Environmental Site Assessment

Amber River Reserve #211

Location:

Dene Tha’ First Nation (DTFN)

Goal:  

• Advance wellsites on Reserve towards remediation

• Engage First Nations in the project objectives prior to the start of the project

Our Role: 

• Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

• Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC) Audits

Summary: 

The wellsite program commenced with a tour that included representatives from the oil and gas licensee, Dene Tha’ First Nation (DTFN), and Indian Oil & Gas (IOGC). During the tour, site-specific concerns and remediation/reclamation goals were discussed, and data was gathered to assist in developing areas of environmental concern to develop a scope of work for the assessment project. The Phase II ESA program was completed and initial reports submitted to the client within 90 days of field wrap-up and receipt of analytical data. During the field program, data was also collected for the completion of IOGC audits for each site and the audit reports were completed within approximately 30 days.

Project Legacy: 

At the project inception, working with local First Nations members and getting input at the beginning of the project, and including them during all phases of the program meant the project met the expectations of DTFN and increased field efficiency. Our team successfully completed the projects through facilitation and coordination with the DTFN, IOGC, ISC (formerly INAC), and the oil and gas company.

Land Acknowledgment

Solstice is based in Alberta, meaning that we reside and work in Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories. Treaty 8 is home to 39 First Nations, including the Dene Traditional Territory. Treaty 8 spans 4 provinces; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.

Out of respect, truth, and reconciliation, we acknowledge that these regions are home to First Nations, Dene, Cree, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Metis peoples, both past and present.

The Dene Tha’ First Nations occupy Upperhay River/Meander River (IR212), Bushe River (IR207), Haylake (IR209), Amber River (IR211), and Zama Lake (IR210). Through our work with the Dene Tha’ First Nations, we are committed to learning more about this land and honouring the connection with this traditional territory. Solstice wishes to further empower the Indigenous sovereignty of land management through our partnerships grounded in mutual respect. We believe we have much to learn and share in our desire to protect the natural landscapes, facilitate risk mitigation and continually support Indigenous community capacity by nurturing this partnership.