Updates

Latest Updates and News

Deer-01

NEWS RELEASE – Sema:th First Nation, First Nations Industrial & Environmental Monitoring and the IAMC-TMX Celebrate Launch of Pipeline Monitoring Project

Sema:th First Nation, First Nations Industrial and Environmental Monitoring (FN-IEM), and the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline (IAMC-TMX) are applauding the launch of a project that will build Indigenous capacity, self-determination, and protect Sema:th people and their territory through ongoing environmental monitoring using automated technology and community oversight.

“We need to consider ways we can empower ourselves with the authority to monitor for spills and respond to emergencies that will impact our communities, our culture, and the exercise of our rights. We have much at stake,” said Chief Dalton Silver of Sema:th First Nation.

Once the system is commissioned, FN-IEM will be integrating a First Nations monitoring and emergency notification system at Sema:th.

Once fully implemented, FN-IEM’s intent will be to share with other pipeline-impacted First Nations best-practices and lessons learned from this project so that they, too, may benefit by using similar technology within their territories.

“The concept of stewardship and conservation is deeply rooted in our culture, and through technology, we are developing solutions to ensure our resources and lands are shared in better condition with future generations. Our elders are calling on us to exercise our responsibility,” said Dr. Michelle Corfield, Ucluelet First Nation, FN-IEM President and principle owner

This work is being supported by $489,693 from the IAMC-TMX Capacity Funding Program to increase Indigenous participation in the Trans Mountain Corporation’s Expansion Project and existing pipeline.

“The work being done by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for TMX is a model for the path we must follow. This partnership with Sema:th is a great example of the good that can be done when we work together,” said the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr, Minister of Natural Resources.

“The IAMC-TMX was established to form the basis of a new relationship between Indigenous communities, the Government and regulators including the Canada Energy Regulator in respect of the Trans Mountain activities. While the Committee has set the table for meaningful and collaborative inclusion of Indigenous communities – success is truly achieved when communities themselves are at the heart of our work together. I congratulate Chief Silver and his community on the launch of their innovative and ground-breaking monitoring project,” said Michelle Wilsdon, Co-Chair, IAMC-TMX.

Chief Silver said today, “Our relationship with the land is of greatest importance. This project will honour our rights to govern activities occurring within our lands and honour our responsibility to ensure the future of our lands for our people. The Sema:th First Nation looks forward to integrating the FN-IEM technology.”

For more information, please contact:

Loriena Melnick
Director, Indigenous and Crown Relations
First Nations Industrial and Environmental Monitoring
lm@fniem.com • (250) 299-7387

Kathy Liu
IAMC-TMX Communications
kathy.liu@canada.ca • (604) 355-2977

News-Release_Sumas_FNIEM_IAMC-TMX

Posted in ,

IAMC-TMX

Facebook

From the Field to the Filing Manual: Indigenous Voices in Regulation Our Indigenous Monitors are not only on the ground — they’re shaping policy. Through joint work with the Canada Energy Regulator, we’re working to improve the Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals to better reflect Indigenous priorities. This Indigenous History Month, we honour the knowledge, dedication, and leadership that make this possible. Graphic Source: CER OPR Review: Overview and What We Heard in Phase 1

3

On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, the IAMC reflects on the power of ceremony to honour, uplift, and connect. Over the past two years, we’ve held blanketing ceremonies to recognize the contributions of our Indigenous Monitors, Indigenous co-chair Ray Cardinal, Elders Ken and Lorraine White, federal co-chair Joanne Pereira-Ekström, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada representative Alice Cheung. These ceremonies—led by Elders and witnessed by our communities—are more than symbolic. They are acts of love, respect, and cultural continuity. Blanketing is a sacred tradition that wraps recipients in warmth and protection, acknowledging their service and spirit. It reminds us that leadership is not only about decisions made, but about authenticity, integrity, and supporting communities. We thank all Elders, Monitors, leaders, and partners who walk with us on this path of Indigenous-led oversight. Today, and every day, we honour your wisdom and your work. Photo credits: Mary Fowles

12

Indigenous Oversight: More Than a Seat at the Table At the IAMC-TMX, Indigenous oversight means more than participation — it means influence, accountability, and decision-making by our people, for our people. This Indigenous History Month, we celebrate the strength of our communities and the power of Indigenous-led institutions to shape the future of energy regulation in Canada. Learn more: www.iamc.ca Photo credits: Mary Fowles and Earl Belcourt

4

Chief Darcy Dixon, Alberta First Nations representative for the IAMC, pictured here second to left, along with all other Treaty 7 Chiefs, welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, AB.

7
1 Comments

Save the Date: Line Wide Gathering 2025 Oct 14-17, Westin Calgary Downtown Welcome reception on the evening of October 14th Line Wide Gathering on the 15th and 16th – Half day on the 17th We’ll share more information at a later date by email, on the iamc.ca website, and our LinkedIn and Facebook pages.

2
1 Comments

Honouring the Roots of Indigenous Oversight This National Indigenous History Month, we reflect on the powerful origins of the IAMC-TMX. It began in 2017 with a letter to the Prime Minister — a call from leaders Chief Ernie Crey and Chief Aaron Sumexheltza to create a new model of Indigenous-led oversight. Today, that vision endures through our subcommittees, our Indigenous Monitors, our partnerships with regulators, and our ongoing commitment to protecting lands, waters, and communities. We honour those who stood up, spoke out, and continue to lead the way. Learn more: www.iamc.ca Photo credit: Mary Fowles

7

We’re Making History — Together This National Indigenous History Month, the IAMC proudly celebrates the transformative work of our Indigenous Monitors Program — a program built by Indigenous People, for Indigenous oversight. Since 2019, Indigenous Monitors from communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) have been exercising their rights and responsibilities to protect the lands, waters, and sacred places along the route. Our Monitors bring Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and law to their roles, working towards development done with respect, accountability, and care. The Indigenous Monitoring program is the first of its kind, not only in Canada but also globally. This is not just monitoring. This is Indigenous leadership in action. This is reconciliation in practice. This is history — and we are honoured to be making it together. Photo credits: Mary Fowles and Earl Belcourt

8

Request for Proposal The IAMC-TMX is requesting proposals for conference meeting facilitator services for our Line Wide Gathering 2025. For more information, please visit www.iamc.ca/request-for-proposal-conferenece-meeting-facilitator-services-for-iamc-tmx-line-wide-gathering-2025/.

2

Request for Proposal The IAMC-TMX is seeking proposals for the administration of the selection process for the Alberta Métis representative to the IAMC-TMX Indigenous Caucus. Proposals must be submitted by June 16, 2025. For more information, please visit www.iamc.ca/request-for-proposal-administration-of-the-selection-process-for-the-alberta-metis-representative-to-the-iamc-tmx-indigenous-caucus/

Newsletter Subscription

If you would like to receive email notifications of the latest IAMC-TMX news updates, please sign up to our subscription service.