konarı̨̨́dı Ɂú / In The News
June 12, 2025
Using science and technology to reduce tailings ponds
The committee has submitted its first recommendations to begin addressing this challenge while protecting the environment and downstream communities. Alberta’s government accepts these recommendations and will immediately begin exploring them further to help create an accelerated plan to reclaim the water and eventually return the land for use by future generations.
konarı̨̨́dı Ɂú / In The News
May 3, 2024
Jim Boucher appointed to the Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee
The Alberta government has appointed a new committee to look into ways to speed up the reclamation of the large and growing tailings ponds in the province’s oilsands.
The oilsands mine water steering committee will examine potential policies and options that would allow reclamation to occur as quickly and safely as possible.
“Managing oilsands mine water and reclaiming tailings ponds is a complex issue that requires collaboration,” Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz said Tuesday in a statement.
“This committee will look at all the feasible options for addressing oilsands mine water and tailings ponds and suggest ways to safely reclaim the land and ensure our waterways remain clean for future generations.”
Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee | Alberta.ca
June 19, 2024
Jauvonne Kitto appointed to the Nature Conservancy Board of Canada (Alberta)
NCC: Where We Work - Alberta - Alberta Regional Board of Directors
February 6, 2024
Jauvonne Kitto appointed to the Questerre Energy Board
AIOC board growing into new mandate
Bjorn Inge Tonnessen, Chairman of Questerre, commented, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Kitto join our Board. Her wealth of experience with First Nations and energy projects will be invaluable"
konarı̨̨́dı Ɂú / In The News
September 25, 2023
North Shore Mi'Kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) and 7 member communities announce historic equity agreements with Small Nuclear Reactor (SMR) companies
These first-of-a-kind agreements in the field of small modular reactor (SMR) technology will enable NSMTC and its member communities (Oinpegitjoig, Ugpi'Ganjig, Natoaganeg, L'nui Menikuk, Tjipogtotjg, Metepenagiag, Amlamgog) to share in success in developing and deploying advanced nuclear technology in New Brunswick and around the world.
"With the help of Saa Dene, a company focused on Indigenous inclusion through economic and social participation in the global economy "
Jim Ward, General Manager, NSTC
konarı̨̨́dı Ɂú / In The News
May 6, 2022
Jim Boucher appointed to the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) Board
AIOC board growing into new mandate
“Alberta’s government is pleased to have the knowledge and leadership of the AIOC’s newest board members. I want to thank the current board for all their hard work and dedication. These new members will provide valuable leadership to meet the new demands of the recently expanded mandate to boost Indigenous investment in agriculture, transportation and telecommunications projects.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
konarı̨̨́dı Ɂú / In The News
December 15, 2021
Jim Boucher appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council - SMR Action Plan
The climate crisis poses enormous threats to long-term sustainability, global security and economic well-being around the globe. Canada must rapidly reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change in way that works for communities across the country, including Indigenous communities.
That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Indigenous communities in exploring the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide emissions-free energy for a wide range of applications, including electricity generation in remote communities.
April 28, 2021
Jim Boucher - 2020 Inductee, Alberta Order of Excellence
The Alberta Order of Excellence (AOE) is the highest honour the Province of Alberta can bestow on a citizen. Members of the Alberta Order of Excellence come from all occupations and lifestyles. Their contributions and achievements range from medicine, science, engineering, law, and business to politics, education, community service, agriculture and the arts. All members have had an outstanding impact within the province, country or worldwide.
April 26, 2021
Was cancelling Keystone the cleantech catalyst Calgary didn’t know it needed?
Indigenous cleantech firms among those leading a shift more important to Alberta’s future than any pipeline
January 28, 2021
Partnership brings virtual care to Indigenous communities
November 24, 2020
Influential Indigenous leader throwing weight behind radio frequency oil sands tech
July 7, 2020
Former Fort McKay First Nation Chief Jim Boucher joining Alberta Order of Excellence
July 3, 2020
Jim Boucher joining Alberta Order of Excellence
July 3, 2020
Inducted: Jim Boucher - 2020 Inductee, Alberta Order of Excellence
The Alberta Order of Excellence is the highest honour the Province of Alberta can bestow on a citizen and takes precedence over any other provincial honour or award. The Alberta Order of Excellence is on the Canadian Honours Order of Precedence, meaning its members are entitled to wear the insignia as approved by the Governor of General of Canada.
May 28, 2020
Why Alberta court decision to quash oilsands project affects treaty rights cases in British Columbia
A recent ruling by three Appeal Court justices has transformed the nature of Treaty 8 First Nations’ legal battles against the Site C dam and oil and gas development, finding the Crown must consider the cumulative impacts of industrial projects
April 22, 2020
Alberta Indigenous leaders say oil prices will cost many good paying jobs
January 31, 2020
Energy development and the divide among Indigenous groups
There is no consensus among Indigenous communities when it comes to energy mega projects, fossil fuel extraction, and pipelines. Kathleen Petty talks to two leaders about how to bridge the divide. Here's her conversation with businessman and former Fort McKay chief Jim Boucher, and Judith Sayers, elected president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and an adjunct professor of business and environmental studies at the University of Victoria.
February 5, 2019
Alberta First Nations tap into the bond market for a first-of-its kind financing deal
March 1, 2018
First Nations can prosper through resource development
January 20, 2018
Fort McKay First Nation fights for last refuge amidst oil sands development
December 5, 2017
First Nations Bond Deal Breaks Ground for Indigenous Canadians
October 26, 2017
Moodys assigns Baa1 rating to First Nations ETF Limited Partnership
December 29, 2016
Indigenous community voices support for responsible oil development
December 7, 2016
Pipeline debate at AFN meeting
November 24, 2016
Fort McKay Chief Jim Boucher believes you can have oilsands pipelines and a healthy environment
September 6, 2016
Suncor selling 34% oil storage stake to Fort McKay First Nation
April 26, 2016
Fort McKay First Nation sues Alberta over energy development
March 28, 2015
Traditional First Nation lands in the heart of Alberta oilsands region to be protected
The Moose Lake area is culturally significant to the First Nation and Metis people of Fort McKay, so the Alberta government is taking steps to ensure this sacred land is protected for generations to come.
September 14, 2014
Oil sands ambassador at odds with industry
The dispute between oil sands neighbours has the makings of a legal runaway train, a public relations mess and an impediment to good relations between the industry and the most productive and so-far supportive aboriginal community in the region
April 7, 2013
Oil sands project approval shows limits of First Nations agenda
Approval of the Dover oil sands project by the Alberta Energy Regulator represents a reality check about how far First Nations can push their agendas
November 15, 2007
Recipients announced for 15th Annual Aboriginal Achievement Awards
April 1, 2009
From activist, to social leader, to education advocate, to philanthropist to business developer, Boucher is a role model for future First Nations leaders, and the coming generations of his people.
News Releases
March 17, 2021
Acceleware Announces $5 Million in New Funding from Alberta Innovates for Marwayne RF XL Pilot
December 22, 2020
Acceleware receives support for Marwayne RF XL Pilot from a second major soil sands producer
December 2, 2020
Saa Dene Group and Maple Form Partnership to Expand Virtual Care to Rural and Remote Communities
March 1, 2018
Embracing commerce and economic opportunities raises living standards and incomes for Fort McKay First Nation members
November 22, 2017
Fort McKay and Mikisew Cree First Nations complete purchase of 49 per cent interest in Suncor's East Tank Farm Development
March 9, 2017
A consortium of Indigenous partner companies, would be pledging $550,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
September 6, 2016
Suncor Energy and Fort McKay First Nation announce agreement for equity partnership in East Tank Farm Developments