Deep and Rich: Experiences as an Legal Intern with First Nation in Fort Mac

Caissie Richards is completing her CLA-ACE internship in Fort McMurray, Alberta with the Mikisew Cree First Nation.

The great northern skies over Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.

Working with the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) has expanded my legal education and allowed me to experience my hometown of Fort McMurray from a unique perspective. A recent visit to nearby Fort Chipewyan has given me a deeper appreciation for the issues that face the MCFN throughout their traditional territory. It has also allowed me to better understand the MCFN’s connection to the natural environment and the impact that legislation and industry action can have on their way of life.

As the legal intern at MCFN Government and Industry Relations, I’ve been able to review various pieces of legislation in Alberta including the Responsible Energy Development Act, the Mines and Minerals Act, and the Historical Resources Act, to name a few. The purpose of reviewing these acts has been to flag various sections that may be of interest to MCFN in order to provide information regarding the legal frameworks that may affect their Aboriginal or Treaty Rights. This experience along with writing letters and attending meetings has provided me with a practical understanding of what the Duty to Consult means and the breadth of its application. While writing letters to government and industry proponents to outline concerns with various policies, initiatives, and projects, I have learned about the relationship between these actions and the impact that they can have on the MCFN’s rights.
 

Overall, the process of researching and writing has exposed me to the values that are important to the MCFN and to other First Nations.

I’ve also received exposure to Alberta’s regulatory process through my research. For example, I had recently been tasked with researching reclamation liabilities in regard to mining operations, in an attempt to understand the amount of financial security that companies are required to provide to ensure that reclamation does occur should they become insolvent. Notably, the Auditor General recently flagged this issue after a review of the Mine Financial Security Program.

Looking forward, I know the rest of my summer will be filled with unique and exciting experiences that will include attending a hearing for a proposed hydro dam in British Columbia.

- Cassie Richards