On one hand, the Mikisew Cree of northern Alberta have profited handsomely from the province's booming oilsands. On the other, they fear the same industry on which they have come to depend threatens the way of life they have always known.
Band officials admit that contradiction has resulted in threats from the industry and concern from band members.
The dilemma also came to a head last week at hearings over Suncor's (TSX:SU) $7-billion oilsands expansion plan.
"We have no choice but to seek work because our way of life has been destroyed," band official Steve Courtoreille told the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) in a presentation that warned of declining environmental quality in the area.
But outside the hearing, Courtoreille said there's a price to pay for taking a stand.
"Because we've been very outspoken in our belief in trying to protect the environment, we're not treated fairly," he said, although he added he wasn't necessarily referring to Suncor.
"We do get threats in terms of losing our contracts. We're not going to get intimidated by anybody who comes and threatens us."
Courtoreille and other band officials are adamant they won't change their approach even though that has probably cost them business with some oilsands operators. "Our way of life and our environment is not a bargaining tool," he said. "We'll not negotiate our way of life."
Suncor is well aware of the debate going on in the Aboriginal community, said Christine Burton, manager of regional consultation.
"The more they understand, the more they have to struggle with," she said. "I sincerely don't think they know what they want. Things are changing. They have to struggle with what that change means to the community."
Burton said she's aware of accusations made against other oilsands operators of threats to cancel contracts when the band voiced environmental concerns. Suncor has made none, she said. "We specifically said to them their participation here will not affect our relationship. Business is business and community is community."
The 2,400 members of the Mikisew band have been highly successful at taking advantage of the opportunities the oilsands have offered.
Since the mid-1980s, the band has sponsored a range of companies, including a small airline operating between Edmonton and northern Alberta, a construction firm, a fuel distribution network and an energy service company that provides workers and service contracts to oilsands.
"We saw there was a need to create employment for our people," said Courtoreille.
Mikisew companies, working on oilsands contracts now provide hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the band.
But band representatives told the EUB they fear the extent of development will permanently change the landscape their people have inhabited for thousands of years. For one, water levels in the Athabasca River are dropping, they said.
"People in Fort Chipewyan are really disheartened," said band member Rita Martin. "The more industry activities, the less water we're going to have. When we fly home, looking down on the Athabasca River, it really saddens us, it really hurts, to see sandbars. Eventually, the rivers will be dry. Where will our children live then?" The Mikisew have earned every contract they've won and have no fear of working in the modern business world, Courtoreille said. "Nothing comes to us on a silver platter. They can't take away the fact that we can compete with any company in this region."
Courtoreille acknowledges the Mikisew are still working out how to balance the old ways with the new.
"For me, personally, it's almost like a juggling act. On one hand, we're trying to survive by getting employment for our people. On the other hand, we're cautioning the government and industry about our concerns regarding the environment being polluted."
