MORE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES TAKING THE LEAD IN CANADIAN OIL AND GAS CANADA’S ENERGY SECTOR TRANSFORMATION
fellow Heather Exner-Pirot wrote in a May 2021 report. “This is often the most consequential way through which they can achieve economic self-determination and real leverage in how projects proceed, including having a more direct say in the environmental pro- visions of projects.” Here are some current examples:
by Deborah Jaremko
A growing number of Canada’s Indigenous communities are becoming owners of oil and gas projects that can help reduce envi- ronmental impacts while lifting their members out of poverty. More project ownership builds on momentum in the industry’s spending with Indigenous busi- nesses. “In my life now, I see so much conversation about the importance of Indigenous people sitting at the table of major projects and discussions. The conversation is with the major stakeholders, and that’s Indigenous people,” said Jordan Jolicoeur, president of Métis-owned Carvel Electric, during a recent webinar hosted by the Canadian Asso- ciation of Petroleum Producers launching a new report about Indigenous engagement in oil and gas.
“Indigenous people have been here for tens of thousands of years, and when those projects leave, Indigenous people will still be here for hundreds of thou- sands of years in the future, so our voice is very important on the future of Canada. I believe that voice is being heard now, and that is a very large part of recon- ciliation.”
Northern Courier Pipeline Construction of the Northern Courier Pipeline, which went into service in January 2018. Photo courtesy TC Energy Indigenous communities: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, Conklin Métis Local 193, Fort Chipewyan Métis Local #125, Fort McKay Métis Nation, McMurray Métis, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, Willow Lake Métis Nation Eight Indigenous communities in Alberta’s oil sands region have entered into a joint agreement with Suncor Energy to acquire 15 per cent ownership of the Northern Courier Pipeline, which connects Suncor’s Fort Hills oil sands mine to the project’s East Tank Farm.
Indigenous communities involved in the resource sector have gained significantly more influence and benefits over the past 20 years, according to the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI). “The trend in recent years has evolved towards nations asserting themselves as partners, owners and shareholders in resource development,” MLI
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
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