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IAMC-TMX Sponsors Interns through the I-STEAM Pathways Program

A New Chapter in Indigenous Inclusion and Environmental Stewardship 

At IAMC-TMX, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of diverse perspectives, especially regarding environmental protection and sustainable practices. We’re excited to announce a unique partnership with the University of Alberta’s I-STEAM Pathways program, sponsoring three Indigenous interns attending university, so they can participate in internship programs. This initiative is more than just an internship; it’s integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into opportunities for environmental stewardship. 

Collaborative Advantage: Indigenous Knowledge Meets Environmental Research 

The I-STEAM Pathways program empowers First Nations, Métis, and Inuit undergraduate students enrolled in any recognized post-secondary institution. It provides hands-on research experience and mentorship in environmental fields through the University of Alberta and its partner, the National Research Council of Canada. By sponsoring these interns, IAMC-TMX is investing in these students’ personal growth and enriching our communities with their unique insights and cultural knowledge. This blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental practices is crucial for developing holistic and sustainable solutions. 

The Interns’ Journey: Learning, Growing, and Contributing 

The program involved paid internships, allowing students to work on diverse projects such as mycorrhizal fungal communities and climate change, environmental chemistry and Indigenous communities, and recycling plastics and land restoration. It emphasized incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in environmental studies and provided students with hands-on experience in biology, technology, environmental engineering, policy, and law. 

The three interns, each with their distinct background and study area, were immersed in various projects and research in the environmental field. They worked under the mentorship of experienced professionals, gaining practical skills and contributing to environmental initiatives. This experience has enhanced their academic and professional journey and provided them with a platform to voice their perspectives and ideas. 

A Step Towards a More Inclusive Future 

This sponsorship is an example of IAMC-TMX’s commitment to increasing Indigenous expertise and involvement in the environmental sector. By integrating Indigenous communities’ knowledge and perspectives, we are acknowledging the importance of these voices and paving the way for a more inclusive and practical approach to environmental management and oversight. 

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Collaboration 

The collaboration between IAMC-TMX and the University of Alberta’s I-STEAM Pathways program is just the beginning. We are excited to see these interns’ impact on the areas where they’ll bring their studies and the broader community. We look forward to nurturing their talents, listening to their voices, and watching them grow into future leaders. 

As they embark on this journey, they are becoming valuable contributors to a sustainable future and agents of change in bridging Indigenous knowledge with contemporary environmental practices. It’s a unique opportunity for these Indigenous university students to explore career pathways and gain valuable research experience. Together, we move towards a future where inclusivity and sustainability are at the forefront of environmental stewardship and research. 

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) The Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) works with coastal communities on stewardship, spill response inclusion, and building capacity for Indigenous‑led monitoring on the water. MSSC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. www.iamc.ca/marine-shipping-subcommittee/ #IAMC #MSSC #MarineStewardship #SpillResponse #CoastalCommunities

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Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC): Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) The Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) advances “boots on the ground” oversight, where Indigenous knowledge guides inspections, community involvement, and environmental protection throughout the Trans Mountain pipeline lifecycle. IMSC is one of four subcommittees created by the IAMC-TMX to support their work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion. The Committee brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of the project. #IAMC #IMSC #IndigenousMonitoring #EnvironmentalProtection Read more: www.iamc.ca/im-program/

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Now that the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline is operating, what’s changed for the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX)? With more oil moving through the system, the stakes have gone up, and IAMC-TMX’s role is more important than ever. Before the expansion, the amount of oil running from Edmonton, AB to the shipping terminals in Burnaby, BC was enough to fill roughly one oil tanker each week. The extra capacity created by the expansion resulted in a significant jump, increasing marine traffic to several tankers per week through coastal waters. For as long as the pipeline exists, including through operations and eventual decommissioning, the IAMC‑TMX provides a forum to ensure Indigenous voices remain part of oversight as conditions, risks, and priorities evolve. www.iamc.ca/indigenous-caucus-of-the-iamc-tmx-responds-to-trans-mountain-expansion-project-approval/ #IAMC #TMX #Operations #MarineShipping

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Why were Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IAMC) created? IAMCs were created to increase Indigenous participation and trust in the oversight of large energy projects. The model was co‑developed alongside the TMX project approvals and during the construction and early operations of the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Program. It has been funded over multiple federal budgets to sustain operations across the project lifecycle. Read Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Evaluation on IAMCs here: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/pdf/IAMC_EN.pdf #IAMC #Policy #Oversight #Reconciliation

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Indigenous Monitoring and IAMCs: How it Works Indigenous Monitors work alongside the Canada Energy Regulator and other federal partners to conduct inspections, participate in emergency exercises, and undertake compliance verification. They bring Indigenous knowledge to on-the-ground oversight. The work of Indigenous monitors is supported by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) which brings Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and ensure meaningful Indigenous oversight across all stages of major energy projects. Built on mutual respect and shared responsibility, IAMCs work collaboratively to protect environmental and Indigenous interests. Learn more: www.iamc.ca/im-program/ #IAMC #IndigenousMonitoring #CER #Stewardship

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Participation Without Prejudice Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IAMCs) operate on a “Participation Without Prejudice” basis. Joining an IAMC committee does not mean a community supports or opposes a project. It also does not affect the Crown’s duty to consult. IAMCs bring Indigenous leaders and federal partners together to advise regulators and support meaningful Indigenous involvement. Learn more at www.iamc.ca #IAMC #RightsRecognition #Reconciliation

What is an Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC)? An Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is a co-developed table that brings Indigenous leaders together with federal partners to advise regulators and support oversight of major energy projects. Built on mutual respect and shared responsibility, IAMCs work collaboratively to protect environmental and Indigenous interests. Today, there are two IAMCs: one for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) and one for the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Program. Both support meaningful Indigenous involvement throughout every stage of these projects. Learn more at www.iamc.ca and www.iamc-line3.com #IAMC #IndigenousCollaboration #EnergyOversight

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The story of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) began with a powerful act of leadership. In June 2016, Chief Ernie Crey (Cheam) and Chief Aaron Sumexheltza (Lower Nicola) wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Premiers of B.C. and Alberta, calling for meaningful Indigenous involvement in the oversight of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX). That letter set the stage for a new model of collaboration and led to the co-development of the IAMC-TMX, to bring Indigenous and federal representatives together to advise regulators and support Indigenous participation in oversight of safety, environmental protection, and Indigenous interests along the pipeline and associated marine shipping routes. Learn about the IAMC-TMX: www.iamc.ca

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Governance Update: IAMC‑TMX As the Trans Mountain Expansion Project has been operating, the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC‑TMX) is undertaking governance alignment to ensure its work is fully focused on operations‑phase oversight. IAMC‑TMX activities will be paused until June while the Indigenous Caucus strengthens governance, clarifies processes and roles, and prepares for long‑term oversight during operations. This pause is intentional and reflects the Committee’s commitment to strong governance, accountability, and Indigenous‑led oversight. Updates will be shared as this work progresses. #IAMC #Governance #IndigenousOversight #TMX

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