Progress on First Nations mapping project

Goal is to protect hunting, fishing and trapping rights

Indigenous communities are midway through mapping their territories as a way to help substantiate land claims, says Alberta’s Indigenous relations minister.

“It gives us a chance to ensure whenever industry proponents are planning to cut a tree or dig a hole, they need to consult with the nations,” Richard Feehan said Friday. “We’re both trying to figure out what’s an honest description of traditional lands.”

The First Nations Geodata Mapping Project began in 2007. In 2015, a related project dubbed the Metis Settlement Geodata Mapping Project started to collect information.

By March 31, all 48 First Nations in Alberta had a draft map in hand, with 19 in possession of a revised version, Feehan said. It puts the project well ahead of schedule, which aimed to have draft maps completed by the end of the year.

Indigenous communities review their own history, speak with elders and consult on what their territory includes before negotiating a final version with government, he said.

“We can’t really tell them when they’re done.”

The goal is to protect hunting, fishing and trapping rights, he noted, adding the maps won’t be shared publicly.

“If they have a traditional sacred site, the last thing they want is some map on a government website that says, ‘This is where ... a sacred ceremony occurs,’ ” he said.

The project is operating on a three- to five-year contract costing $250,000, according to the Alberta government. There are two staff members working full time with the goal of creating hard-copy maps.

Several First Nations communities contacted for this story were unavailable for comment.

Dave Hanson, UCP MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills, said the mapping is a useful tool, but suggested a recent court ruling could cause delays.

“There are a couple of wrinkles that have been thrown into it with the Daniels ruling in the Supreme Court, which puts a lot more recognition on the Metis people and their status,” he said.

The 2016 Daniels decision said Metis people and non-status Indians should be considered “Indians” under the Constitution. Metis leaders lauded the decision as opening the door to negotiate with the Crown.

Hanson noted it could cause confusion over territorial boundaries.

“A lot of times, the boundaries of the Metis settlements are within close proximity with First Nations as well.”

But Feehan said the maps, which could shift over time, are well on the way to being completed.

“It really puts (Indigenous communities) at the table,” he said. “It allows them to have some strength behind their claims.”

Whenever industry proponents are planning to cut a tree or dig a hole, they need to consult with the nations.