Reclaiming homeland - An evaluation of traditional land use planning in oils sands mine closure and reclamation plans

This paper presents a systematic review of traditional land use planning in mine closure and reclamation at seven oil sands mines operating in the traditional territory of Fort McKay First Nation, Alberta, Canada. Life of Mine Closure Plans lacked evidence that consultation and engagement with local Indigenous communities on mine closure and reclamation was guided by principles and actions towards truth and reconciliation. While all plans stated that traditional land use was one of the planned outcomes, there was limited evidence of planning for the renewal of cultural landscapes and relationships. A critical gap and opportunity for reclaiming Indigenous homelands is to align provincial mine closure and reclamation policy and law with national and international Indigenous rights law and policy. This is an essential step to sustain the community and culture of local Indigenous communities, like Fort McKay First Nation, who are interconnected with their traditional lands, waters, and practices. • First study to partially apply a ‘Two-Roads Approach’ methodology in mine closure and reclamation. • Insufficient evidence consultation was guided by truth & reconciliation principles and actions. • Limited evidence oil sands mines are planning for the renewal of Indigenous cultural landscapes. • Alberta law, policy must be revised with a broader description of cultural reclamation as mitigation. • Reclaiming Indigenous homelands requires participatory planning processes and full resourcing.