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Indigenous Caucus of the IAMC-TMX Responds to Trans Mountain Expansion Project Approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALGARY, AB, May 1, 2024 – Following the Canada Energy Regulator’s approval of the final pipeline leave to open (LTO) application for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), the Indigenous Caucus of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX) calls for heightened environmental vigilance and cooperative action.

The completion of the TMX pipeline marks not an end, but a beginning. The operation phase brings a critical need for ongoing evaluation to fully understand the impacts of this project. Our commitment as the Indigenous Caucus is to ensure that these evaluations are thorough, transparent, and informed by traditional knowledge and scientific data.

“As the TMX pipeline nears completion, it is crucial that we implement rigorous follow-up monitoring to understand the true impacts of the pipeline and ensure that any potential negative effects are swiftly addressed and mitigated,” stated Raymond Cardinal, Indigenous Chair of the IAMC-TMX.

Once the TMX is completed, there will a significant increase in oil tanker traffic in the waters of the Salish Sea, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the western approach to the Straitwaters—from one tanker per week to seven per week.

“We stand at a pivotal moment where collaboration and diligence are paramount,” said Trina Sxwithul’txw, the Chair of the Marine Shipping Subcommittee of the IAMC-TMX. “Our marine environment, a vital resource for our communities and what makes us whole as a people, demands our focused protection as tanker traffic increases. We call on all parties involved—governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the communities affected—to continue to find common ground in safeguarding our shared environment.”

The Indigenous Caucus of the IAMC-TMX will continue to work diligently with federal regulators and all other parties to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to uphold the commitments made to the Indigenous communities impacted by the TMX project.

About IAMC-TMX:

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion (IAMC-TMX) was established following the Prime Minister’s announcement supporting the co-development of a monitoring committee when the TMX project was approved. Comprising representatives from Indigenous communities affected by the pipeline, the Canada Energy Regulator, and other government departments, the IAMC-TMX plays a crucial role in overseeing the safety and

environmental protection of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system. This vital work will continue for the entire life of the pipeline, until it is eventually decommissioned, ensuring ongoing vigilance and responsiveness to environmental and community needs.

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As discussions continue at the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering, participants have surfaced critical priorities and reflections shaping the dialogue: ● Lack of access to affordable housing and risk of homelessness ● Sex trafficking linked to work camps and non-local workers ● Mental stresses and depression connected to suicide ● Double burden of gender and racialized discrimination ● Heightened drug trade activity A powerful conversation developed about the 550 missing and murdered males in Alberta. We must stop excluding them from these discussions. Violence and vulnerability affect Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and men, and addressing these realities requires inclusive, systemic solutions. These insights reinforce the need to embed safety, security, and wellness into project planning from the outset through Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Plus (IGBA+), and community- and Indigenous-led oversight.

A huge shoutout to Mo Dawson, the talented graphic artist who is capturing the heart of our conversations at the SESC Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering. Mo’s visual storytelling is bringing complex discussions to life; turning priorities, reflections, and ideas into powerful images that speak louder than words. It’s a beautiful way to honour the voices in the room and ensure these insights resonate long after the gathering ends. Thank you, Mo, for your incredible work and creativity! https://www.modawsoncreative.com/

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Today and tomorrow (December 4–5, 2025), the IAMC‑TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) is hosting the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People in the Context of the Building Canada Act, 2025 on Musqueam xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory (Richmond, BC). This two‑day gathering brings together Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, and partners to focus on the safety, security (including economic security), and wellness of Indigenous women, girls, two‑spirit and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. We’ll explore what Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) means in the context of accelerated and streamlined infrastructure and resource development stemming from the Building Canada Act, 2025, share wise practices for community safety and oversight, and recognize the importance of Indigenous involvement in condition‑setting and monitoring. The gathering features a range of speakers and engagement activities to surface priorities for future action and research.

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Register now for our Regional Engagement Session in Kamloops on Nov.27. This session is a chance to: • Connect with Nations in your region. • Share your community’s priorities. • Ask questions and guide how IAMC-TMX evolves after the 2025 Line Wide Gathering. Please register for the session closest to your community. Kamloops registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iamc-tmx-interior-bc-regional-engagement-session-tickets-1838961396039?aff=oddtdtcreator General Regional Engagement information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/LINEWIDE2025/regionals

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Our 8th annual Line Wide Gathering has wrapped up. Thank you to everyone who joined us, sharing openly, honestly, and with such transparency. Your voices made this Gathering truly meaningful. We're grateful to the Indigenous community members who travelled to be here, the regulators who were incredible listeners, and for all the collaborations that continue to develop. Our Elders closed with prayers, reminding us to take care of Mother Earth and to carry hope in our hearts as we move forward together.

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Day 3 Line Wide Gathering - Carrying the Fire Forward This morning began with a beautiful pipe ceremony and prayer led by our Elders, filling our spirits and reminding us of the unconditional love they share. We are deeply grateful for their guidance. We also honoured presenters Alan Ehrlich and Frank Vanclay through a blanketing ceremony. The event featured Dene and Cree voices and a Cree song. Grand Chief Doug Kelly spoke and reflected on the wisdom shared from our Elders to listen deeply and hold on to hope.

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Line Wide Gathering, Day 2: Lighting the Path Forward Today was a powerful day of connection and vision. We began and ended with Elders' prayers, laughter and insights. Throughout the day, we imagined what the future could look like. We asked: What can Indigenous-led oversight truly look like? We explored future systems and the conversations were brilliant, bold and respectful. From Indigenous experts and leaders to regulators and academics, we witnessed the strength and spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Panellists, speakers, and participants alike helped paint a picture of what’s possible when we come together. Day 2 was all about visioning the future, the projects, policies, and tools that will shape tomorrow. It was a day to reflect, imagine, and commit to illuminating the way forward, together. Special shoutout to Martin, Happy Birthday! Photo credit to Ramsey Kunkel Photography, and Angie Saltman

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We’re honoured to have graphic recorder Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel of ViClarity Inc. visually documenting the heart of our conversations at this year's Line Wide Gathering. Through her art, the essence of Indigenous-led oversight, long-term stewardship, and Nation-to-Nation collaboration is brought to life in real time. As we look ahead, these visuals remind us of the power of story, spirit, and shared vision.

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