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Derek Neary
Northern News Services
 Don Antoine, manager of employment and training for the Acho Dene Koe, organized a two-day workshop last week to begin setting clear guidelines for seismic activity in the Deh Cho. - NNSL file photo |
The Acho Dene Koe hosted the two-day seismic protocol workshop, intended to inform First Nations delegates about how seismic projects are carried out.
"We want to try to get everybody on the same page and working together," said Don Antoine, manager of employment and training for the Liard band.
Seismic activity is a means of determining what might lie within the earth. The information is used by oil and gas companies to make educated guesses as to where to drill.
Seismic companies use various methods of obtaining the data. Most involve cutting trails through the bush, known as seismic lines, and dynamiting at measured distances.
However, new technology is minimizing the impacts on the environment, according to Antoine. He said most new seismic lines are not even visible from the air.
Among the 23 preliminary issues and concerns that arose during the workshop were: using clear and simple language; the inclusion of elders in environmental studies; environmental disturbance fees and access fees; the use of chemicals in seismic activity; revegetation and clean up; and capacity building.
Antoine said the Acho Dene Koe is trying to clear the way for local people to move up the ladder -- from cutting and slashing brush up to management positions -- but band members also have to show initiative.
"We run into a brick wall there ... we're dealing with a lot of people with very low grade levels," said Antoine. "A lot of people would rather do (slashing) as opposed to expanding themselves. It's just what we have to deal with."
On the other hand, for today's students and those willing to further their education, Antoine said he's hoping to establish a regional environmental monitor training program. It would offer new careers for local people, he said.
A working committee was created to incorporate the concerns into a seismic activity protocol. Antoine said a first draft of that document should be disseminated to First Nations for review before the end of the year. The protocol, in its final form, is to be adopted by the Acho Dene Koe, and it's hoped other First Nations will also adopt the document or at least use it as a guideline in customizing their own protocol, Antoine said.
There were over 40 people in attendance at the workshop, with representation from the territorial government, the National Energy Board, Liidlii Kue First Nation, the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation and Deh Cho First Nations.
