The partnership between the company, five First Nations and three Métis communities is called Astisiy, a Cree word that means “thread made from sinew,” which is used in activities like Indigenous beading. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam said the opportunity “represents an example of what is possible when Industry and Indigenous communities collaborate on economic reconciliation. Through embracing such partnerships long-term benefits are realized for the greater good.” The group’s investment in the pipeline, supported by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corpo- ration, is expected to generate approximately $16 million in revenue annually for the communities for decades.
Indigenous community: Frog Lake First Nation The Frog Lake First Nation near Bonnyville, Alberta owns a major piece of the Lindbergh oil sands project. Through Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp., the community owns Lindbergh’s cogeneration plant, which provides the facility with heat and electricity generated from natural gas. It also exports elec- tricity into the Alberta grid and contributes to the province’s efforts to phase out coal power. Frog Lake generates monthly cash flows for the First Nation by leasing back the facility to Lindbergh owner Strathcona Resources Ltd. Its ownership of the plant is supported by the Alberta Indigenous Resources Corporation.
two years to work toward a go-ahead decision in 2023. Startup is planned for 2027, shipping LNG to Asian markets to help replace high emitting coal-fired power. “The difference between Cedar and any other project is the huge equity piece and that owner- ship. I believe it’s what every First Nation in this country strives for – if not the world strives for,” said Haisla Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “It will bring tremendous economic opportunities and benefits, ensuring the Haisla people have control of our own future.”
Cedar LNG Cedar LNG project map. Courtesy Cedar LNG Indigenous community: Haisla Nation The Haisla Nation on B.C.’s north coast is approx- imately 50 per cent owner of Cedar LNG, a proposed $2.4-billion floating export terminal that if built will be the largest First Nations- owned infrastructure project in Canada. Cedar LNG got a push forward this June with Pembina Pipeline Corporation acquiring the remaining 50 per cent interest and announcing plans to invest about US$90 million over the next
First Nations themselves – is one of the largest business investments to date by a First Nations entity in Canada. The economic benefits of ownership include funding social programs, education and training, developing business capacity and building infra- structure, Mikisew Cree First Nation says. Lindbergh Cogen
East Tank Farm Photo courtesy Suncor Energy Indigenous communities: Fort McKay First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation Also at Fort Hills, the Fort McKay and Mikisew Cree First Nations already own 49 per cent of the project’s East Tank Farm. Completed in 2017, the $545-million deal – initiated by the
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
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