Following Greta Thunberg’s very publicized visit to Edmonton on Friday, the young Swedish activist travelled up north to Fort McMurray to privately meet with leaders of First Nations communities in the area.
Travelling with the 16-year-old is a crew from the BBC shooting a documentary focused on her work on climate change and the inclusion of Indigenous views on the issue.
Thunberg met with the Mikisew Cree First Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation during her visit Saturday.
She met with the Mikisew’s Chief Archie Waquan and councillor Calvin Waquan, and Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam.
Thunberg also interviewed Melody Lepine, the director of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government, for the documentary.
In a news release, the Mikisew First Nation said that her interviews focused on environmental concerns regarding oilsands development and climate change.
Athabasca Chipewyan’s Adam said his meeting was arranged earlier in the week, and wasn’t made public to prevent pro-oilsands protesters from disrupting it.
While Thunberg was in Edmonton on Friday for the massive rally at the Alberta legislature, a counter-rally of oilsands supporters drove in with a convoy of trucks.
She stayed away from any direct criticism of Alberta’s oilsands during her speech at that rally.
Thunberg will be in Jasper, Alta. on Sunday.
—With files from The Canadian Press