Cokel’s IMT Program in Action: Supporting Pipeline Projects and Protecting the Land

This winter, Cokel proudly supported two crews in Northern Alberta to support a major pipeline project through our Indigenous Monitoring and Training (IMT) Program. This marks another significant milestone in our mission to build stronger relationships between Indigenous communities and industry, while promoting understanding of environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance through on-the-job training.

The IMT Program is more than a training initiative, —it connects community members to the projects and people working on or near their community, ensuring Indigenous voices are present and heard while building trust through transparency. IMT participants play a critical role by monitoring compliance with Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs), observing construction activities firsthand, reporting back to their communities and contributing their own knowledge and perspectives to safeguard the land.

 

At Cokel, we’re proud of the meaningful work and relationships the IMT program creates, not because it meets regulatory requirements, but because it represents progress. It reflects our commitment in supporting Indigenous participation and development.

 

Each project, we see our IMT participants grow in confidence and capacity—and their reflections tell the story best.

 

“This program helps understand their process more and why they do what they do.”

 

– Barbara Horseman, Horse Lake First Nation

Barbara’s insight reflects the core purpose of the IMT program—building understanding. By witnessing construction practices firsthand, participants gain clarity on how environmental mitigations are planned and executed, which helps to build trust and collaboration between communities and industry.

“I saw that they are doing their best to protect the environment by using the mitigations outlined in the Environmental Protection Plan.”– Justin Wanyandie

Justin’s observation is a powerful affirmation of the work being done onsite and the importance of having Indigenous monitors verify that environmental commitments are being upheld and communicating it to their broader community.

“What stands out for me is the care that goes into the environment and ensuring the activities stay within the construction footprint. All the personnel were friendly and clear in explaining what was happening on each site. I learned that it takes years and years of planning for a project to happen, with all the details of what should and should not happen detailed in the EPP, including mitigations. One of my biggest learnings is that I really liked that the equipment was all inspected so they were not transferring debris from one site to another. This program gave me an opportunity to see construction from start to finish. I was supported by Cokel personnel. Let’s leave the land better than how we found it.”–

 

Ramona’s experience is what our IMT program is all about—education, empowerment, and care for the land. Her journey from the beginning to the end of the project demonstrates the real impact of having community members involved and supported every step of the way.

Moving Forward Together

The IMT program doesn’t just fulfill obligations—it’s part of our commitment to reconciliation and shared responsibility. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build better pathways between communities and industry. We are incredibly proud of our team this winter and deeply grateful for the knowledge, commitment, and care each IMT participant brought to the field.