
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation. His grandfather,
too, was a leader in the
community. From an early age,
Janvier and his eight siblings
were taught the values and
history of the Chipewyan
Prairie people. He was taught to hunt and live of
the land. And although the community looks quite
different than it did during his childhood, Janvier
still makes a point to head out on the land
as often as his hectic schedule permits.
The native land of Chipewyan Prairie First
Nation is located about 100 kilometres southeast
of Fort McMurray. For years the only access to the
remote location was via rail or horseback but eventually, after the discovery of
the oil sands, highway infrastructure brought more activity to the region. Still,
Janvier remembers what life was like for his people before all the development.
He has fond memories of camping as a child. Back then, the area was accessible
mostly on foot and by horse. Janvier and his family used horses to haul supplies
to camp. It was challenging as it was rewarding. The horses would often get
stuck deep in mud, and Janvier and his father would have to tie two more horses
to the train and start pulling them out of the mud, ultimately saving their lives.
It was a world drastically diferent from the one Janvier entered when he left
for Fort McMurray to attend high school in his teens. Much like he thrived in
the conditions in his childhood, Janvier
continued that momentum post-gradua-
tion. He took a job at Syncrude where he
stayed for several years before moving on to
work in the natural gas industry. In 1998 he
started C.P. Services, his own oil and gas services company, which still provides
everything from pipeline maintenance to plant shutdown services in the Wood
Bufalo region.
Although Janvier found success in the private sector, partnering with
some of the major players in the oil sands industry, he has never forgotten his
heritage. He is meticulous about any traditional procedures. He cant hide the
excitement he has about the new wolf headdress, but Janvier refuses to don it
until all the proper ceremonies and rituals have taken place. Once hes satisfed
After a lifetime spent in the oil and gas
industry and on the land, Chief Janvier is
still optimistic about his communitys future.
NEXT GENERATION: Chipewyan Prairie First Nations youth are
important. Thats why Janvier strongly supports programs like DiscoverE,
held in partnership with industry and the University of Alberta.
First Nation. He seeks opportunities for our First
Nation that dont contradict our traditional values.
Vern isnt afraid to put up a fght if he has to, and
thats what makes him such a great leader. Balanc-
ing opportunity with industry and our heritage is a
struggle that he knew would be challenging, but he
knows how important it is. Its a fne line one that
Janvier has been walking nearly his entire life.
Janviers father was once the Chief of the
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation. His grandfather,
too, was a leader in the
community. From an early age,
Janvier and his eight siblings
were taught the values and
history of the Chipewyan
Prairie people. He was taught to hunt and live of
the land. And although the community looks quite
different than it did during his childhood, Janvier
still makes a point to head out on the land
as often as his hectic schedule permits.
The native land of Chipewyan Prairie First
Nation is located about 100 kilometres southeast
of Fort McMurray. For years the only access to the
remote location was via rail or horseback but eventually, after the discovery of
the oil sands, highway infrastructure brought more activity to the region. Still,
Janvier remembers what life was like for his people before all the development.
He has fond memories of camping as a child. Back then, the area was accessible
mostly on foot and by horse. Janvier and his family used horses to haul supplies
to camp. It was challenging as it was rewarding. The horses would often get
stuck deep in mud, and Janvier and his father would have to tie two more horses
to the train and start pulling them out of the mud, ultimately saving their lives.
It was a world drastically diferent from the one Janvier entered when he left
for Fort McMurray to attend high school in his teens. Much like he thrived in
the conditions in his childhood, Janvier
continued that momentum post-gradua-
tion. He took a job at Syncrude where he
stayed for several years before moving on to
work in the natural gas industry. In 1998 he
started C.P. Services, his own oil and gas services company, which still provides
everything from pipeline maintenance to plant shutdown services in the Wood
Bufalo region.
Although Janvier found success in the private sector, partnering with
some of the major players in the oil sands industry, he has never forgotten his
heritage. He is meticulous about any traditional procedures. He cant hide the
excitement he has about the new wolf headdress, but Janvier refuses to don it
until all the proper ceremonies and rituals have taken place. Once hes satisfed
After a lifetime spent in the oil and gas
industry and on the land, Chief Janvier is
still optimistic about his communitys future.
NEXT GENERATION: Chipewyan Prairie First Nations youth are
important. Thats why Janvier strongly supports programs like DiscoverE,
held in partnership with industry and the University of Alberta.
Canadian Natural
Resources Limited
is proud Io supporI
Ihe 2013 OiIsands
CeIebraIion anqueI.
We'd Iike Io send
our besI vishes Io Ihe
Athabasca Iribal Council
for a very happy siIver anniversary!
vvv.cnrI.com
that traditional routines have been performed in a
way that would honour his grandfather, hell wear
the wolf with pride.
In Dene culture, the wolf represents duality.
Its a symbol of ferce desire for independence
and also the representation of a loving and gentle
nature. The double path is something that shows
up in Janviers own life, as he balances his private
enterprise and relationship with industry with his
duty to his people.
Hes one of the leaders that I have huge respect
for, Coulsen says. He cares about each individual
and treats everyone fairly and equally.
For the most part, his grandfather would be
proud of the Chipewyan Prairie community of
today. The last fve years have seen conditions
in Chard, the First Nations largest community,
improve drastically. Most of the main roads are now
paved and there are new playgrounds for children
in the area. The First Nations new band ofce is
an upgrade from the previous one and features
classrooms for Keyano College courses and a great
hall for community events. Janvier attributes
Chipewyan Prairie First Nations optimistic situa-
tion to its relationship with industry over the years.
Before he became chief, his predecessor invested
money in six joint venture companies to develop
the economy of the First Nation. The investment
was successful and business took of. Janvier has
continued this mandate over the years, with an aim
to further the fnancial gains of his community.
He says that Chipewyan Prairie will never answer to the oil companies, but if
industry wants to hire someone to build a road, clear trees or rebuild a lease
site, his people should be the ones who are paid to do it right.
Janvier has told Coulsen that there is a balance that must be faced between
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000Westbrier-Halliburton-FP.indd1 1 9/24/13 8:57:11 AM
WILD HORSES: During Chief Vern Janviers childhood,
a lot of his transportation was done on horseback before
development brought paved roads to the community.
that traditional routines have been performed in a
way that would honour his grandfather, hell wear
the wolf with pride.
In Dene culture, the wolf represents duality.
Its a symbol of ferce desire for independence
and also the representation of a loving and gentle
nature. The double path is something that shows
up in Janviers own life, as he balances his private
enterprise and relationship with industry with his
duty to his people.
Hes one of the leaders that I have huge respect
for, Coulsen says. He cares about each individual
and treats everyone fairly and equally.
For the most part, his grandfather would be
proud of the Chipewyan Prairie community of
today. The last fve years have seen conditions
in Chard, the First Nations largest community,
improve drastically. Most of the main roads are now
paved and there are new playgrounds for children
in the area. The First Nations new band ofce is
an upgrade from the previous one and features
classrooms for Keyano College courses and a great
hall for community events. Janvier attributes
Chipewyan Prairie First Nations optimistic situa-
tion to its relationship with industry over the years.
Before he became chief, his predecessor invested
money in six joint venture companies to develop
the economy of the First Nation. The investment
was successful and business took of. Janvier has
continued this mandate over the years, with an aim
to further the fnancial gains of his community.
He says that Chipewyan Prairie will never answer to the oil companies, but if
industry wants to hire someone to build a road, clear trees or rebuild a lease
site, his people should be the ones who are paid to do it right.
Janvier has told Coulsen that there is a balance that must be faced between
SoIving chaIIenges.

for over 50 years.

SoIving chaIIenges


000Westbrier-Halliburton-FP.indd1 1 9/24/13 8:57:11 AM
WILD HORSES: During Chief Vern Janviers childhood,
a lot of his transportation was done on horseback before
development brought paved roads to the community.
SoIving chaIIenges.

for over 50 years.

SoIving chaIIenges


000Westbrier-Halliburton-FP.indd1 1 9/24/13 8:57:11 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p22-29.indd 27 9/27/13 11:16:12 AM
the economic driver of oil sands development and
respecting the Chipewyan Prairie First Nations
way of life tied to the environment. He believes
that its important to demonstrate this to the next
generation. One of his primary focuses is on youth
in his community. He believes its essential to teach
children the old ways, and also to instill a strong
work ethic, responsibility, a smart business sense
and pride in their community.
One youth-driven initiative that Janvier is
particularly proud of is the DiscoverE program
in partnership with the University of Alberta.
DiscoverE is a student-delivered initiative run out
of the Faculty of Engineering that focuses on fun,
accessibility and mentorship to deliver programs
about engineering, science and technology
through high-impact classroom workshops, clubs
and events, and engaging summer camps for kids in
locations like Chard.
To Coulsen, programs like DiscoverE are more
important than just the educational aspect they
present. They bring hope to people in the First
Nation. The biggest change Ive seen recently is
the positive attitude and feeling of pride in the com-
munity, he says. Thats a difcult struggle for a lot
of First Nations people across Canada. Through Verns leadership hes shown
our people that we can accomplish whatever we want. Theres a sense that the
path ahead, although difcult, is the right path. People feel strong about their
opportunities for success.
Still, both men will admit that no matter how much you teach the traditions
and culture to the next generation, the way of life of their childhood is largely
gone. Its a situation that ofers both positive and negative efects on life in
the community. For one, when Janvier heads out on the land for some R&R, he
doesnt rely as heavily on horses. Instead, hes often behind the wheel of The
Undertaker; his of-road mud-racing truck.
Janvier suspects that the increased land use in the region has afected the
environment. He recalls a natural spring near Chard. His grandmother used to
prepare tea for visitors of the community with this water as it was well known
for its nurturing qualities people would come for miles to taste it. Today the
water is a murky brown and tastes of iron. And the game is scarcer than it was.
But, after a lifetime spent in the oil and gas industry and on the land, Janvier is
still optimistic about his communitys future and its ability to balance industry
relationships and environmental stewardship.
Nearing Chard, Janviers instincts ensure that he never misses an opportu-
nity to connect with nature. Driving at 60 kilometres an hour, he still manages
to spot and excitedly point out the blueberry bushes in the thick brush at the side
of the road. He also rattles of the medicinal qualities of other plants and roots in
the area. He pauses and points out a moose. On the far side of a lake, the animal
appears no bigger than a pencil tip. His grandfather would be proud.
with fles from Joey Podlubny
and
www.centuryvallen.com
Check us out on
CenturyVallen Congratulates
on their Silver Anniversary!
PROUD TO SPONSOR THE
2013 OILSANDS BANQUET
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the economic driver of oil sands development and
respecting the Chipewyan Prairie First Nations
way of life tied to the environment. He believes
that its important to demonstrate this to the next
generation. One of his primary focuses is on youth
in his community. He believes its essential to teach
children the old ways, and also to instill a strong
work ethic, responsibility, a smart business sense
and pride in their community.
One youth-driven initiative that Janvier is
particularly proud of is the DiscoverE program
in partnership with the University of Alberta.
DiscoverE is a student-delivered initiative run out
of the Faculty of Engineering that focuses on fun,
accessibility and mentorship to deliver programs
about engineering, science and technology
through high-impact classroom workshops, clubs
and events, and engaging summer camps for kids in
locations like Chard.
To Coulsen, programs like DiscoverE are more
important than just the educational aspect they
present. They bring hope to people in the First
Nation. The biggest change Ive seen recently is
the positive attitude and feeling of pride in the com-
munity, he says. Thats a difcult struggle for a lot
of First Nations people across Canada. Through Verns leadership hes shown
our people that we can accomplish whatever we want. Theres a sense that the
path ahead, although difcult, is the right path. People feel strong about their
opportunities for success.
Still, both men will admit that no matter how much you teach the traditions
and culture to the next generation, the way of life of their childhood is largely
gone. Its a situation that ofers both positive and negative efects on life in
the community. For one, when Janvier heads out on the land for some R&R, he
doesnt rely as heavily on horses. Instead, hes often behind the wheel of The
Undertaker; his of-road mud-racing truck.
Janvier suspects that the increased land use in the region has afected the
environment. He recalls a natural spring near Chard. His grandmother used to
prepare tea for visitors of the community with this water as it was well known
for its nurturing qualities people would come for miles to taste it. Today the
water is a murky brown and tastes of iron. And the game is scarcer than it was.
But, after a lifetime spent in the oil and gas industry and on the land, Janvier is
still optimistic about his communitys future and its ability to balance industry
relationships and environmental stewardship.
Nearing Chard, Janviers instincts ensure that he never misses an opportu-
nity to connect with nature. Driving at 60 kilometres an hour, he still manages
to spot and excitedly point out the blueberry bushes in the thick brush at the side
of the road. He also rattles of the medicinal qualities of other plants and roots in
the area. He pauses and points out a moose. On the far side of a lake, the animal
appears no bigger than a pencil tip. His grandfather would be proud.
with fles from Joey Podlubny
and
www.centuryvallen.com
Check us out on
CenturyVallen Congratulates
on their Silver Anniversary!
PROUD TO SPONSOR THE
2013 OILSANDS BANQUET
|uw Ju we Je.elu(
tuau||uw's |esuu|ces
wit| tuJo]'s cuaaitaert.
Z013 Sc|lua|e|e|.

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Marathon Oil is pleased to sponsor the
Silver Anniversary celebration honouring
the Athabasca Tribal Council.
Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is an independent international
exploration and production company. Based in Houston, Texas, the
Company has activity in North America, Europe and Africa.
www.marathonoil.com
What you get out of your
workforce all depends on
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Old Growth Region
Unemployment within the historic Athabasca Chipewyan
lands isnt as high as it once was. The Chief wants this
trend to continue
By Martin Dover

s Chief AllAn AdAm wAlks ArOUnd The
banks of Lake Athabasca in the Fort Chipewyan
community his focus is never far from the land
across the lake. Its Treaty Days and many of
the Athabasca Chipewyan people his people are in Fort
Chipewyan celebrating. Adam is wearing a traditionally-deco-
rated rawhide vest for the occasion but, to him, this celebration is
a double-edged sword. Instead of celebrating in Fort Chipewyan,
which lies on Mikisew Cree land, Adam wishes that his people
were celebrating on the other side of Lake Athabasca. Numerous
peninsulas, beaches and islands dot the opposite shores.
A
As Adam looks to the horizon, his eyes linger on one particular
site the original land of the Athabasca Chipewyan people.
Very few of his people actually reside on their native land.
Instead, most either live in Fort Chipewyan or have left the region
completely. A couple years ago Athabasca Chipewyan granted
28 cabin packages on its reserve land, a monumental frst step
according to Adam, but still just the start of what he feels needs
to happen. We have made attempts to get back on our land and
now it is gradually happening, he explains. We still need to
push for a lot more in the future because that land is our lifeblood.
Its part of who we are.
www.atc97.org 25 yeArs: the athabasCa tribal CounCil 30
Old Growth Region
Unemployment within the historic Athabasca Chipewyan
lands isnt as high as it once was. The Chief wants this
trend to continue
By Martin Dover

s Chief AllAn AdAm wAlks ArOUnd The
banks of Lake Athabasca in the Fort Chipewyan
community his focus is never far from the land
across the lake. Its Treaty Days and many of
the Athabasca Chipewyan people his people are in Fort
Chipewyan celebrating. Adam is wearing a traditionally-deco-
rated rawhide vest for the occasion but, to him, this celebration is
a double-edged sword. Instead of celebrating in Fort Chipewyan,
which lies on Mikisew Cree land, Adam wishes that his people
were celebrating on the other side of Lake Athabasca. Numerous
peninsulas, beaches and islands dot the opposite shores.
A
As Adam looks to the horizon, his eyes linger on one particular
site the original land of the Athabasca Chipewyan people.
Very few of his people actually reside on their native land.
Instead, most either live in Fort Chipewyan or have left the region
completely. A couple years ago Athabasca Chipewyan granted
28 cabin packages on its reserve land, a monumental frst step
according to Adam, but still just the start of what he feels needs
to happen. We have made attempts to get back on our land and
now it is gradually happening, he explains. We still need to
push for a lot more in the future because that land is our lifeblood.
Its part of who we are.
www.atc97.org 25 yeArs: the athabasCa tribal CounCil 30
ON THE HORIZON: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is taking the
first steps in returning to their traditional land.
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Athabasca Chipewyans reserve land remains largely undeveloped due to its
proximity to Fort Chipewyan. Fort Chipewyan is one of Albertas oldest
European settlements and was founded 1788 by the North West Company,
playing a predominate role in the fur trade. As that industry grew, so did
Fort Chipewyan, causing more and more Athabasca Chipewyan people to migrate
to the community and abandon their native land. Adam hopes to reverse this
cycle. He says the top priority of his council is to continue pushing to establish a
community on his peoples
land. We are trying to create
sustainability and growth,
he says. In order to do that,
Adam knows hell need to
build a stronger relationship
with industry on behalf of
his people but says that
its difcult because of the environmental challenges that often come with
development. Adam says that, in the last decade, his people have been contracting
new illnesses that havent traditionally impacted them. It began with a few people
getting sick, but now he says new illnesses pop up each year. He says that this is
most likely due to industrys afect on the water downstream from the com-
munity. His solution: the Canadian government needs to tighten its regulatory
system, developers need to be held more accountable and the original inhabitants
The industry taking place afects
everyone,Allan Adam explains. And not
just the people directly around it, either.
Our lakes and our rivers are used by lots of
people so when industry disrupts them,
we all feel it.
www.atc97.org
Athabasca Chipewyans reserve land remains largely undeveloped due to its
proximity to Fort Chipewyan. Fort Chipewyan is one of Albertas oldest
European settlements and was founded 1788 by the North West Company,
playing a predominate role in the fur trade. As that industry grew, so did
Fort Chipewyan, causing more and more Athabasca Chipewyan people to migrate
to the community and abandon their native land. Adam hopes to reverse this
cycle. He says the top priority of his council is to continue pushing to establish a
community on his peoples
land. We are trying to create
sustainability and growth,
he says. In order to do that,
Adam knows hell need to
build a stronger relationship
with industry on behalf of
his people but says that
its difcult because of the environmental challenges that often come with
development. Adam says that, in the last decade, his people have been contracting
new illnesses that havent traditionally impacted them. It began with a few people
getting sick, but now he says new illnesses pop up each year. He says that this is
most likely due to industrys afect on the water downstream from the com-
munity. His solution: the Canadian government needs to tighten its regulatory
system, developers need to be held more accountable and the original inhabitants
The industry taking place afects
everyone,Allan Adam explains. And not
just the people directly around it, either.
Our lakes and our rivers are used by lots of
people so when industry disrupts them,
we all feel it.
www.atc97.org
We're proud to have a Memorandum of
Agreement signed with Treaty 8 Nations and
to contribute to improving education outcomes
for students in Treaty 8.
We look forward to strengthening this
relationship in the years and decades to come.
Congratulations to the Athabasca
Tribal Council on 25 years of
important work for your nations.
www.apega.ca WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
of the land need a louder voice. The industry taking place afects everyone,
he explains. And not just the people directly around it, either. Our lakes and our
rivers are used by lots of people so when industry disrupts them, we all feel it.
Still, Adam isnt entirely opposed to industry; he just feels that there
needs to be a stronger relationship between everyone involved to ensure
that development is done responsibly. He says he has been working at
building these relationships over the last fve years and, because of that,
unemployment within Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation isnt as high as
it once was. He wants this trend to continue, and he wants his people to
work, supporting themselves in their own community as opposed to leav-
ing the region. It will make Athabasca Chipewyan a stronger First Nation,
he says. Besides creating jobs, its important for his council to ensure that
his people receive the proper training and education. Currently, most
Athabasca Chipewyan youth in the area attend a kindergarten to Grade 12
school in Fort Chipewyan but Adam believes that his people should have
access to specialized training for trades and other professions, something
that students currently need to leave the area in order to achieve. Educa-
tion is one of the key factors of our First Nation, he explains. Some of
our people have graduated and gone on to become doctors and lawyers.
Its great, but they obviously have to leave to get that training. Even for the
trades to work in the industry they have to leave. We should be able to ofer
that in our own community.
The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet
NOT JUST ANOTHER
SAFETY AWARD
Edmonton Exchanger has been awarded the 2012 Suncor President's
Operational Excellence Award for Personal and Process Safety in the
Contractor !ndividual or Team Category.
The award was earned through the continued dedication and commitment
to safety demonstrated by Edmonton Exchanger's staff and supervision at
WKH6XQFRU(GPRQWRQ5HQHU\9LVLWXVDWZZZHGPRQWRQH[FKDQJHUFRP
AthAbAscA chipewyAn elder JAnet VoiAgeur-dAshcAVich
went to school in Fort Chipewyan as a child, but her school also didnt teach
her any special training. She is standing outside what remains of her old
residential school. The pathway seemed a lot longer than this, she recalls,
pointing to remnants of the school. Everything seemed a lot bigger.
She smiles when she talks about her early years in Fort Chipewyan,
remembering how much more wildlife there used to be. There were even
more insects then. There havent been many bugs this year; not like there
used to be, she laughs. But when she sees whats left of the old residential
school, she seems a little uneasy and her memory isnt quite as clear. Its as
if shes not as interested in remembering certain things. It really feels like
Ive lived in two diferent worlds in my life. Like so many of her classmates
and the rest of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Voiageur-Dashcavich
left Fort Chipewyan at a young age. She spent most of her life in Edmonton,
working in the oil patch and in sales but, when she retired two years ago at 65,
instead of heading south she decided to return to Fort Chipewyan. This is
where my family is from, she explains. The Elders are taken care of here, we
are treated really well. Here, everyone looks out for one another.
And, Voiageur-Dashcavich isnt the only one who feels this way. She
says that more and more of her old classmates from the residential school
ACTIVE RETIREMENT: Janet Voiageur-Dashcavich returned to the
Fort Chipewyan area for her retirement and teaches local youth about
their heritage.
www.atc97.org
NOT JUST ANOTHER
SAFETY AWARD
Edmonton Exchanger has been awarded the 2012 Suncor President's
Operational Excellence Award for Personal and Process Safety in the
Contractor !ndividual or Team Category.
The award was earned through the continued dedication and commitment
to safety demonstrated by Edmonton Exchanger's staff and supervision at
WKH6XQFRU(GPRQWRQ5HQHU\9LVLWXVDWZZZHGPRQWRQH[FKDQJHUFRP
AthAbAscA chipewyAn elder JAnet VoiAgeur-dAshcAVich
went to school in Fort Chipewyan as a child, but her school also didnt teach
her any special training. She is standing outside what remains of her old
residential school. The pathway seemed a lot longer than this, she recalls,
pointing to remnants of the school. Everything seemed a lot bigger.
She smiles when she talks about her early years in Fort Chipewyan,
remembering how much more wildlife there used to be. There were even
more insects then. There havent been many bugs this year; not like there
used to be, she laughs. But when she sees whats left of the old residential
school, she seems a little uneasy and her memory isnt quite as clear. Its as
if shes not as interested in remembering certain things. It really feels like
Ive lived in two diferent worlds in my life. Like so many of her classmates
and the rest of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Voiageur-Dashcavich
left Fort Chipewyan at a young age. She spent most of her life in Edmonton,
working in the oil patch and in sales but, when she retired two years ago at 65,
instead of heading south she decided to return to Fort Chipewyan. This is
where my family is from, she explains. The Elders are taken care of here, we
are treated really well. Here, everyone looks out for one another.
And, Voiageur-Dashcavich isnt the only one who feels this way. She
says that more and more of her old classmates from the residential school
ACTIVE RETIREMENT: Janet Voiageur-Dashcavich returned to the
Fort Chipewyan area for her retirement and teaches local youth about
their heritage.
www.atc97.org
are retiring and returning to the community. She says the community has
changed since her childhood, there was no electricity when she left and run-
ning water was just starting to be introduced, but one thing has remained.
Its so beautiful up here, it never yet ceases to amaze me, she explains. And
you dont have to go very far to fnd that beauty either.
These days, Voiageur-Dash-
cavich spends her retirement
working with youth in the Fort
Chipewyan community. The
traditional dance class she helps
facilitate has grown from two to
20 in a couple years. She teaches
children all aspects of her
Athabasca Chipewyan heritage
and regularly helps youth craft their traditional outfts, completely from
scratch. To Voiageur-Dashcavich there is no better way she could be spending
her retirement than being back with the Athabasca Chipewyan people and
passing on her heritage. Its important to teach our youth their culture so that
they can turn around and pass it on to future generations, she says. We almost
lost our culture in the residential schools; now were trying to take it back.
Its important to teach our youth their
culture so that they can turn around
and pass it on to future generations,
Janet Voiageur-Dashcavich says.
We almost lost our culture in the
residential schools; now were trying
to take it back.
GENERATIONS: Alec Bruno is Chief Adams father and is also a
leader of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation as the Co-Chair of the
Elders Council.
THE RIGHT PATH: For the past two years Chief Ron Kreutzer has
been at the helm helping transform Fort McMurray First Nation.
THE RIGHT PATH: For the past two years Chief Ron Kreutzer has
been at the helm helping transform Fort McMurray First Nation.
hen Ron KReutzeR moved
back to the Fort McMurray
No. 468 First Nation three
years ago, he immediately
recognized the largest problem that his childhood
community was facing, and its one that he
believes any successful community needs to
overcome. Our First Nation has been struggling
with housing problems for a long time, he
explains. There were people living in condemned
homes because they had no other options. If you
dont have a proper roof over your head, youre not
going to be able to function.
Kreutzer wasted no time and ran for Chief, a
position hes held for the last two years. Since then
hes tried to improve conditions for the community, building 12 new homes
and upgrading the still-not-completely-reliable water infrastructure. The
Fort McMurray First Nation consists of four separate reserves, three about
50 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray in the Gregoire Lake area and
another about 20 kilometres east of Fort McMurray in the Clearwater area.
Anzac, in the Gregoire Lake area, is the First Nations largest community
and, while it recently received a water pipeline from Fort McMurray an
improvement on the old system of hauling in water from outside the region
Kreutzer says there are still times when it runs dry, leaving his people
without running water. He says these conditions deter most of the Fort
McMurray First Nations people from living on reserve land as the majority
opts to live in the city of Fort McMurray.
The Fort McMurray First Nations history also plays a large part in its
current challenges, Kreutzer says. The First Nation is a mix of Cree and
Chipewyan people whose ancestors signed Treaty 8 in 1899. The Fort
By Jordan Wilkins

Legacy Issues
There is a movement in Fort McMurray First Nation to
address divisions left over from Treaty 8s early days
Fort McMurray First Nation #468
W
LEFT DRY: Violet Cheechan says conditions are
improving but she still goes days without running water.
37 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet noRtheRn StaRS
WE CONGRATULATE
tervita.com
A NORTH AMERICAN LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY SERVICES
1he Athabasca Tribal Council cn lheir Silver Anniversary|
1ervila is ccmmiued lc building pcsilive relalicnships wilh
lirsl Nalicns ccmmunilies based cn respecl, lrusl and
cpen ccmmunicalicn.
WE CONGRATULATE
tervita.com
A NORTH AMERICAN LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY SERVICES
1he Athabasca Tribal Council cn lheir Silver Anniversary|
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Fort McMurray First Nation #468
McKay First Nation was originally part of the
Fort McMurray First Nation, before disbanding
in 1942. This left just the three Gregoire Lake
reserves and the Clearwater reserve. Kreutzer
says this ignited tensions between the two areas
that can still be felt to this day. When members
of the Clearwater
band were in power,
they would often
neglect the Anzac
and Gregoire Lake
land because they
didnt consider it to be their own, Kreutzer says.
But, hes working on a solution that he says would
be best for the entire First Nation. We are trying
to split our First Nations apart so that both bands
can take ownership of their own land, he says.
We are not separate yet, but we are working on it.
Its in the best interest for both bands.
Violet Cheecham, a Fort McMurray First
Nation Elder, agrees. I think [a split] would be
very good for both factions, because the two never
really came together, she explains. Neither tribe
really enjoyed the situation because it was forced.
It wasnt that we didnt get along; its just that
it would have been diferent had we voluntarily
welcomed them.
Growing up, Cheechams family was one of the
few in the Gregoire Lake area. She left the area
when she was 22, but returned several years ago to
take care of her father. Now
85, Cheecham says that the
Fort McMurray First Nation
is barely recognizable when
compared to how it was
in her youth. When I was
young, I left on the train, she explains. When
I came back, it was on the new highway. Now we
have roads, electricity and running water; well, at
least most of the time.
Cheecham lives in a mobile home and has been
without running water for several days. She grew
up in the area without running water, and her
people historically used water from the nearby
Gregoire Lake. But now it isnt as clean as it used
to be. And while Cheecham admits that industry
brings benefts for people in the region, she
says that the efect on the lake is just one of the
Development in the area has changed
peoples way of life, but Chief Kreutzer is
hopeful to take advantage of industry.
negative aspects development has brought to the
Fort McMurray region and her people. We will
never have the same life available to us that we
had when I was a child, she says. That has been
taken away from us.
Kreutzer agrees that the amount of development
in the area has changed his peoples way of life, but
he is hopeful to take advantage of industry as other
First Nations in the region have done. One of the
biggest obstacles to accomplishing this, however,
comes from the First Nations high levels of debt,
due to what he calls years of mismanagement.
We still owe over $2 million, he explains.
That is down from over $5 million from just a few
years ago.
This fnancial situation has also hampered
operations for the bands lone company, Christina
River Enterprises. Until two or three years ago,
we couldnt even aford to pay our employees,
Kreutzer says. Now we are getting more and
more contracts. Its great to have these contracts
with industry, but these deals often move very
slowly. Because of this, Kreutzer says many of
his people have been forced to move from the
reserve to fnd work or face unemployment. Thats the same choice I had to
make when I was younger too, he says. We are hoping to stop that cycle.
Kreutzer spent most of his career working as an operator for Syncrude and
wasnt able to return to Fort McMurray First Nation permanently until
his retirement. He recognizes that in many cases moving away is the only
option, which is why he is planning to establish a trades training centre for
his people. This would put youth entering the
workforce in an advantageous position when
competing for industry-related jobs in the region.
Daphanie Kreutzer, Chief Kreutzers
granddaughter, just graduated from high school
and has seen a lot of her friends move of the
reserve to fnd work or face unemployment. Thats the same choice I had to
make when I was younger too, he says. We are hoping to stop that cycle.
Kreutzer spent most of his career working as an operator for Syncrude and
wasnt able to return to Fort McMurray First Nation permanently until
his retirement. He recognizes that in many cases moving away is the only
option, which is why he is planning to establish a trades training centre for
his people. This would put youth entering the
workforce in an advantageous position when
competing for industry-related jobs in the region.
Daphanie Kreutzer, Chief Kreutzers
granddaughter, just graduated from high school
and has seen a lot of her friends move of the
Wind of Change: Daphanie Kreutzer hopes to raise her
newborn in the Anzac area. Five years ago, raising a child in
the area is something she probably wouldnt have considered.
reserve to work in the oil sands. At this point,
she isnt sure what path she is going take. She
recently gave birth to her frst child, Ellie, a
healthy baby girl. Daphanie says she would like to
raise her daughter in the Anzac area because she
enjoys interacting with the nature in the region
and she plans to pass on her heritage, just like
her grandfather did to her. Learning about our
past is very interesting, she says. I think its
important that we keep that culture.
Daphanie has spent her entire life in the
Gregoire Lake area and, although her 18 years isnt
quite as much as Cheechams 85, the area is still
diferent than it was when she was a child. There
are more houses now and a lot of the old run-down
ones have been fxed up recently, Daphanie
explains. Like her grandfather, Daphanie also
believes the housing problem is the biggest
challenge that Fort McMurrary First Nation
faces, but she says things have been turning
around. Five years ago, Im not sure I would have
said that I wanted to raise my child here, but today
its defnitely a better place than it was.
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Mikisew Cree First Nation
TEVE COURTOREILLE STANDS WITH-
in an arms reach of a run-down barbed-
wire fence that once literally kept him
from his heritage. The residential school
he attended in Fort Chipewyan for over a decade
no longer stands, but to Courtoreille, the memory
of his time there is still fresh. I used to fght every
step of the way, he recalls, pointing to the path
that once led from the fence to the schoolhouse
door. The stone path is faded and looks underwhelming today but to
Coutoreille it is the battleground of his youth, where he fought for his identity,
even if he didnt fully grasp the magnitude of it at the time.
Its easy to imagine Courtoreille as a fghter in his youth. He may not have
always had the powerful stature that he does today but his spirit is strong, as is
his pride for the Mikisew Cree people. He just needed to harness that passion
and focus it on the right path. I left the residential school as a very angry
young man; it was sickening. Courtoreille was eventually able to turn that
anger into inspiration and was elected as the Chief of the Mikisew Cree
By Jordan Wilkins

Long Time Coming
Chief Courtoreille turned anger into inspiration and was elected
to lead the Mikisew Cree First Nation
S
43 NORTHERN STARS The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet
THE WARRIOR RETURNS: After obtaining a law degree at the University
of Windsor, Alice Martin decided to return to the Fort Chipewyan area and
pass on her peoples heritage to the next generation.
First Nation two years ago. In that time, he has
spoken with his people and identifed some of the
challenges Mikisew Cree faces as well as the best
ways to overcome those challenges. Courtoreille
says the number one
priority for Mikisew Cree
is in employment training
and education for future
generations. We need to
ensure that opportunities
are available for our people, he says. We need
to make sure that our youth can get into the
workforce, make sure our young people dont have
to move away from our land and our history like so
many people from my generation had to.
And, that opportunity needs to be in place at a
young age, Courtoreille says. Thats why there are
plans to build a new school, right where the Fort
Chipewyan residential school used to be. This
time, instead of trying to separate students from
their First Nations heritage, the school will focus
on teaching and preserving the Aboriginal culture.
Itll be full time too, not just 40 minutes a day,
Courtoreille adds. The planned kindergarten to
Grade 12 school will also focus heavily on trades education so that Mikisew
Cree youth are in the best position to take advantage of the industry-related
jobs in the area. Courtoreille hopes that Grade 12 grads will leave with a
diploma and an apprenticeship. This isnt just a dream we have, he says. Its
a plan to teach our way of life and promote a
healthy and sustainable future for our people.
Courtoreille has other plans on the horizon
for Mikisew Cree as well. In 2010, the bands
airline, Air Mikisew, was grounded. Courtoreille
is currently in the planning stage of starting a
similar band-owned airline that will operate scheduled passenger services
in the Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan region, based at the Fort McMur-
ray Airport. The First Nation is also in discussions to partner with several
construction and maintenance projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Courtoreille says he believes the best thing for his people is to build a strong
relationship with industry and take advantage of the economic opportunity
that industry brings. Our relationship with industry helps us be more
self-sustainable, he explains.
The sense of self-sufciency is demonstrated by the several companies that
Mikisew Cree owns, either in full or in part, in the Fort Chipewyan area and
throughout the province. In Fort Chipewyan, Mikisew runs a fuel distribution
service called Fort Petroleum as well as a construction company called MSD
Corp., which operates both in Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray. The band
also owns a majority share in a hotel in Fort McMurray. And it owns Mikisew
A long-term Elders Care Facility means
that people can stay in Fort Chipewyan
surrounded by the people they love,
says Chief Steve Courtoreille.
THE WARRIOR RETURNS: After obtaining a law degree at the University
of Windsor, Alice Martin decided to return to the Fort Chipewyan area and
pass on her peoples heritage to the next generation.
First Nation two years ago. In that time, he has
spoken with his people and identifed some of the
challenges Mikisew Cree faces as well as the best
ways to overcome those challenges. Courtoreille
says the number one
priority for Mikisew Cree
is in employment training
and education for future
generations. We need to
ensure that opportunities
are available for our people, he says. We need
to make sure that our youth can get into the
workforce, make sure our young people dont have
to move away from our land and our history like so
many people from my generation had to.
And, that opportunity needs to be in place at a
young age, Courtoreille says. Thats why there are
plans to build a new school, right where the Fort
Chipewyan residential school used to be. This
time, instead of trying to separate students from
their First Nations heritage, the school will focus
on teaching and preserving the Aboriginal culture.
Itll be full time too, not just 40 minutes a day,
Courtoreille adds. The planned kindergarten to
Grade 12 school will also focus heavily on trades education so that Mikisew
Cree youth are in the best position to take advantage of the industry-related
jobs in the area. Courtoreille hopes that Grade 12 grads will leave with a
diploma and an apprenticeship. This isnt just a dream we have, he says. Its
a plan to teach our way of life and promote a
healthy and sustainable future for our people.
Courtoreille has other plans on the horizon
for Mikisew Cree as well. In 2010, the bands
airline, Air Mikisew, was grounded. Courtoreille
is currently in the planning stage of starting a
similar band-owned airline that will operate scheduled passenger services
in the Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan region, based at the Fort McMur-
ray Airport. The First Nation is also in discussions to partner with several
construction and maintenance projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Courtoreille says he believes the best thing for his people is to build a strong
relationship with industry and take advantage of the economic opportunity
that industry brings. Our relationship with industry helps us be more
self-sustainable, he explains.
The sense of self-sufciency is demonstrated by the several companies that
Mikisew Cree owns, either in full or in part, in the Fort Chipewyan area and
throughout the province. In Fort Chipewyan, Mikisew runs a fuel distribution
service called Fort Petroleum as well as a construction company called MSD
Corp., which operates both in Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray. The band
also owns a majority share in a hotel in Fort McMurray. And it owns Mikisew
A long-term Elders Care Facility means
that people can stay in Fort Chipewyan
surrounded by the people they love,
says Chief Steve Courtoreille.
COMMITTED
TO SAFETY.
COMMITTED
TO THE
OIL SANDS.

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ED T T I MM O C
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Discover more ih Ihe 2013 ReporI oh SusIaihabiliIy aI
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Energy Services Group, also in Fort McMurray,
which provides a number of services to the oil sands
industry. In Edmonton, it owns Mikisew Industrial
Supply. These endeavours allow Mikisew Cree to take
advantage of the booming industry in the region and
provide jobs for community members. We chose to
take a diferent path when it comes to industry and
I think we are better of because of that. Mikisew
Cree can become a model to First Nations all across
this country, not just fnancially, but for health and
education too; but those things do cost money.
One health initiative that Mikisew Cree First
Nation ofers is its Elders Program. This program
came into fruition about a decade ago after the First
Nation was awarded a land claims settlement from
the federal government that provided funding for
community development. Courtoreille has continued
with supporting Mikisews Elders, and thanks to the
First Nations relationship with Shell Canada, Elders
will receive even more support in the years to come.
Construction is currently underway on the First
Nation for the Elders Care Centre in Fort Chipewyan
that will act as a long-term care facility for Elders
in the region with Shell allocating $500,000 for the
construction through its social investment pro-
gram. Courtoreille says that this facility furthers
the First Nations goal of self-sustainability. A
lot of our Elders struggled with the residential
schools, he explains. Some were forced of
the land and became dependent on government
services. Thats not what we want. We take care of
our own. I dont want Mikisew Cree Elders dying
out of loneliness in Fort McMurray hospitals.
This facility means that our people can stay in our
community surrounded by the people they love.
Alice Martin likes the sound of that. The
62-year-old Mikisew Cree Elder has spent nearly
her whole life in the Fort Chipewyan area and,
although the region has undergone great change
in her lifetime, its still her favourite place in the
world. I enjoy everything about the land; its
where I fnd solace, she explains. The area is so
beautiful that its hard to stay away.
The historical land of the Mikisew lies in the
centre of the Peace-Athabasca Delta leading into
Lake Athabasca. Various lakes, rivers, streams and
creeks meet at the delta, which meant the Mikisew
people always had access to a rich ecosystem
of plants and animals. Although the land of the
Mikisew Cree First Nation, which was formed in
1899, includes nine reserves, most members, like
Martin, live in Fort Chipewyan or Fort McMurray.
Martins father was a leader of the Mikisew
people for most of his life and he instilled
Mikisews heritage into her at a young age. He
taught her how to hunt, how to cure meat and the
native Cree language. It used to feel like there
were as many ducks on the lake as there were
mosquitoes, she recalls. Martin retained all of
this knowledge, even after spending over a decade
Energy at work for all Canadians.
A message from Canadas Oil Sands Producers.
oilsandstoday.ca
The Canadian Association of
Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents
member companies that produce about
90 per cent of Canadas natural gas
and crude oil, including Canadas Oil
Sands Producers.
Mochiketak
Atea Senyea Nashther
Congratulations...
to the Athabasca Tribal Council
on your silver anniversary.
construction through its social investment pro-
gram. Courtoreille says that this facility furthers
the First Nations goal of self-sustainability. A
lot of our Elders struggled with the residential
schools, he explains. Some were forced of
the land and became dependent on government
services. Thats not what we want. We take care of
our own. I dont want Mikisew Cree Elders dying
out of loneliness in Fort McMurray hospitals.
This facility means that our people can stay in our
community surrounded by the people they love.
Alice Martin likes the sound of that. The
62-year-old Mikisew Cree Elder has spent nearly
her whole life in the Fort Chipewyan area and,
although the region has undergone great change
in her lifetime, its still her favourite place in the
world. I enjoy everything about the land; its
where I fnd solace, she explains. The area is so
beautiful that its hard to stay away.
The historical land of the Mikisew lies in the
centre of the Peace-Athabasca Delta leading into
Lake Athabasca. Various lakes, rivers, streams and
creeks meet at the delta, which meant the Mikisew
people always had access to a rich ecosystem
of plants and animals. Although the land of the
Mikisew Cree First Nation, which was formed in
1899, includes nine reserves, most members, like
Martin, live in Fort Chipewyan or Fort McMurray.
Martins father was a leader of the Mikisew
people for most of his life and he instilled
Mikisews heritage into her at a young age. He
taught her how to hunt, how to cure meat and the
native Cree language. It used to feel like there
were as many ducks on the lake as there were
mosquitoes, she recalls. Martin retained all of
this knowledge, even after spending over a decade
Energy at work for all Canadians.
A message from Canadas Oil Sands Producers.
oilsandstoday.ca
The Canadian Association of
Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents
member companies that produce about
90 per cent of Canadas natural gas
and crude oil, including Canadas Oil
Sands Producers.
Mochiketak
Atea Senyea Nashther
Congratulations...
to the Athabasca Tribal Council
on your silver anniversary.
at the residential school in Fort Chipewyan. The
plan was to assimilate the Indians, Martin
says. The nuns used to tell us that in order to be
successful, wed have to change our ways. I made a
vow to make something of myself and never forget
my identity.
Today, Martin doesnt hunt like she used to, but
she can speak fuent Cree while cutting strips of
moose meat to turn into jerky. She studied law and
obtained a degree from the University of Windsor.
As a young law student, she drew inspiration from
Gandhi and his victories for his culture and his
people. After graduation she decided to return
to the Fort Chipewyan region to follow in the
footsteps of her father and honour her culture. My
tribe needed a warrior back home to preserve our
heritage, she says.
When she hears Courtoreilles plan for the new
school in Fort Chipewyan, one that will promote
aboriginal culture instead of oppress it, she
smiles. She says she wishes her sons would have
been able to learn about the Mikisew people in a
classroom instead of from her and says she knows
her father would have also loved the idea. While
Martin admits that the growing number of people
coming to the area allows for a greater chance that
the Mikisew culture is lost, when she sees how
interested the next generation is in learning their
culture, whether its the traditional language,
dance or rituals, she has to be optimistic.
Our way of knowing sometimes looks like it
will become a thing of the past, but its never lost,
she says. Sometimes it makes me feel unhappy,
but all you have to do is talk to the younger genera-
tion, see how eager they are to learn our heritage
and it flls me with hope.
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000Westbrier-TransCanada-FP.indd1 1 8/30/13 11:31:36 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p48-53.indd 48 9/27/13 11:32:45 AM
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ita Marten and Charles nokohoo
didnt need to crack the cover of the
95-page research document released
last May to guess what would be inside.
Another report, another discussion of the gap
between the educational achievements of First
Nation and other Canadian students.
This time the data was national in scope, gath-
ered in 2012 for Aboriginal Afairs and Northern
Development, and the academic performance gap
was red-fagged as signifcant. The federal report
also highlighted a resources gap in First Nations
education caused by chronic underfunding of
Aboriginal schools, particularly those in isolated regions where its also difcult
to attract and retain teachers.
None of this is news to Marten. The former Chief of the Mikisew Cree First
Nation has served as director of the Athabasca Tribal Councils Education depart-
ment for the past six years. She sees the clear diferences up close as she interacts
with students, parents and teachers. But Marten doesnt try to dismiss the education
gap as racist stereotyping; she faces it head-on as she works hard to close the gap.
Its reality, Marten says. We have good enrollment from kindergarten
to Grade 6, but between Grades 7 and 9, the diferences start to catch up. First
Nation students fnd themselves behind their peers, especially in math skills. They
struggle, feel inadequate, start skipping classes and many drop out. Our high-
school completion rate is very low, often just one grad per year in a community.
This year, from our fve member nations, we had about a dozen graduates.
By Lisa Ricciotti

Close the Gap
There is a documented gap between First Nations students and those in the
rest of Canada. The ATCs Education department wont rest until its closed
Education
HIGHER EDUCATION: Rita Marten and Charles Nokohoo know the
education challenges in the region but their personal successes are a
testament to the potential of students in the member nations.
r
Congratulations
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000Westbrier-TransCanada-FP.indd1 1 8/30/13 11:31:36 AM
In addition to Cree and Dene language
programs in schools, the ATC Education
Committee is fnding ways to bring in a
First Nations perspective.
Nokohoo hasnt been part of the ATC Education
Committee as long as Marten, but hes also very
mindful of the gap and its impact. The Chipewyan
Prairie First Nation member was ATCs sustainable
development coordinator for six years before switch-
ing his focus from the Employment and Training
department to the Education department. During his
time helping people fnd the best job suited for them,
his research kept coming back to a major underlying
problem: the need for better education for First
Nations members.
Our studies showed 42 per cent unemployment
across the ATC First Nations, says Nokohoo. Why?
Lack of education and lack of employability training
were the major barriers. And in education, the big-
gest challenge is whats
called the three-year
gap. When our students
enter high school,
their education is the
equivalent of three
grades below their peers elsewhere. Thats unaccept-
able and my goal is to make positive change.
In the Athabasca region, the majority of students
attend schools in Northland School Division No. 61.
Its borders encompass such remote communities as
Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Anzac, Conklin and
Janvier. Very few have high schools; students must
travel hours by bus or move to major centres outside
the district for Grades 10 to 12. With approximately
2,900 students enrolled at 23 schools scattered
throughout its far-fung but sparsely populated
region, Northlands demographic is unique among
Albertas school divisions. At least 95 per cent or
more of its students are First Nations or Mtis.
The ATC Education departments vision stresses
quality education where students are knowledgeable
and proud of their culture and highly successful in
academics. Yet under the current Alberta Education
system, Northland is known more for its history
of low performance scores than for producing
high-achievers from local First Nation communities.
Over the years, Northland has rarely budged from
its bottom-rung ranking on annual Provincial
Achievement Tests (PATs). In 2010, its dropout rate
was nearly three times the provincial average and its
high-school completion rate stood at just 19.6 per cent
compared to Albertas overall average of 70.7 per cent.
Its hard to imagine such results being tolerated
in any other school division, yet Northlands
educational crisis few under the radar of both
government and public attention for years until
early 2010 when then-Education Minister Dave
Hancock took drastic action. He fred Northlands entire board of 23 trustees
and ordered an inquiry into the divisions daily operations. Finally, Alberta
Education was taking action on problems that ATC itself had identifed in 1997,
when it set up its own education committee to address these issues.
Meet Me halfway
The education system has to change, Marten says. She knows there are many
reasons why First Nations students lag behind others in Alberta, over and above
the often-cited fnancial handicap of less funding and fewer resources. But for
Marten, it all comes back to restoring pride and rebuilding community within
ATCs fve member nations with an education thats relevant to Aboriginal values
and ways of life.
Its important to know where you come from, she emphasizes. You have to be
proud of your heritage, your culture and your language. Marten learned this les-
son from her father, whom she describes as a visionary. He always told me to never
lose my language and our way of life. But he also knew
mainstream education was important to succeed. He
believed we could live together, natives and non-natives,
but only with acceptance and understanding from both
sides. Meet me halfway, was his motto. We need to keep
that emphasis in our childrens public education.
When the Northland School Division Inquiry Team submitted its fndings to
the provincial government in late 2010, many of its 48 recommendations refected
feedback received from extensive consultation with First Nations in the region.
Above all, the message was that Northland should remain unique (rather than
being assimilated into neighbouring divisions) and its overall philosophy and
curriculum should refect its students First Nations cultural background.
Already involved in its own eforts to strengthen students awareness of their
heritage, ATC welcomed Alberta Educations new spirit of collaboration. Today
ATC partners with local school boards to create a curriculum that satisfes
IT STarTS Here: During his time with the Employment and
Training department Nokohoo found a direct link between
unemployment and a lack of education in First Nations communities.
To learn more about Kearl, including job and business opportunities,
please visit www.imperialoil.ca/kearl
Congratulations on their 25
th
Silver Anniversary
to the Athabasca Tribal Council and the Cree and
Dene people in Northeastern Alberta
Muskeg Lake
000Westbrier-Imperial-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:27:10 AM
www.atc97.org 50 25 years: the athabasCa tribal CounCil
In addition to Cree and Dene language
programs in schools, the ATC Education
Committee is fnding ways to bring in a
First Nations perspective.
Nokohoo hasnt been part of the ATC Education
Committee as long as Marten, but hes also very
mindful of the gap and its impact. The Chipewyan
Prairie First Nation member was ATCs sustainable
development coordinator for six years before switch-
ing his focus from the Employment and Training
department to the Education department. During his
time helping people fnd the best job suited for them,
his research kept coming back to a major underlying
problem: the need for better education for First
Nations members.
Our studies showed 42 per cent unemployment
across the ATC First Nations, says Nokohoo. Why?
Lack of education and lack of employability training
were the major barriers. And in education, the big-
gest challenge is whats
called the three-year
gap. When our students
enter high school,
their education is the
equivalent of three
grades below their peers elsewhere. Thats unaccept-
able and my goal is to make positive change.
In the Athabasca region, the majority of students
attend schools in Northland School Division No. 61.
Its borders encompass such remote communities as
Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Anzac, Conklin and
Janvier. Very few have high schools; students must
travel hours by bus or move to major centres outside
the district for Grades 10 to 12. With approximately
2,900 students enrolled at 23 schools scattered
throughout its far-fung but sparsely populated
region, Northlands demographic is unique among
Albertas school divisions. At least 95 per cent or
more of its students are First Nations or Mtis.
The ATC Education departments vision stresses
quality education where students are knowledgeable
and proud of their culture and highly successful in
academics. Yet under the current Alberta Education
system, Northland is known more for its history
of low performance scores than for producing
high-achievers from local First Nation communities.
Over the years, Northland has rarely budged from
its bottom-rung ranking on annual Provincial
Achievement Tests (PATs). In 2010, its dropout rate
was nearly three times the provincial average and its
high-school completion rate stood at just 19.6 per cent
compared to Albertas overall average of 70.7 per cent.
Its hard to imagine such results being tolerated
in any other school division, yet Northlands
educational crisis few under the radar of both
government and public attention for years until
early 2010 when then-Education Minister Dave
Hancock took drastic action. He fred Northlands entire board of 23 trustees
and ordered an inquiry into the divisions daily operations. Finally, Alberta
Education was taking action on problems that ATC itself had identifed in 1997,
when it set up its own education committee to address these issues.
Meet Me halfway
The education system has to change, Marten says. She knows there are many
reasons why First Nations students lag behind others in Alberta, over and above
the often-cited fnancial handicap of less funding and fewer resources. But for
Marten, it all comes back to restoring pride and rebuilding community within
ATCs fve member nations with an education thats relevant to Aboriginal values
and ways of life.
Its important to know where you come from, she emphasizes. You have to be
proud of your heritage, your culture and your language. Marten learned this les-
son from her father, whom she describes as a visionary. He always told me to never
lose my language and our way of life. But he also knew
mainstream education was important to succeed. He
believed we could live together, natives and non-natives,
but only with acceptance and understanding from both
sides. Meet me halfway, was his motto. We need to keep
that emphasis in our childrens public education.
When the Northland School Division Inquiry Team submitted its fndings to
the provincial government in late 2010, many of its 48 recommendations refected
feedback received from extensive consultation with First Nations in the region.
Above all, the message was that Northland should remain unique (rather than
being assimilated into neighbouring divisions) and its overall philosophy and
curriculum should refect its students First Nations cultural background.
Already involved in its own eforts to strengthen students awareness of their
heritage, ATC welcomed Alberta Educations new spirit of collaboration. Today
ATC partners with local school boards to create a curriculum that satisfes
IT STarTS Here: During his time with the Employment and
Training department Nokohoo found a direct link between
unemployment and a lack of education in First Nations communities.
th
Silver Anniversary
Muskeg Lake
000Westbrier-Imperial-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:27:10 AM
th
Silver Anniversary
Muskeg Lake
000Westbrier-Imperial-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:27:10 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p48-53.indd 51 9/27/13 11:34:02 AM
provincial standards while instilling First Nation
traditions and values. Most teachers come from
outside our region and dont understand the
Aboriginal way of life and why students act the way
they do, says Marten. We need to educate them in
an appreciation of our culture.
In addition to bringing Cree and Dene language
programs into community schools, the ATC Educa-
tion Committee is fnding other ways to bring the
First Nations perspective into classrooms. Marten
notes that involvement in the Elders in Residence
program, where First Nations Elders instruct
and mentor youth, continues to grow. The ATC
also participates in special Aboriginal days and
activities, which increasing numbers of Northland
schools now ofer through the term to celebrate
Aboriginal culture. Students and teachers are very
receptive to First Nations learning as well as the
standard curriculum. Theres respect for both,
she says.
Marten is thankful she has a strong background
to call on as she assists new partnerships. She has a
teachers degree, and was the frst Cree to instruct
in her native tongue in the public schools. This fall
she is giving Cree language and culture classes for
adults and youth in Fort McMurray. Its a way for
the generations to learn together. Parents need to
be engaged in their childrens education and this is
another way to build connections. We cant change
the system unless everyone gets involved. Collabora-
tion and community are the way forward.
Programmed to suPPort
The local education system has made progress in the
last six years, although theres still a long journey
ahead. Martens instincts are backed by Alberta
Education, whose 2012-2013 annual report noted
that the dropout rate for First Nation students
has lessened over the past three years and the
high-school completion rate is expected to further
increase over the new few years.
Thats hopeful news, and two important ATC
programs managed by Charles Nokohoo are
undoubtedly part of this change: the Boarding
Home Program and the Post-Secondary Education
Program. Marten and Nokohoo are big believers in
both. As young students, both of them experienced
the programs benefts and credit the ATC support
for their educational success.
Im from the old school, says Marten, who
was taken from her home at just eight years of
age to attend a residential school. Unlike so many
residential school attendees, her experience wasnt
entirely negative; she gained a life-long love of learning. After completing high
school, she worked, raised a family, then with post-secondary fnancial support
from ATC, she earned her education degree.
Nokohoo also received ATC support for his education, frst when he left Janvier
at 17 to attend high school in Fort Smith, and later when he completed an account-
ing certifcate and management degree. Today hes helping smooth the learning
curve for students as ATCs education coordinator, ofering career counselling,
and helping students apply for post-secondary schools and fnancial assistance.
Ive helped students from 18 to 60 years old. If they have the potential and the
desire, and meet ATC requirements, we can help them. Today we have students
taking aviation mechanics in Calgary with ATCs support and many others have
gone on to careers in sociology, engineering, education, psychology and family
services. Weve helped students train to become RCMP, doctors and veterinar-
ians and take management positions in the oil industry.
Since not all communities in the region have high schools, students must
move to larger centres like Fort McMurray or Edmonton. Its a tough transition,
between homesickness, the struggle to keep up academically, taking extra classes,
and coping with bullying and racism. ATC removes the stress of fnancial worries
and ensures young students are boarded with families willing to provide stability
and structure.
I hope that through the Great Spirit many students weve assisted will later
come back to their communities and help others, Nokohoo says. We need to
open minds, showing whats possible with training and education. Attitudes are
changing and I remain very positive about our First Nations futures.
As for Marten, she dreams of a day when First Nations move closer to true
self-governance by gaining control over their education. Were working toward
establishing tribal school districts, with our own curriculum. Its an ongoing
goal. In the meantime, she and Nokohoo will continue to spread the message of
the value of education and work on ways to narrow the current academic gap
narrower, until its nonexistent.
Born to teach: Martens lifelong love affair with education
makes the former Chief of Mikisew Cree First Nation the perfect fit
to lead the ATCs Education department.
000Westbrier-Sakasteew-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:38:03 AM
provincial standards while instilling First Nation
traditions and values. Most teachers come from
outside our region and dont understand the
Aboriginal way of life and why students act the way
they do, says Marten. We need to educate them in
an appreciation of our culture.
In addition to bringing Cree and Dene language
programs into community schools, the ATC Educa-
tion Committee is fnding other ways to bring the
First Nations perspective into classrooms. Marten
notes that involvement in the Elders in Residence
program, where First Nations Elders instruct
and mentor youth, continues to grow. The ATC
also participates in special Aboriginal days and
activities, which increasing numbers of Northland
schools now ofer through the term to celebrate
Aboriginal culture. Students and teachers are very
receptive to First Nations learning as well as the
standard curriculum. Theres respect for both,
she says.
Marten is thankful she has a strong background
to call on as she assists new partnerships. She has a
teachers degree, and was the frst Cree to instruct
in her native tongue in the public schools. This fall
she is giving Cree language and culture classes for
adults and youth in Fort McMurray. Its a way for
the generations to learn together. Parents need to
be engaged in their childrens education and this is
another way to build connections. We cant change
the system unless everyone gets involved. Collabora-
tion and community are the way forward.
Programmed to suPPort
The local education system has made progress in the
last six years, although theres still a long journey
ahead. Martens instincts are backed by Alberta
Education, whose 2012-2013 annual report noted
that the dropout rate for First Nation students
has lessened over the past three years and the
high-school completion rate is expected to further
increase over the new few years.
Thats hopeful news, and two important ATC
programs managed by Charles Nokohoo are
undoubtedly part of this change: the Boarding
Home Program and the Post-Secondary Education
Program. Marten and Nokohoo are big believers in
both. As young students, both of them experienced
the programs benefts and credit the ATC support
for their educational success.
Im from the old school, says Marten, who
was taken from her home at just eight years of
age to attend a residential school. Unlike so many
residential school attendees, her experience wasnt
entirely negative; she gained a life-long love of learning. After completing high
school, she worked, raised a family, then with post-secondary fnancial support
from ATC, she earned her education degree.
Nokohoo also received ATC support for his education, frst when he left Janvier
at 17 to attend high school in Fort Smith, and later when he completed an account-
ing certifcate and management degree. Today hes helping smooth the learning
curve for students as ATCs education coordinator, ofering career counselling,
and helping students apply for post-secondary schools and fnancial assistance.
Ive helped students from 18 to 60 years old. If they have the potential and the
desire, and meet ATC requirements, we can help them. Today we have students
taking aviation mechanics in Calgary with ATCs support and many others have
gone on to careers in sociology, engineering, education, psychology and family
services. Weve helped students train to become RCMP, doctors and veterinar-
ians and take management positions in the oil industry.
Since not all communities in the region have high schools, students must
move to larger centres like Fort McMurray or Edmonton. Its a tough transition,
between homesickness, the struggle to keep up academically, taking extra classes,
and coping with bullying and racism. ATC removes the stress of fnancial worries
and ensures young students are boarded with families willing to provide stability
and structure.
I hope that through the Great Spirit many students weve assisted will later
come back to their communities and help others, Nokohoo says. We need to
open minds, showing whats possible with training and education. Attitudes are
changing and I remain very positive about our First Nations futures.
As for Marten, she dreams of a day when First Nations move closer to true
self-governance by gaining control over their education. Were working toward
establishing tribal school districts, with our own curriculum. Its an ongoing
goal. In the meantime, she and Nokohoo will continue to spread the message of
the value of education and work on ways to narrow the current academic gap
narrower, until its nonexistent.
Born to teach: Martens lifelong love affair with education
makes the former Chief of Mikisew Cree First Nation the perfect fit
to lead the ATCs Education department.
000Westbrier-Sakasteew-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:38:03 AM
ATC_NorthernStars_p48-53.indd 52 10/1/13 10:47:10 AM 000Westbrier-Sakasteew-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:38:03 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p48-53.indd 53 9/27/13 11:34:52 AM
BP is proud
to honour
the Athabasca
Tribal Council
BP Energy_ATC2013 - FP_Layout 1 13-09-10 3:21 PM Page 1
000Westbrier-BP_Energy-FP.indd 1 9/17/13 4:18:30 PM ATC_NorthernStars_p54-59.indd 54 9/27/13 11:36:25 AM
BP is proud
to honour
the Athabasca
Tribal Council
000Westbrier-BP_Energy-FP.indd 1 9/17/13 4:18:30 PM ATC_NorthernStars_p54-59.indd 54 9/27/13 11:36:25 AM
he oil and gas industry brings
challenges to the Athabasca region,
but there is no doubt that it also
brings an abundance of economic
advantages. That is, if you have the right training
and credentials. Thats why one of the Athabasca
Tribal Councils (ATC) busiest sections is its
Employment and Training department. This is where the ATC continues
to stimulate the workforce within the Aboriginal community, creating
a winning situation for industry and First Nations members striving for
meaningful employment.
Since its inception, the ATCs Employment and Training department
has been a prime player in aiding potential workers within the fve member
nations by guiding individuals with particular skills sets to the best-suited
By Samus Smyth
The Perfect Job
The ATCs Employment and Training department is a prime player helping
potential workers within the fve member nations fnd the right jobs
Employment
t
P
h
o
t
o
:

P
a
t
r
i
c
k

K
a
n
e
PAid in Full: For Kara Dube and Pamela Herman, the job isnt
done until a new one starts for people in their programs. The ATCs
Employment and Training department works with industry to find the
perfect fit for First Nations members seeking meaningful employment.
BP is proud
to honour
the Athabasca
Tribal Council
000Westbrier-BP_Energy-FP.indd 1 9/17/13 4:18:30 PM
000Westbrier-Keyano-FP.indd 1 9/24/13 9:03:01 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p54-59.indd 56 9/27/13 11:37:23 AM
000Westbrier-Keyano-FP.indd 1 9/24/13 9:03:01 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p54-59.indd 56 9/27/13 11:37:23 AM
Employment
positions. And, if members from the communi-
ties dont have the particular skill set needed
to obtain a desired position, the department
will provide specialized training, or match the
potential employee with a companys industry
training program. Kara Dube, the director of the
Employment and Training department, says that
this is one of the top priorities of her department;
ensuring that people are ftted with the perfect
program to garner the right position, meaning
that in each case, more job characteristics than
just the monetary benefts are considered.
A heavy equipment program, for example, is
something most people can do. But we still like to
sit down and come to an understanding about what
individuals want out of their career, she explains.
If someone really likes to work with people, we
will look to fnd them an administration position
rather than a position out in the feld.
Despite the strength of the Employment and
Training department, Dube says there are still
barriers that need to be broken before it can
become even more successful. A majority of the
First Nations people come from rural communi-
ties, so the ATC looks to meet the expectations
of potential employers by ensuring potential
employees are completely prepared for the
positions. This means ensuring that people have
the ability to physically get to work each day and
are confdent about the job they are doing when
they wake up every morning.
This is why the department recently added
programs that incorporate life skills into the
training sessions. Dube stresses the importance
of helping people learn how to best balance the
pendulum of family life and work life. Fort
McMurray is defnitely unique in the sense that
you can work as much as you want, she explains.
But the option of working non-stop can obviously
be a hindrance on ones quality of life, especially
when an employee is new to this kind of schedule.
Therefore, candid conversations transpire to
ensure potential employees are aware of what
the sacrifces can look like when working seven
days on, seven days of. And Dube and her team
make sure that staf members in the Employment
and Training departments programs are aware
of these challenges well before they enter a new
position.
Despite this all-encompassing approach that
participants receive from the programs, Dube still
believes that this concept must play a stronger
tune in the ATC symphony. If those barriers are
not addressed, all the training in the world is not going to set anybody up for
life, which is ultimately what we hope to achieve, she says. Having these
base skills is absolutely essential for them to move them forward.
Once people from the First Nation communities are at the point where
they are ready to fnd a desired position, the Employment and Training
departments success is incumbent on the sturdy relationships it has built
with industry in the area. Dube points to an example of a six-week training
program held in collaboration with Paladin Security as just one instance
of a highly successful partnership between industry and the tribal council.
The Paladin program allows ATC trainees the opportunity to shine for one
of the provinces most well-known security teams, while Paladin gets to
choose from a handful of applicants who, through the program, have already
demonstrated their knowledge of the industry. It really is win-win for
everyone involved, Dube says.
Paladin isnt the only company in the region with this kind of special
relationship to the Employment and Training department. Dube can
rattle off her departments corporate partners like its second nature:
ConocoPhillips, Imperial Oil, Nexen, Shell. The list goes on.
Syncrude also holds a place on that list. Donelda Patterson, Syncrudes
human resources services manager, has a lot of praise for the Employment
and Training programs and the synergy they create with Syncrudes HR
department. Syncrude looks frst for qualifed people in the region to fll
open positions in our organization, Patterson explains. Thats why we are
pleased to see the ATCs Employment and Training program help provide
P
h
o
t
o
:

J
o
e
y

P
o
d
l
u
b
n
y
On the JOb: The Janiver Workforce Strategy provides training and skill
development for members of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation with
little prior work experience. Cenvous is one of several industry leaders
that has supported this program since its inception six months ago.
000Westbrier-Keyano-FP.indd 1 9/24/13 9:03:01 AM

At Connacher, we focus on enhancing biodiversity in
our operational areas. Through our Wildlife Monitoring
Program, we are able to modify our operations as needed
to reduce our impact on their habitat.
Every picture tells a story.
DISCOVER OUR STORY. www.connacheroil.com

very picture E

very picture

FIND OUT MORE
Enbridge.com/InYourCommunity
We support the peop|e who keep our communities safe.
Our Safe Community program provides reghters, po|ice departments
and other rst responders with funding for everything from equipment
to training. The program gives the men and women who protect us the
support they need to ensure the safety and we||being of our communities,
now and into the future.
Enbridge de|ivers more than the energy you count on. We de|iver on
our promise to he|p make communities better p|aces to |ive. It's part
of the reason we were named one of the G|oba| 100 Most Sustainab|e
Corporations in the Wor|d.
WHERE ENERGY
MEETS SAFETY
qualifed local people who can fll those positions
for us.
Syncrude is one of Canadas largest employers
of First Nations people. In 2011, First Nations
represented more than 15 per cent of the
companys new employees. Of Syncrudes total
workforce, about nine per cent of employees
are of self-declared First Nations, Mtis or Inuit
descent. And, while Syncrude receives talented
employees, many through ATCs Employment
and Training department as the perfect ft for
a specifc opening, Syncrude in turn provides
its own services and programs for First Nations
in the Athabasca region. One is the Fort Chip
Fly-in Rotational Program. Here, Syncrude
provides career opportunities for those living in
the remote northern Alberta community, with
the majority being First Nation members. The
program ofers employees free accommodation
for the duration of their shift at Syncrude and
free air transport to and from Fort Chipewyan.
Recently this rotational program expanded to
include southern Wood Bufalo communities with
free ground transportation for First Nations in
communities like Janvier and Conklin.
Aboriginal employment is also a very
important aspect of Suncors human resources
department, particularly in the Athabasca
oilsands region. Suncor is one of the founding
companies and supporters of the Aboriginal
Lynx program. This program is designed to meet
the need for direct links between Aboriginal
post-secondary students looking for employment
experience (or full-time work after graduation)
and employers who are seeking skilled individuals
from an Aboriginal background. The Aboriginal
Lynx program shares many of the same goals and
mandates with the ATCs Employment and Train-
ing department and Suncor has been a natural ft
for the department when it comes to training and
hiring First Nations members seeking sustainable
employment in the Athabasca region.
Cenovus Energy is another northern star,
according to Dube, when it comes to the
companys relationship with the ATCs Employ-
ment and Training department. Maureen Sander,
senior advisor with recruitment at Cenvous, says
ATC Employment and Training programs
stress the importance of the balance
between family life and work life.

At Connacher, we focus on enhancing biodiversity in
our operational areas. Through our Wildlife Monitoring
Program, we are able to modify our operations as needed
to reduce our impact on their habitat.
Every picture tells a story.
DISCOVER OUR STORY. www.connacheroil.com

very picture E

very picture

FIND OUT MORE
Enbridge.com/InYourCommunity
We support the peop|e who keep our communities safe.
Our Safe Community program provides reghters, po|ice departments
and other rst responders with funding for everything from equipment
to training. The program gives the men and women who protect us the
support they need to ensure the safety and we||being of our communities,
now and into the future.
Enbridge de|ivers more than the energy you count on. We de|iver on
our promise to he|p make communities better p|aces to |ive. It's part
of the reason we were named one of the G|oba| 100 Most Sustainab|e
Corporations in the Wor|d.
WHERE ENERGY
MEETS SAFETY
qualifed local people who can fll those positions
for us.
Syncrude is one of Canadas largest employers
of First Nations people. In 2011, First Nations
represented more than 15 per cent of the
companys new employees. Of Syncrudes total
workforce, about nine per cent of employees
are of self-declared First Nations, Mtis or Inuit
descent. And, while Syncrude receives talented
employees, many through ATCs Employment
and Training department as the perfect ft for
a specifc opening, Syncrude in turn provides
its own services and programs for First Nations
in the Athabasca region. One is the Fort Chip
Fly-in Rotational Program. Here, Syncrude
provides career opportunities for those living in
the remote northern Alberta community, with
the majority being First Nation members. The
program ofers employees free accommodation
for the duration of their shift at Syncrude and
free air transport to and from Fort Chipewyan.
Recently this rotational program expanded to
include southern Wood Bufalo communities with
free ground transportation for First Nations in
communities like Janvier and Conklin.
Aboriginal employment is also a very
important aspect of Suncors human resources
department, particularly in the Athabasca
oilsands region. Suncor is one of the founding
companies and supporters of the Aboriginal
Lynx program. This program is designed to meet
the need for direct links between Aboriginal
post-secondary students looking for employment
experience (or full-time work after graduation)
and employers who are seeking skilled individuals
from an Aboriginal background. The Aboriginal
Lynx program shares many of the same goals and
mandates with the ATCs Employment and Train-
ing department and Suncor has been a natural ft
for the department when it comes to training and
hiring First Nations members seeking sustainable
employment in the Athabasca region.
Cenovus Energy is another northern star,
according to Dube, when it comes to the
companys relationship with the ATCs Employ-
ment and Training department. Maureen Sander,
senior advisor with recruitment at Cenvous, says
ATC Employment and Training programs
stress the importance of the balance
between family life and work life.
www.ensignenergy.com
Ferlarmaace Lxcelleace - 3ecaaJ ta Naae
Proud Sponsor
that it is the companys mandate to work closely
with communities in proximity to its operations.
An important part of this is fnding employment
opportunities for people in the region. The
companys Christina Lake operation is located
just south of the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation
community of Chard. Sander says that the ATCs
Employment and Training department has had a
natural collaboration with the Cenovus Employ-
ment Bridging Initiative. The Employment
Bridging Initiative is a program Cenvous has
in place to complement its regular recruitment
program and to fnd valuable employees in the
regions of its operations. This initiative gives
people the opportunity for entry level positions
that have a career path with Cenovus, Sander
explains. It gives them the chance to have a
really good starting point. They can get a sense
of what certain positions are all about and can
learn how to become qualifed for a certain role.
This is where the ATCs Employment and
Training department comes in. The ATC ofers
training or points a person in the right direction
to acquire that training whether from Keyano
College or through a companys own educational
program.
Often the ATC will provide people with a
certain skill set, but a waiting period takes
place because the perfect position isnt readily
available. Such was the case for Blair Lemaigre, a
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation member.
Lemaigre went through two programs after
contacting the ATC, saying he was interested
in becoming certifed to take advantage of the
industry-related jobs in the area. He completed
an environmental monitoring program as well
as an electrical program but didnt immediately
fnd exactly what he was looking for. Then,
thanks to the ATC Employment and Training
department, he saw a list of job openings at the
Cenovus Christina Lake location. The company
was looking for a safety technician and Lemai-
gre, who had heard good things about safety
positions from friends in the industry, decided to
apply. Last December, after an interview process
and skills assessment, Lemaigre was hired and
has been with Cenovus ever since.
So far I love everything about my job,
Lemaigre says. Every day is something new.
The ATC was important in this process; it didnt
happen right away, but this job paid of for me in
the long run. I really get to enjoy what I do every
single day.
ITH THE RAPID ACCELERATION
of development in the Wood
Bufalo region over the past 10 years,
health has become an increasingly
important issue for the areas First Nations. Mem-
bers are concerned about growing rates of cancer
and other chronic diseases, and they continue to deal
with the negative efects of the residential school
system. At the same time, the population explosion
has strained health-care resources causing small,
remote communities even more difculty attracting
health-care professionals. Complicating matters
further, the travel required in these communities for services that most Albertans
can get just down the street is challenging, especially in fy-in communities. And
language issues can make communication difcult.
These are just some of the challenges that the First Nations in the Athabasca
area face every day. But, there is help. Aiding First Nation communities and their
members manage these challenges is the job of ATCs Department of Health.
Established in 2000, the department connects communities with health services
and disseminates health information between First Nations and Health Canada,
Alberta Health Services and other government agencies. It also runs programs
to address challenges specifc to First Nations, all in an efort to meet peoples
health-care needs.
The Chiefs in the region are very concerned about health issues and
By Tricia Radison

Put Health First
The ATC meets local heath needs with novel programming, tailored to
the regions challenges
Put Health First
Life SupporT: One of the largest issues for member First Nations
is the accessibility to proper health care. The ATCs Health department,
made up of Delores Ladoucuer, Tina Michael and Hilda Lepine, works to
overcome issues that come with living in remote communities.
W
supportive of the work we do, says Roy Vermillion,
the ATCs CEO. There are concerns about the
impacts of industrial development and of the
residential schools, and other issues that our people
are experiencing. They look to the ATCs Department
of Health to investigate and try to deal with those
issues.
Five years ago, high rates of cancer in two First
Nation communities raised an alarm about the
environmental health issues related to oil sands
development. With develop-
ment increasing further
over the last fve years, those
concerns remain.
There is no doubt that
industrial development
produces pollution and that the pollutants travel
through the air, water and land and make their way
to our people, says Vermillion. Part of our role is
to communicate those concerns to the government
so we can try to fnd ways to work with industry and
reduce health risks.
The tribal council has staf on committees at the
Treaty 8 level who also participate on committees
with the Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 regions. The committees provide a forum for
meeting with government and health agencies to share such concerns and to
receive up-to-date information that the committees can communicate to the First
Nation communities.
But the fve communities the ATC serves need more than just transferred
information. They need people transferred as well. And transporting First Nation
members to and from Fort McMurray to receive health services isnt always
easy, especially for the fy-in community of Fort Chipewyan. Thats why the ATC
Health Department implemented the Medical Transportation Program in 2000, a
federally funded program that provides meals, accommodation and air or ground
transportation for people who need to travel to
Fort McMurray for medical treatment.
The Medical Transportation staf members
work closely with community health centres
to provide a seamless transition for patients.
They also work with ATCs hospital liaison, who
acts as a translator for those who need one and provides advisory services and
assistance to make the hospital experience more comfortable. When an individual
is discharged, the hospital liaison and Medical Transportation staf collaborate to
arrange transportation and accommodation in a timely manner.
The Medical Transport team is vital to the Health Departments operations and
it ensures that First Nation members have access to the same level of health care
as other Canadians. The Medical Transport team augments the care available in
the communities. Nurses are often available and doctors visit community health
Health challenges faced in ATC communities
include the distance from major centres and
the legacy of the residential school system.
supportive of the work we do, says Roy Vermillion,
the ATCs CEO. There are concerns about the
impacts of industrial development and of the
residential schools, and other issues that our people
are experiencing. They look to the ATCs Department
of Health to investigate and try to deal with those
issues.
Five years ago, high rates of cancer in two First
Nation communities raised an alarm about the
environmental health issues related to oil sands
development. With develop-
ment increasing further
over the last fve years, those
concerns remain.
There is no doubt that
industrial development
produces pollution and that the pollutants travel
through the air, water and land and make their way
to our people, says Vermillion. Part of our role is
to communicate those concerns to the government
so we can try to fnd ways to work with industry and
reduce health risks.
The tribal council has staf on committees at the
Treaty 8 level who also participate on committees
with the Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 regions. The committees provide a forum for
meeting with government and health agencies to share such concerns and to
receive up-to-date information that the committees can communicate to the First
Nation communities.
But the fve communities the ATC serves need more than just transferred
information. They need people transferred as well. And transporting First Nation
members to and from Fort McMurray to receive health services isnt always
easy, especially for the fy-in community of Fort Chipewyan. Thats why the ATC
Health Department implemented the Medical Transportation Program in 2000, a
federally funded program that provides meals, accommodation and air or ground
transportation for people who need to travel to
Fort McMurray for medical treatment.
The Medical Transportation staf members
work closely with community health centres
to provide a seamless transition for patients.
They also work with ATCs hospital liaison, who
acts as a translator for those who need one and provides advisory services and
assistance to make the hospital experience more comfortable. When an individual
is discharged, the hospital liaison and Medical Transportation staf collaborate to
arrange transportation and accommodation in a timely manner.
The Medical Transport team is vital to the Health Departments operations and
it ensures that First Nation members have access to the same level of health care
as other Canadians. The Medical Transport team augments the care available in
the communities. Nurses are often available and doctors visit community health
Health challenges faced in ATC communities
include the distance from major centres and
the legacy of the residential school system.
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000Westbrier-Tuccaro-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:38:53 AM
centres a few times a month. But the general shortage
of medical professionals in Alberta afects the
number of services the centres can ofer.
Doctors and nurses are all concentrated in urban
centres. In our communities, nurses come and go
based on how many are available with Health Canada.
Some communities only have a nurse coming in from
Edmonton for a few days
every couple of weeks. As a
result, more and more people
have to travel for medical
services, explains Vermillion.
The result, he adds, is that the Medical Transporta-
tion program has grown over the years a trend that
will likely continue.
As the programs in the Department of Health
continue to grow and evolve, new ones are also added
wherever the organization sees the need. In 2009,
the ATC saw the inception of the Indian Residential
School (IRS) program. The IRS program provides
emotional support, cultural support, professional
counselling, transportation, information and refer-
rals to former residential school students and their
families. Today, the program has about 200 clients.
The IRS program began because of the circum-
stances residential school survivors face and the
challenges that they continue struggle with long after
their time at the school.
Our clients have experienced abuse, physical and
mental, loss of culture and identity, loss of native
language and loss of spiritual beliefs, explains Hilda
Lepine, resolution health support worker with the
ATC. Many former students are lost in todays
society. They are faced with social issues such as
alcohol, drugs and prostitution. Their identity has
been taken away from them, and coping and adjusting
has been very difcult.
In her role, Lepine listens to clients and talks to
them about their residential school experiences.
A big part of what she does is help people through
Independent Assessment Process (IAP) hearings, an
out-of-court process for resolving claims of sexual
abuse, serious physical abuse and other wrongful acts
sufered at residential schools.
Claimants are vulnerable. They are re-living
past experiences and it brings back triggers that may
traumatize them all over again. Having someone
there as a support is a comfort for them, says Lepine,
who provides emotional and practical support
before, during and after the IAP hearing.
The fact that Lepine is a survivor herself makes
it easier for her to establish a trusting relationship
with people so they can share how theyre feeling.
Throughout a hearing, she ensures that the claimant is safe at all times, making
sure that they are comfortable and provides guidance through the process. She
also stays in contact with the claimants legal council. The same support services
are available to former students attending community, regional and national
Truth and Reconciliation and Commemoration events.
Lepine has seen the positive efects of the IRS program frst-hand and says that
its important to continue to service survivors and their families from the fve First
Nations that make up the ATC. Many people are
still waiting to have their IAP hearings and the
healing journey is a long one.
I have talked to many clients who have said
that they feel safe and more secure when I am
with them at their hearings, flling out forms or just sharing information, she says.
Many clients are trying very hard to make a good life for themselves and their
families, and they need our support.
The IRS program regularly holds workshops and other events that address
issues related to culture. Lepine recently held a drum-making workshop where
attendees were shown how to make a drum, the meaning of the drum and the
protocol for caring for the drum. Such events help survivors feel connected to
their culture and community and promote the way of living that they were once
taught was wrong.
Vermillion agrees that the IRS Program is critical to the health and wellness of
people in the First Nations communities.
The Indian residential schools have impacted people in all fve communities,
especially in Fort Chipewyan, where a lot of the members were in residential
schools beginning in the 1850s up until the 1970s, he says. Children that came
later are also impacted by their parents and grandparents experiences. Its caused
a lot of physical, mental and emotional health problems. Our staf are here to
assist the communities, create awareness and try to resolve the issues.
Vermillion agrees that the IRS Program is
critical to the health and wellness of people
in the First Nations communities.
000Westbrier-Tuccaro-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:38:53 AM
centres a few times a month. But the general shortage
of medical professionals in Alberta afects the
number of services the centres can ofer.
Doctors and nurses are all concentrated in urban
centres. In our communities, nurses come and go
based on how many are available with Health Canada.
Some communities only have a nurse coming in from
Edmonton for a few days
every couple of weeks. As a
result, more and more people
have to travel for medical
services, explains Vermillion.
The result, he adds, is that the Medical Transporta-
tion program has grown over the years a trend that
will likely continue.
As the programs in the Department of Health
continue to grow and evolve, new ones are also added
wherever the organization sees the need. In 2009,
the ATC saw the inception of the Indian Residential
School (IRS) program. The IRS program provides
emotional support, cultural support, professional
counselling, transportation, information and refer-
rals to former residential school students and their
families. Today, the program has about 200 clients.
The IRS program began because of the circum-
stances residential school survivors face and the
challenges that they continue struggle with long after
their time at the school.
Our clients have experienced abuse, physical and
mental, loss of culture and identity, loss of native
language and loss of spiritual beliefs, explains Hilda
Lepine, resolution health support worker with the
ATC. Many former students are lost in todays
society. They are faced with social issues such as
alcohol, drugs and prostitution. Their identity has
been taken away from them, and coping and adjusting
has been very difcult.
In her role, Lepine listens to clients and talks to
them about their residential school experiences.
A big part of what she does is help people through
Independent Assessment Process (IAP) hearings, an
out-of-court process for resolving claims of sexual
abuse, serious physical abuse and other wrongful acts
sufered at residential schools.
Claimants are vulnerable. They are re-living
past experiences and it brings back triggers that may
traumatize them all over again. Having someone
there as a support is a comfort for them, says Lepine,
who provides emotional and practical support
before, during and after the IAP hearing.
The fact that Lepine is a survivor herself makes
it easier for her to establish a trusting relationship
with people so they can share how theyre feeling.
Throughout a hearing, she ensures that the claimant is safe at all times, making
sure that they are comfortable and provides guidance through the process. She
also stays in contact with the claimants legal council. The same support services
are available to former students attending community, regional and national
Truth and Reconciliation and Commemoration events.
Lepine has seen the positive efects of the IRS program frst-hand and says that
its important to continue to service survivors and their families from the fve First
Nations that make up the ATC. Many people are
still waiting to have their IAP hearings and the
healing journey is a long one.
I have talked to many clients who have said
that they feel safe and more secure when I am
with them at their hearings, flling out forms or just sharing information, she says.
Many clients are trying very hard to make a good life for themselves and their
families, and they need our support.
The IRS program regularly holds workshops and other events that address
issues related to culture. Lepine recently held a drum-making workshop where
attendees were shown how to make a drum, the meaning of the drum and the
protocol for caring for the drum. Such events help survivors feel connected to
their culture and community and promote the way of living that they were once
taught was wrong.
Vermillion agrees that the IRS Program is critical to the health and wellness of
people in the First Nations communities.
The Indian residential schools have impacted people in all fve communities,
especially in Fort Chipewyan, where a lot of the members were in residential
schools beginning in the 1850s up until the 1970s, he says. Children that came
later are also impacted by their parents and grandparents experiences. Its caused
a lot of physical, mental and emotional health problems. Our staf are here to
assist the communities, create awareness and try to resolve the issues.
Vermillion agrees that the IRS Program is
critical to the health and wellness of people
in the First Nations communities.
ATC_NorthernStars_p60-65.indd 64 9/27/13 11:41:45 AM 000Westbrier-Tuccaro-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:38:53 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p60-65.indd 65 9/27/13 11:42:01 AM
000Westbrier-RMWB-FP.indd 1 8/30/13 11:20:49 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 66 9/27/13 11:42:46 AM
000Westbrier-RMWB-FP.indd 1 8/30/13 11:20:49 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 66 9/27/13 11:42:46 AM
O
ver the past twO years,
Doreen Jackson has seen a change
in the kind of phone calls the ATCs
Child and Family Services ofce
receives. People are more open to phone our
ofce and update us on where theyre at, the
organizations director says. That says a lot. Instead
of avoiding us, people who have gone through our
programs are calling to let us know how they are.
ATCs Child and Family Services is one of 18
delegated First Nations agencies in Alberta. In 2001,
the Ministry of Childrens Services (responsible
for the protection of Albertas children) granted
the ATC the authority to administer child welfare services to the fve member
nations. For two years, Jackson has led a growing team of exceptionally qualifed
staf from a diverse cross-section of First Nations communities and experi-
ences. Almost half are from the member nations, Jackson says. Its worked to
our beneft. While staf from the community dont work with their immediate
family, people are more open to them because they are from here. If you are
respected and trusted, families will work with you.
There are still situations that require Jacksons department to remove
children from their homes for their safety (these occasions are legislated by the
provincial government), but the Child and Family Services program ofers more
than just child protection in the area. For instance, the Family Enhancement
program is committed to supporting families before a crisis occurs. And its this
kind of preventative care that Jackson says is vital to the success of families in
By Carissa Halton

hope at home
Building better relationships takes time, practice and good examples.
The ATCs Child and Family Services department helps
Family
HOMEMADE: Almost half of the Child and Family Services
staff come from member nations.
67 The annual publication of the Oilsands Banquet NOrtherN stars
000Westbrier-RMWB-FP.indd 1 8/30/13 11:20:49 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 67 9/27/13 2:24:31 PM
the community. One of our promises to our clients
is that we will give them the tools to become the
successful parents they want to be, says Jackson.
Recently, a young couple approached the ofce
for help. They had a toddler and were struggling with
the many new responsibilities of raising a child. The
Family Enhancement worker helped them assess
the support they needed to thrive. The worker then
found a baby daycare and, as the toddler learned
socialization skills, the
couple was free to attend
parenting and counselling
programs.
In the end, the child
didnt have to come into
care, as the parents were more than willing to work
with the program, explains Jackson. Without the
Family Enhancement program there would most
likely be more situations where kids need to be
removed from homes, Jackson says, but because of
the program the ATC can go forward with the least
intrusive means, and keep families together.
There are times, however, when a family cant
overcome the challenges that put their children at
risk. In these cases, the Child and Family Services mantra is to seek out family
frst. Often grandparents, aunties, and cousins step forward to care for the
children. In just one of many instances of the Kinship Care initiative, this year
a childs grandparents quit drinking cold turkey in order to care for their
granddaughter. If no family member initially volunteers, parents will provide
Jacksons team with names of their most trusted family members. Kinship
Care staf then contact the family, present them with the childrens need and
reassure them that they will get the support they need to manage the care of
their loved one.
At the end of the day, however, the intent is to always
bring the kids home and keep them with their parents
whenever possible. We are always actively working
with parents, says Jackson. There is always hope.
Often, the parents are young, and are still growing up.
This doesnt mean their kids will permanently be in
care. We work with parents to get them to a point where they can take back their
parenting, says Jackson, Often that means getting them the support they need:
addiction treatment, parenting training, whatever they feel they need, we try to
arrange it.
One recent breakthrough Jacksons team had was with a family that had 20
years of child protection history. The parents had gone into treatment fve or
six times over the course of their childrens involvement within government
care. This year, however, the couple completed addictions treatment, anger
management classes, and a personal healing program. Twenty-two years, its
A childs sense of belonging builds
confdence and success,says Doreen
Jackson. Reunifcation Home means
theyll maintain the critical relationships.
Athabasca Tribal Council on
your 25th Anniversary!
CaIgary + 403 299-5600
Ldmonton + 780 483-3499
fort McMurray + 780 743-4040
Canada + 800 414-8314
www.goIder.com
Lngineering Larth's eveIopment, Preserving Larth's Integrity.
000Westbrier-Golder-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:13:22 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 68 9/27/13 11:44:27 AM
the community. One of our promises to our clients
is that we will give them the tools to become the
successful parents they want to be, says Jackson.
Recently, a young couple approached the ofce
for help. They had a toddler and were struggling with
the many new responsibilities of raising a child. The
Family Enhancement worker helped them assess
the support they needed to thrive. The worker then
found a baby daycare and, as the toddler learned
socialization skills, the
couple was free to attend
parenting and counselling
programs.
In the end, the child
didnt have to come into
care, as the parents were more than willing to work
with the program, explains Jackson. Without the
Family Enhancement program there would most
likely be more situations where kids need to be
removed from homes, Jackson says, but because of
the program the ATC can go forward with the least
intrusive means, and keep families together.
There are times, however, when a family cant
overcome the challenges that put their children at
risk. In these cases, the Child and Family Services mantra is to seek out family
frst. Often grandparents, aunties, and cousins step forward to care for the
children. In just one of many instances of the Kinship Care initiative, this year
a childs grandparents quit drinking cold turkey in order to care for their
granddaughter. If no family member initially volunteers, parents will provide
Jacksons team with names of their most trusted family members. Kinship
Care staf then contact the family, present them with the childrens need and
reassure them that they will get the support they need to manage the care of
their loved one.
At the end of the day, however, the intent is to always
bring the kids home and keep them with their parents
whenever possible. We are always actively working
with parents, says Jackson. There is always hope.
Often, the parents are young, and are still growing up.
This doesnt mean their kids will permanently be in
care. We work with parents to get them to a point where they can take back their
parenting, says Jackson, Often that means getting them the support they need:
addiction treatment, parenting training, whatever they feel they need, we try to
arrange it.
One recent breakthrough Jacksons team had was with a family that had 20
years of child protection history. The parents had gone into treatment fve or
six times over the course of their childrens involvement within government
care. This year, however, the couple completed addictions treatment, anger
management classes, and a personal healing program. Twenty-two years, its
A childs sense of belonging builds
confdence and success,says Doreen
Jackson. Reunifcation Home means
theyll maintain the critical relationships.
CaIgary + 403 299-5600
Ldmonton + 780 483-3499
Canada + 800 414-8314
www.goIder.com
000Westbrier-Golder-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:13:22 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 68 9/27/13 11:44:27 AM
CaIgary + 403 299-5600
Ldmonton + 780 483-3499
Canada + 800 414-8314
www.goIder.com
000Westbrier-Golder-FP.indd 1 9/26/13 9:13:22 AM
taken them that long but they are still looking at
taking back their children.
On HigHways 63 and 881, a steady stream
of vehicles leaves Fort McMurray. While driving
these roads is often the most dangerous part of
the day for Jacksons staf, every kilometre south
they travel usually means that a child is that much
further away from their community. Until now,
when children from the fve First Nations have
had to enter a foster home, it has meant taking the
frst safe home available, usually in Edmonton or
Innisfail.
Soon, one special program will radically reduce
the drive and shorten the distance between the
children and their kin and culture. This fall, the
ATCs Child and Family Services will open a
Reunifcation Home, the frst of its kind in the area.
Here, the children will fnd a safe place to live while
staying close to their parents and extended family.
Despite the separation, theyll be able to maintain
the central relationships that are so critical to the
childrens wellbeing.
Its really a home for these children; its not
anything like an institution. There is lots of space for
the kids, says Jackson of the Reunifcation Home.
An executive bi-level in central Fort McMurray, the
six-bedroom home is 1,780 square feet with a fully
fnished basement, hardwood foors and high-gloss
tile. Its easy to hear the excitement in Jacksons
voice as she talks about what could be the biggest
project in the Child and Family Services programs
25-year history. She knows this is a massive step forward for First Nations
families in the area and for continuing her programs success. Jackson speaks
enthusiastically about the homes decor, like its espresso maple cabinets and
granite counters. But what really excites her is the opportunities the home ofers
the children staying there. The kitchen will be a place where teens will learn to
cook. A gas freplace will warm the living area where family reunions take place.
Four bathrooms will ensure that the childrens morning school routine remains
as smooth as possible. The huge backyard looks back on a new school and
playground and gives children the ability to enjoy the outdoors.
There is also plenty of space for the kids to entertain their extended family
and friends. Its a place they are going to love to come home to, Jackson says.
Its a place that everyone, the kids and their families, can be proud of.
As she coordinates the homes fnishing touches furniture in the bedrooms,
art on the walls, food in the cupboards Jackson anticipates what the Reunifca-
tion Home will mean for the families and for the fve member nations. A childs
sense of belonging builds confdence and success. Whether they return home
or to kinship care, the Reunifcation Home close to their nation means they will
maintain the critical relationships with parents and extended family.
Jackson looks forward to the day when the children in their care travel less.
She also looks forward to a day when the ATC Child and Family Services staf
can be permanently situated in the communities (right now, they travel to each
community and set up temporary ofces at each band ofce as needed). While
staf members currently try to be in the First Nation communities as much as
they can, opening up ofces on site will make them that much more accessible.
And better accessibility means their Family Enhancement and Kinship Care
supports will be better understood within the communities.
With some wood, nails and, compassion and understanding, Jackson and
her staf are building not just a Reunifcation Home. They are building healthy
families, supported by healthy communities. ATC Child and Family Services
staf and Jackson hope to redefne peoples idea of a healthy family. A healthy
family is a family who knows its limits. A healthy person knows when to get help.
And, when that person or family is ready to get help, the ATC will be there.
BUILT WITH LOVE: Families in the five member
nations have better resources closer to home.
clearstreamenergy.ca
000Westbrier-ClearStream-FP.indd1 1 9/26/13 9:10:25 AM
taken them that long but they are still looking at
taking back their children.
On HigHways 63 and 881, a steady stream
of vehicles leaves Fort McMurray. While driving
these roads is often the most dangerous part of
the day for Jacksons staf, every kilometre south
they travel usually means that a child is that much
further away from their community. Until now,
when children from the fve First Nations have
had to enter a foster home, it has meant taking the
frst safe home available, usually in Edmonton or
Innisfail.
Soon, one special program will radically reduce
the drive and shorten the distance between the
children and their kin and culture. This fall, the
ATCs Child and Family Services will open a
Reunifcation Home, the frst of its kind in the area.
Here, the children will fnd a safe place to live while
staying close to their parents and extended family.
Despite the separation, theyll be able to maintain
the central relationships that are so critical to the
childrens wellbeing.
Its really a home for these children; its not
anything like an institution. There is lots of space for
the kids, says Jackson of the Reunifcation Home.
An executive bi-level in central Fort McMurray, the
six-bedroom home is 1,780 square feet with a fully
fnished basement, hardwood foors and high-gloss
tile. Its easy to hear the excitement in Jacksons
voice as she talks about what could be the biggest
project in the Child and Family Services programs
25-year history. She knows this is a massive step forward for First Nations
families in the area and for continuing her programs success. Jackson speaks
enthusiastically about the homes decor, like its espresso maple cabinets and
granite counters. But what really excites her is the opportunities the home ofers
the children staying there. The kitchen will be a place where teens will learn to
cook. A gas freplace will warm the living area where family reunions take place.
Four bathrooms will ensure that the childrens morning school routine remains
as smooth as possible. The huge backyard looks back on a new school and
playground and gives children the ability to enjoy the outdoors.
There is also plenty of space for the kids to entertain their extended family
and friends. Its a place they are going to love to come home to, Jackson says.
Its a place that everyone, the kids and their families, can be proud of.
As she coordinates the homes fnishing touches furniture in the bedrooms,
art on the walls, food in the cupboards Jackson anticipates what the Reunifca-
tion Home will mean for the families and for the fve member nations. A childs
sense of belonging builds confdence and success. Whether they return home
or to kinship care, the Reunifcation Home close to their nation means they will
maintain the critical relationships with parents and extended family.
Jackson looks forward to the day when the children in their care travel less.
She also looks forward to a day when the ATC Child and Family Services staf
can be permanently situated in the communities (right now, they travel to each
community and set up temporary ofces at each band ofce as needed). While
staf members currently try to be in the First Nation communities as much as
they can, opening up ofces on site will make them that much more accessible.
And better accessibility means their Family Enhancement and Kinship Care
supports will be better understood within the communities.
With some wood, nails and, compassion and understanding, Jackson and
her staf are building not just a Reunifcation Home. They are building healthy
families, supported by healthy communities. ATC Child and Family Services
staf and Jackson hope to redefne peoples idea of a healthy family. A healthy
family is a family who knows its limits. A healthy person knows when to get help.
And, when that person or family is ready to get help, the ATC will be there.
BUILT WITH LOVE: Families in the five member
nations have better resources closer to home.
000Westbrier-ClearStream-FP.indd1 1 9/26/13 9:10:25 AM
000Westbrier-ClearStream-FP.indd1 1 9/26/13 9:10:25 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p66-71.indd 71 9/27/13 11:46:26 AM
Final Words
N OrGaNIZaTION LIKe THe aTHaBasCa TrIBaL COUNCIL (aTC) CaN ONLy Be sUCCessFUL IF IT Has
relationships and partnerships built on strong foundations. Its absolutely vital that every department within the
ATC has a productive rapport with all of its stakeholders. This includes working together with the board of directors,
the fve Chiefs of the member nations, as well as people in the First Nations communities to ensure that the ATCs
programs and services are assisting anyone who may need them. It also means working together with government and industry
where applicable. Although the ATC isnt involved in the day-to-day business of industry-related matters, the organization
was very active in the All Parties Core Agreement, which provided a successful model of how industry, government, and First
Nations can work together.
The ATC and its fve member First Nations are in a situation unlike any other in Canada. The Cree and Dene people have
called the land in northeastern Alberta home since before recorded history. Tribal leaders have had to balance traditional
values with economic opportunity since European fur traders frst made their way west in the late 16th century. The fur
trade came and went; today its the abundance of bitumen in the regions oil sands that continues to ofer both challenges and
prospects to Fort McKay First Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort McMurray
First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation.
A
P
h
o
t
o
:

J
o
e
y

P
o
d
l
u
b
n
y
Good Partnerships
Clean Harbors
is proud to sponsor
Oilsands Banquet VII
to honor and celebrate the
on their Silver Anniversary.
780.743.0222
www.cleanharbors.com
000Westbrier-CleanHarbors-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:16:21 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p72-73.indd 72 9/27/13 2:26:51 PM
Final Words
N OrGaNIZaTION LIKe THe aTHaBasCa TrIBaL COUNCIL (aTC) CaN ONLy Be sUCCessFUL IF IT Has
relationships and partnerships built on strong foundations. Its absolutely vital that every department within the
ATC has a productive rapport with all of its stakeholders. This includes working together with the board of directors,
the fve Chiefs of the member nations, as well as people in the First Nations communities to ensure that the ATCs
programs and services are assisting anyone who may need them. It also means working together with government and industry
where applicable. Although the ATC isnt involved in the day-to-day business of industry-related matters, the organization
was very active in the All Parties Core Agreement, which provided a successful model of how industry, government, and First
Nations can work together.
The ATC and its fve member First Nations are in a situation unlike any other in Canada. The Cree and Dene people have
called the land in northeastern Alberta home since before recorded history. Tribal leaders have had to balance traditional
values with economic opportunity since European fur traders frst made their way west in the late 16th century. The fur
trade came and went; today its the abundance of bitumen in the regions oil sands that continues to ofer both challenges and
prospects to Fort McKay First Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort McMurray
First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation.
A
P
h
o
t
o
:

J
o
e
y

P
o
d
l
u
b
n
y
Good Partnerships
Clean Harbors
is proud to sponsor
780.743.0222
000Westbrier-CleanHarbors-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:16:21 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p72-73.indd 72 9/27/13 2:26:51 PM
Clean Harbors
is proud to sponsor
780.743.0222
000Westbrier-CleanHarbors-FP.ind1 1 8/30/13 11:16:21 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p72-73.indd 73 9/27/13 11:49:30 AM
Final Words
CongratuIations Athabasca TribaI CounciI for
25 years of serving First Nations in our region!
At Nexen, an important part of responsible development
is our commitment to our neighbours. Through our
Aboriginal Relations strategy, we invest in Aboriginal
communities by supporting community development,
arts and culture, education, environmental and
business development initiatives.
Nexen and ATC engage with
integrity and ensure a heaIthy
future with benets for aII.
CELEBRATING
TOGETHER
000Westbrier-Nexen-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:34:25 AM
P
h
o
t
o
:

P
a
t
r
i
c
k

K
a
n
e
For the past quarter century the ATC has been an outlet for
these member nations to band together on important issues in
the Athabasca region. And the ATC is dedicated to providing
services and programs that help increase the quality of life
within these communities. These services have evolved over
the organizations rich history and will continue to meet
the needs of the people in each member nation. And as the
ATC has evolved, so too has each of the Treaty 8 First Nation
communities. Fort McKay First Nation continues to use its
business relationships to strengthen the programs and heritage
of its people. Chipewyan Prairie First Nations largest commu-
nity Chard is in the middle of unprecedented development.
Athabasca Chipewyan people are returning to their original
reserve land. More homes are being built and upgraded on
Fort McMurray First Nation reserve land. And Mikisew Cree
First Nation has plans for a school in Fort Chipewyan that will
focus on First Nation traditions and industry-related skills.
Each First Nation is in a better situation than it was fve years
ago, which is the ultimate goal of the ATC. The ATCs own
departments and services, too, are diferent than they were at
the time of its 20th anniversary, but one constant throughout
the organizations history has remained; its focus on continu-
ally improving conditions for First Nations people in the
Athabasca region.
Final Words
CELEBRATING
TOGETHER
000Westbrier-Nexen-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:34:25 AM
P
h
o
t
o
:

P
a
t
r
i
c
k

K
a
n
e
For the past quarter century the ATC has been an outlet for
these member nations to band together on important issues in
the Athabasca region. And the ATC is dedicated to providing
services and programs that help increase the quality of life
within these communities. These services have evolved over
the organizations rich history and will continue to meet
the needs of the people in each member nation. And as the
ATC has evolved, so too has each of the Treaty 8 First Nation
communities. Fort McKay First Nation continues to use its
business relationships to strengthen the programs and heritage
of its people. Chipewyan Prairie First Nations largest commu-
nity Chard is in the middle of unprecedented development.
Athabasca Chipewyan people are returning to their original
reserve land. More homes are being built and upgraded on
Fort McMurray First Nation reserve land. And Mikisew Cree
First Nation has plans for a school in Fort Chipewyan that will
focus on First Nation traditions and industry-related skills.
Each First Nation is in a better situation than it was fve years
ago, which is the ultimate goal of the ATC. The ATCs own
departments and services, too, are diferent than they were at
the time of its 20th anniversary, but one constant throughout
the organizations history has remained; its focus on continu-
ally improving conditions for First Nations people in the
Athabasca region.
CELEBRATING
TOGETHER
000Westbrier-Nexen-FP.indd 1 9/11/13 9:34:25 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p74-75.indd 75 9/27/13 11:51:49 AM
Shell Conodo Energy ls 0 owner ol lhe Alhobosco Cll Sonds Pro|ecl [ACSP| olong wllh Chevron Conodo
Llmlled [20| ond Morolhon Cll Conodo Corporollon [20|. ACSP lncludes Shell Alblon Sonds
[Muskeg Rlver Mlne & )ockplne Mlne| ond lhe Scollord pgroder.
Your Success, Our Success
Shell Alblon Sonds congroluloles lhe Alhobosco lrlbol Councll on 2 yeors ol bulldlng successlul
Flrsl Mollon Communllles.
Conlrlbullng lo suslolnoble developmenl ls lnlegrol lo lhe woy we do buslness. As we work lo
help meel lhe worlds growlng energy needs we olm lo shore benehls wllh locol communllles by
developlng our mosl voluoble resources people!
Greol People. Greol Ploce. Greol Communlly. www.shell.ca
000Westbrier-Shell-FP.indd 1 8/30/13 11:25:09 AM ATC_NorthernStars_p01.indd 76 9/27/13 10:53:48 AM

Northern Stars 2013

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Northern Stars 2013

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The proud Cree and Dene First Nations

people of Athabasca celebrate 25 years

8 We Walk Beside TheM

Photography by Patrick Kane

000Westbrier-Finning-FP.indd 1 9/24/13 8:52:44 AM

Photography by Joey Podlubny

Over lhe life of lhe well, exlrene lhernal

Over lhe life of lhe well, exlrene lhernal

Over lhe life of lhe well, exlrene lhernal

wc||| W|c ||1 || + l+|| |c||| |cJ |+1 p|c1|

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

Photography by Patrick Kane

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