Teachings by Fort McKay Elders – Beaver Habitat Design 

Canadian Natural works together with First Nations to apply traditional knowledge where possible. At our Albian operations, Fort McKay Elders taught reclamation professionals that beavers are a cultural keystone species considered “builders of the land”, and need to be encouraged to return to reclaimed areas in order to help rebuild the land post mining. 

This added a game-changing component to our reclamation planning that continues today. Beaver habitat design is incorporated at the reclamation planning stages by geotechnically designing watercourses and planting willow and popular. By working together, Indigenous community members increase their understanding of our current processes and Canadian Natural can include environmental, social and spiritual components in reclamation practices.