Former Piikani Nation councillor breaks silence on contentious Grassy Mountain coal mine [Video]

Former Piikani Nation councillor of 20 years, Fabian North Peigan, whose Blackfoot name is Last Otter, has shared his perspective on the Grassy Mountain coal mining site, which is located on Piikani traditional territory.

Australia’s Northback Holdings has applied for explorational drilling of the site in the Crowsnest Pass area with intention to mine, which has created deep fractures within many southern Alberta communities, between those for and against the project.

Piikani Nation members rallied in Brocket, Alta., on Monday in protest of the project, voicing concerns about its possible impact on the Old Man River.

The protest follows chief and council’s announcement of support for Northback’s drilling application last week.

“I stand with our people that our showing frustration of this process and I support them, and I’ll continue to support them,” said North Peigan.

“At the same time, I urge our elected government to be just a bit more transparent, so that …