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NEWS RELEASE: IAMC-TMX Strengthens Indigenous Capacity along the TMX Route

February 10, 2022 – Vancouver, BC

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline (IAMC-TMX) today is celebrating the success of its Call for Proposals and Continuous Funding Programs.

In total, 100 project applications have been received totalling $8.39 million from four streams: Emergency Management, Indigenous Monitoring, Marine Shipping and Socio-Economic Effects. Each stream had three possible focus areas: planning activities, equipment purchase and training and skills development
Examples of projects that are receiving funding are:

  • Seven Generations Environmental Services, BC – $149,999 to enhance Indigenous monitoring and environmental management to support Indigenous monitors to safely conduct fieldwork by purchasing equipment and providing training for capacity building, which includes participation in TMX project monitoring activities. Seven Generations Environmental is an Indigenous owned and operated environmental services company equally shared by six Stó:lō First Nation Communities.
  • Skwah (Sqwá) First Nation, BC – $149,999 to house an Emergency Operations Center and purchase equipment to help protect Skwah (Sqwá) First Nation’s forested and residential areas from emergencies such as fires or potential impacts of the TMX project. The addition of infrastructure to Skwah (Sqwá) First Nation’s sweat lodge grounds enhances their capacity to restore balance and harmony related to any adverse socio-economic impacts of TMX with traditional ceremonies open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
  • Louis Bull Tribe, AB – $49,999 to expand an Indigenous Knowledge Training program for Louis Bull Tribe Indigenous Monitors who participate in various monitoring programs. Louis Bull Tribe is protecting and upholding Indigenous values and Natural law with the goal of having a holistic understanding of their territory and the impacts within it as stewards of the land. Louis Bull Tribe is building their governmental capacity and ability to monitor projects such as the TMX project to improve consultation and greater protect their rights should unforeseen impact be identified.

Quotes

“I am pleased to see the success of the IAMC-TMX funding programs and the meaningful ways they support Indigenous participation in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Investing in these Indigenous-led projects creates new local economic opportunities and advances economic reconciliation, while helping to equip communities along the route with the skills, training and infrastructure they need to be ready for the Trans Mountain Expansion.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

“I am grateful to all the communities who have developed meaningful and innovative initiatives that will support them in addressing concerns related to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. I am pleased that the IAMC-TMX partnership continues to provide significant support to communities.”

Michelle Wilsdon, Indigenous Co-Chair, IAMC-TMX

“The IAMC-TMX funding programs have been wonderful opportunities to access capacity funding to support employment, training, and business opportunities for our Indigenous owned company.”

Christine Dedrick, Project Coordinator, Seven Generations Environmental Services

“Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation responded to the IAMC-TMX Call for Proposals and we are very grateful for approvals of all three applications. This includes the purchase of needed infrastructure for our sweat lodge grounds to boost our capacity to respond to potential adverse socio-economic impacts of TMX construction, and post-construction, through our sweat lodge ceremonies in a safe environment.”

Eddie Gardner, Councillor, Lands and Resources Portfolio, and Chief and Council, Skwah (Sqwá) First Nation

“Louis Bull Tribe appreciates the support the IAMC-TMX has provided to Indigenous communities impacted by the TMX project. This funding demonstrates Canada’s sincerity in reconciling with Indigenous communities as well as its respect for our rights and cultural way of life that is deeply connected to land; programs such as this help us restore our rightful place as “stewards of the land”.

Melanie Daniels B.Sc., Consultation & Land Manager, Louis Bull Tribe

For More Information:
www.iamc.ca
www.facebook.com/iamc.tmx
www.twitter.com/iamc_tmx/
www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-advisory-and-monitoring-committee-for-the-trans-
mountain-expansion-and-existing-pipeline

Contact:
Kathy Liu
IAMC-TMX Communications
604-355-2977
Email: kathy.liu@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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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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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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