Siksika Nation expresses concerns over lack of consultation regarding potential data centre

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chief Sam Crowfoot of Siksika Nation is expressing concern and dissent over the handling of Diode Venture’s proposed data centre for construction in Wheatland County. 

He explained that despite promises to do so, Siksika Nation has not been formally engaged in the discussion yet, and though the proposed data centre is off reserve, it is still within traditional territory, and their realm of concern. 

“I know they (Wheatland County) are following their own processes on their own schedule and own timeline, but we need to make sure that we are not left behind in these discussions … we want to make sure that any type of development in the area is sustainable,” he said. 

Crowfoot emphasized the realities and challenges of living in a drought-prone region, which relies heavily on irrigation systems and the limited local water supplies to function.

He described water use and potential pollution being among Siksika Nation’s primary concerns they would like to see better answered before any approvals are handed out. 

“Not just the draw on water, where they are getting it from, but also the waste, the byproducts, if any. We hear a lot of things for and against data centres, and there are just too many questions for us to really take a position for or against, but the environmental concerns have us guarded,” he said. “Until we are able to answer some of those questions, we want to make sure that we are just not going to take an official position for or against until we have some of those questions answered.”

Under the Alberta Water Act, a water license is required to use or divert ground or surface water. The province no longer issues new licenses. Instead, entities wishing to utilize water must negotiate with an existing license holder for the right to divert volumes from a source of water supply. 

As per the documents submitted by Diode Ventures to the county, their water consumption needs “are being coordinated … and will be aligned with the county and province’s guidelines and regulations.”  

It is noted in the county’s July 7 meeting agenda under the Agency and Technical Review comments, Technical Services inquired that the applicant confirms an estimated water demand of 113 cubic meters per day.

In Diode’s Area Concept Plan, domestic water use is estimated at 1.12 cubic meters per day for domestic use cases. The requirements to maintain closed loop water cooling were not outlined in the meeting agenda documents.

Water servicing for the facility is currently proposed either to tap into the Goldfinch Raw Water Line, or onsite groundwater wells.

Crowfoot added another one of his concerns is in regards to impacts on surrounding local wildlife, and the heat generated by such a facility.

In a letter addressed to Wheatland County prior to the July 7, council meeting where the facility was discussed, Siksika Chief and council indicated concerns that they would be immediately downwind of heat exhaust by the proposed facility.

“The prevailing winds in the area typically travel from west to east. As such, Siksika would be directly impacted by any emissions from a data processing facility in the subject lands,” reads the letter. 

Crowfoot emphasized his position that Siksika is not anti-progress, but rather, pro-sustainability and pro-responsibility, both for populations today, and for generations to come.

He called for environmental impact assessments to be undertaken and verified by neutral third parties prior to any approvals being made regarding the project. 

Wheatland County is scheduled to meet Aug. 11, to discuss third readings of Bylaws 2025-32 and 2025-34 which govern the lands where Diode’s facility is proposed for construction.