Treaty Alliance seeking support to thwart oilsands, pipelines

Serge Otsisimon, Grand Chief of the Mohawks at Kanesatake in Quebec, has made it his mission to stop the expansion of the Alberta oilsands in order to protect the land, air, water and climate, but he can’t do it alone.

“Three years ago I realized I can’t fight these big oil companies by myself. And I started looking for allies,” said Otsisimon.

His search resulted in the Treaty Alliance Against Tar Sands Expansion, and brought him to the Assembly of First Nations annual general assembly to garner support.

The treaty has already been signed by more than 100 First Nations across Canada and the U.S., including three in Saskatchewan — James Smith Cree Nation, Ochapowace Cree Nation and Shiyo Nide’ Oyate’ (Pheasant Rump Nakota).

The goal of the alliance is to pool resources and develop strategies to get the following pipeline infrastructure projects in Canada and the U.S. banned:

Enbridge’s Northern Gateway; TransCanada’s Energy East; TransCanada’s Keystone XL; Enbridge’s Line 3;

and Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.

“We’re trying to look at the future for our children,” said Otsisimon.

He said the time is now to start divesting away from the oilsands and into green technology like solar and wind power, hydrogen technology and carbon fibre materials.

According to Otsisimon, the revenue created by the oilsands only represents about four per cent of Canada’s GDP and could be easily replaced and surpassed with green technology.

For those who argue oilsands expansion is necessary until green technology is established, Otsisimon disagrees.

“I think that’s the wrong thinking. I think you’re just holding on to something because that’s all you know,” he said.

Otsisimon said the point of no return when it comes to climate change is getting closer every day and action needs to be taken now in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for the future.

Bands were invited to sign the treaty at the AFN on Wednesday or bring a copy to their various councils for consultation.