First Nation voices concern over proposed AI data centre in northern Alberta [Video]

There is backlash over an artificial intelligence data centre proposed for northern Alberta.

A First Nation says the plans infringe on treaty rights. It is also raising concerns about Premier Danielle Smith’s relationship with a celebrity investor.

Last month, the Municipal District of Greenview partnered with Dragon’s Den star Kevin O’Leary to build an off-grid natural gas-powered data centre in its region.

The centre would be used to hold computing resources to develop and train artificial intelligence models.

Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine told Global News that the site impacts resources on their treaty land and that the First Nation was not consulted.

“With something in this nature, this size that they’re talking, have that open conversation with us. That is in our backyard,” Sunshine said.

In a letter written to Smith, obtained by Global News, the chief raises concerns about whether Smith has given permits to O’Leary for gas or water access.

A spokesperson for the …