Indigenous Energy
Indigenous peoples are an important element when it comes to energy development in Canada. When their companies and communities are given a fair opportunity to take control of their resources, they can eliminate on-reserve poverty and become more independent.
One of the biggest myths perpetuated about the oil and gas industry is that Indigenous peoples do not support energy development in Canada.
This part of the resource center is dedicated to dispelling that myth.
Graphics
Videos
Counter-Points
Projects like Trans Mountain do a massive consultation with Indigenous groups to ensure their knowledge is respected and that the project can go ahead while protecting tradition.
Most of the bands on the pipeline’s path have signed agreements with Coastal GasLink to receive economic benefits from the project.
http://www.coastalgaslink.com/engagement/indigenous-relations/
The Indian Resource Council has rejected C-69 because it infringes on the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Counter Point: Some Indigenous groups believe that the pipeline can provide a shift towards economic reconciliation.
https://www.reconciliationpipeline.ca/
According to Indian Oil and Gas Canada, 32 Reserves are producing oil on their land and 49 reserves are producing natural gas.
https://www.pgic-iogc.gc.ca/eng/1550764139040/1550764185444#ch9
Counter-point: 120 of the First Nations along Trans Mountain’s route support or do not oppose the pipeline, and 58 communities have signed agreements.
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/brookfield-seen-as-dark-horse-buyer-for-trudeau-s-pipeline-1.1387936
While hereditary chiefs do have authority over their traditional lands, All Indigenous voices, hereditary or not need a say in energy development including elected chiefs and councilors.
Even though Indigenous communities in the past have at times opposed oil sands development, All 14 of the Indigenous communities in the area signed benefits agreements with Teck.
https://nationalpost.com/
Over 400 Indigenous companies have done business with the oil and gas industry in Canada over the last 5 years.
https://www.jwnenergy.com/
Foreign funded protesters and organizations helped promote divisive blockades. The Wet’suwet’en Matriarchs promoted the economic benefits that could move their people out of poverty.
https://www.vicnews.com/business/b-c-liberals-call-for-ban-on-foreign-funds-to-pipeline-protesters/
Indigenous peoples who work in pipelines and oil and gas extraction have median incomes above $140,000 per year. The income they bring in is used to support their families and communities.
https://www.
First Nation communities have seen $1.3 Billion in revenue from oil and gas since 2010, however the amount per year is slowly declining which puts community programs at risk.
Indigenous peoples are paid higher than average wages in the oil and gas industry. For instance, the average wage for extraction jobs hover around $117,000 per year and $142,000 for pipeline work.
Source: https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/want-prosperous-first-nations-say-yes-to-pipelines/
Studies
THE FIRST ENTREPRENEURS NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND FIRST NATIONS
Title: THE FIRST ENTREPRENEURS NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND FIRST NATIONS Author: Germaine Belzile Publisher: Montreal Economic Institute Date: November 2018 Full Report Here Summary: The media often convey the impression that First Nations wish to earn a living from traditional activities alone and have little interest in the development of their
How far we’ve come: Indigenous engagement with the Canadian energy economy,
Title: How far we’ve come: Indigenous engagement with the Canadian energy economy, Author: Ken Coates Publisher: Macdonald-Laurier Institute Date: August 2020 Full Report Here Summary: MLI Munk Senior Fellow Ken Coates looks into Indigenous engagement within the oil and gas industry. The relationship between industry and First Nations communities haven’t always been great,
Indigenous leadership in Alberta’s energy sector
Title: Indigenous leadership in Alberta’s energy sector Author: Government of Alberta Publisher: Government of Alberta Date: August 2018 Full Text Article Summary: Indigenous communities across Alberta are sharing in the benefits of energy development. There is increasing Indigenous involvement in the oil sands sector – in ownership and support for projects.
First Nations issues and development of BC’s LNG industry
Title: First Nations issues and development of BC’s LNG industry Author: Kim Baird Publisher: First Nations LNG Alliance Date: September 2018 Full Report Here Summary: This review provides a brief overview of some of the issues and considerations that affect First Nations as they consider opportunities from the development of LNG projects
Province of British Columbia and First Nations LNG Alliance Joint Engagement Report
Title: Province of British Columbia and First Nations LNG Alliance Joint Engagement Report Author: Government of British Columbia, First Nations LNG Alliance Publisher: Government of British Columbia, First Nations LNG Alliance Date: 2017 Full Report Here Summary: If LNG projects are done in a way that respects First Nation interests, they will
REPORT ON INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LNG (2017)
Title: REPORT ON INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LNG (2017) Author: Government of Canada, First Nation LNG Alliance Publisher: Government of Canada, First Nation LNG Alliance Date: 2017 Full Report Here Summary: Superficial engagement could lead to companies facing the risk of not correctly identifying environmental priorities, or fully understanding other fundamental issues
Opportunities for First Nation prosperity through oil and gas development
Title: Opportunities for First Nation prosperity through oil and gas development Author: Ravina Bains, Kenneth P. Green Publisher: Frasier Institute Date: November 2013 Full Report Here Summary: While there are some obstacles to overcome so that the First Nations can benefit from oil and gas development, solutions can be derived
ENGAGEMENT WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Title: ENGAGEMENT WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Author: Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Publisher: Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Date: September 2018 Full Report Here Summary: Canada’s oil and natural gas industry continues to build positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities where we work.
