In a significant move, the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) has voiced its opposition to a proposed data center project in Alberta, citing concerns over constitutional rights and the breach of the 1899 Treaty No. 8 agreement. The project, spearheaded by O’Leary Ventures, aims to build a sprawling data center, natural gas plant, and geothermal facility in the Greenview Industrial Gateway (GIG), located between Calgary and Banff. The SLCN claims the development threatens their traditional way of life, particularly their access to vital water sources such as the Smoky River.
Treaty No. 8 and Its Implications for Indigenous Rights
Treaty No. 8, signed in 1899, guarantees the rights of Indigenous communities to their lands and resources, including the right to practice their traditional ways of life. Chief Sheldon Sunshine, leader of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, argues that the proposed development would infringe upon these rights, as it affects land and water vital for the community’s survival and culture. He specifically highlighted the importance of the Smoky River, stating that it is one of the few remaining areas where they can exercise their traditional practices, such as fishing and hunting.
Lack of Consultation and Breach of Legal Obligations
A core issue raised by the SLCN is the lack of consultation regarding the transfer of land for the project. Chief Sunshine pointed out that, under Treaty No. 8, the First Nation has the right to be consulted before any development is allowed on their lands. He accused both O’Leary Ventures and the Alberta government of disregarding these legal obligations. Sunshine emphasized that the actions of O’Leary Ventures and the Municipal District of Greenview appear dismissive of Indigenous rights, with the implication that the land is simply there for the taking without proper engagement or consent from the affected community.
Kevin O’Leary’s ‘Wonder Valley’ Project: A $2 Billion Initiative
The data center project, dubbed the “Wonder Valley” initiative by entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary, is part of a larger vision to provide up to 7.5GW of low-cost power to hyperscalers over the next 5-10 years. The first phase is projected to cost $2 billion, with plans for significant long-term investments. By its completion in 2027-2028, the GIG site aims to host 58 data centers and offer a total capacity of 8.5GW, making it one of the largest developments of its kind in Canada.
O’Leary’s proposal has drawn attention due to the region’s favorable climate, abundant land, and access to renewable energy sources. Alberta’s government has actively encouraged such investments, including a policy that mandates data centers to bring their own power generation systems, making the province an attractive location for major data center projects.
The Role of Water Resources in Indigenous Way of Life
Chief Sunshine’s open letter highlights another critical concern: the Smoky River’s role in the community’s way of life. The river is one of the few accessible areas where the SLCN can continue traditional practices, such as fishing and trapping. The encroachment of industrial projects near the river jeopardizes not only these practices but also the overall health and wellbeing of the community, as water contamination or depletion could have serious repercussions for the people who rely on it.
Political and Legal Tensions: O’Leary’s Influence and Alberta’s Future
Adding to the tension, Chief Sunshine raised concerns about the political affiliations of key figures involved in the project. Both Kevin O’Leary and Premier Danielle Smith have praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to concerns about potential foreign influences on Canadian sovereignty. This aspect has only heightened the stakes for the SLCN, as they see it as part of a broader disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Alberta’s Growing Data Center Sector: Investment and Opportunity
Despite the controversy, Alberta has become a hotspot for data center investment. The province’s cool climate, low land costs, and access to renewable energy sources make it an attractive destination for data center operators. Recent reports suggest that major companies are eyeing Alberta for new data center campuses, with several large-scale projects already in the works. As of October 2023, Alberta has 22 operational data centers, with more than 2GW of capacity under development.
Key Takeaways: A Critical Intersection of Industry, Indigenous Rights, and Governance
The controversy surrounding O’Leary Ventures’ data center project highlights a critical issue at the intersection of industrial development, Indigenous rights, and governance. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation’s opposition underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to resource development that respects Indigenous communities’ constitutional rights and environmental stewardship.
FAQ Section
1. What is Treaty No. 8?
Treaty No. 8, signed in 1899, is an agreement between the Canadian government and several Indigenous Nations in northern Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. It protects Indigenous rights to land, resources, and cultural practices.
2. Why is the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation opposing the data center project?
The SLCN opposes the project because it breaches their constitutional rights under Treaty No. 8. They argue that the development threatens their access to vital resources like the Smoky River, which is crucial for their traditional way of life.
3. What is the Wonder Valley project?
The Wonder Valley project, led by entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary, is a large-scale initiative to build a data center, natural gas plant, and geothermal facility in Alberta. It aims to provide 7.5GW of low-cost power to hyperscalers over the next 5-10 years.
4. How does the Alberta government support data center development?
The Alberta government has created policies that encourage data center development, including a requirement that data centers bring their own power generation systems. This makes the province an attractive destination for large-scale projects.
5. What are the environmental concerns raised by the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation?
The primary environmental concern is the potential disruption of water sources like the Smoky River. The SLCN relies on these water sources for fishing, hunting, and cultural practices, and the development could endanger these vital resources.
