GNWT advocating for Indigenous governments to be consulted on release of oil sands mine water, spokesperson says – NNSL Media
November 18, 2025
The territorial government says it is advocating for the governments of Alberta and Canada to “formally engage and consult with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations in the NWT on the potential treatment and release of oil sands mine water, as well as on any related environmental assessments.”
That statement comes after the Dene Nation made a demand publicly on Nov. 12 that it be included in any environmental assessments of Alberta oil sand projects that could have adverse downstream impacts on Dene lands and waters.
That’s a concern shared by the GNWT, according to Thomas Bentham, acting manager/senior communications officer with the GNWT Department of Environment and Climate Change.
