Indigenous Relations

We are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities that recognize and respect Indigenous and Treaty rights, individual values and traditions.

Engaging the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia

We would value the participation of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in environmental monitoring of the Alton project and engagement on project benefits. We remain in dialogue with Mi’kmaw leaders in these areas. Our engagement has included discussions with Sipekne’katik First Nation regarding environmental protection and community benefits, an open house at Millbrook First Nation and meetings with Chiefs and councils.

Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study

As part of our work to research the Shubenacadie River and surrounding areas, a Mi'kmaq Ecological Study was conducted for Alton. A 2012 update to the study built on the original findings from 2007.

Mi’kmaq-led Independent Science Review

We participated in a third-party review of the Alton project and accepted the review’s recommendations. The company that conducted the review was retained by the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations among the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada about Alton. The review focused on assessing potential impacts of the proposed Alton project on fish and fish habitat of the Shubenacadie Estuary. The review led to enhanced environmental protections.

Studying the Shubenacadie River

IKANAWTIKET Environmental Incorporated, an Aboriginal environmental educational charity, is studying the Shubenacadie River system. Alton is a supporter of the IKANAWTIKET study, providing funding and a truck to help with sample collection.

Raising Wetlands Awareness

IKANAWTIKET in conjunction with the Engineering Department at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture, developed a new portable lab to help explain the value of wetlands and how they work. Alton supported development of the lab which travels to schools and community events in Nova Scotia.

Fish Fact Sheets

Years of research on the Shubenacadie River have been summarized in fish fact sheets developed by Dalhousie University with input from Alton consultants and reviewed by a multi-party working group including federal and provincial departments and representatives of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.