Cree look for slice of Mackenzie gasline, oil sands projects

Gary Park

Two Cree communities in Alberta have struck a deal to share in several economic ventures, including potential stakes in the Mackenzie Gas Project and the oil sands.

The Samson Cree Nation, 50 miles south of Edmonton, and the Mikisew Cree Nation at Fort Chipewyan in the far northeastern corner of the province signed as memorandum of understanding July 23.

The enterprises could range from business services and real estate development to training for some of the Samson’s 6,200 residents to work on two drilling rigs which are partly owned by the community in a joint venture with Western Lakota Energy Services.

Samson Chief Victor Buffalo said the Samson and Mikisew want to make sure the Canadian and Alberta governments realize the aboriginal communities want to be part of the “mammoth” development of the oil sands.

He also said they will be on the lookout for opportunities spinning off from the Mackenzie project.