CLFN - Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage Project

Cold Lake First Nations represents the Denesuliné of Luéchogh Túé and is a signatory to Treaty 6, which specifically protects their rights to hunt, fish, trap, gather and generally carry on their livelihood after Treaty, as before. In addition, the Nation and its members have Aboriginal Rights to practice, protect and preserve their spiritual and cultural practices, including but not limited to protection of historical resources, conservation and stewardship of our traditional territory and locations of spiritual and cultural significance. These inherent and legal rights are protected, recognized and affirmed by s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Additionally, the Nation and its members have indigenous rights as set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). For the purposes of this submission we refer to these rights collectively as “Section 35 and Indigenous rights”, or “Rights”.

The proposed Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage Project is fully within CLFN’s traditional territory (Denne Ni Nennè), overlaps lands used by CLFN for the exercise of its Rights and is located approximately 40 km from CLFN’s reserve lands.  Much of Denne Ni Nennè has been taken up by industrial, agricultural and municipal uses.  Given the scarcity of space within Denne Ni Nennè to carry out our Rights, every new project will impact and further erode the ability of our members to maintain our distinctive cultural identity and community.  This is why it is important for our Nation to always be actively involved in the review, assessment and approval of projects in Denne Ni Nennè. 

In this instance, CLFN is supportive of the proposed Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage Project.  Federation Group’s engagement with our community throughout the early stages of the project development and permitting has been extensive and responsive.  We look forward to working closely with Federation Group to ensure the project is a success through mutual efforts to mitigate to the extent possible environment and cultural impacts, while producing economic benefits for our community.  Projects such as this one are key to advancing Alberta and Canada’s transition away from fossil fuels.  We believe we have found a trusted partner in Federation Group, which will ensure CLFN has a major role in stewarding a clean energy future.

- Cold Lake First Nations