ConocoPhillips plans to be involved in Alberta’s oil sands for several generations and we need to earn and keep our “social licence” to operate. The Aboriginal peoples of northeastern Alberta are key stakeholders in this area and we believe we have a responsibility to communities affected by our projects to minimize the impacts and maximize the benefits. This means working with these groups throughout the consultation process to understand local politics and issues, learn how our projects may impact treaty and Aboriginal rights and keep local communities informed about what we’re working on. Additionally, we need to collaborate with First Nations in identifying important areas so we can avoid them or make changes to reduce our footprint and impacts.
Our neighbours in the oil sands include many First Nations, towns and villages, the city of Fort McMurray and trappers. We work hard to maintain good relationships with these communities through efforts including:
- Signing cooperation agreements with the Fort McMurray and Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nations.
- Participating in community events with the Heart Lake First Nation.
- Contributing to life skills sessions and an elder helper program in the Métis hamlet of Conklin.
- Meeting with Métis Local 1935 Fort McMurray as part of a southern producers’ communication project dealing with cumulative effects.
- Working with the Bigstone Cree Nation’s consultation office and elder trappers to look for signify cant sites to avoid on the Saleski lease.