For Immediate Release
March 1, 2023
(Ottawa, ON) Energy for a Secure Future announces the launch of its first discussion paper entitled “Ownership and Beyond – How Indigenous Peoples Are Shaping a more Secure Energy Future.” The paper focuses on the evolving roles and relationships of Indigenous peoples in gas energy in Canada.
Today Indigenous peoples are involved as owners and business partners in gas energy development and export and are deriving new social and economic opportunities through greater domestic natural gas use. Reconciliation in Canada has a growing positive connection to the gas energy industry and Indigenous leaders are on the front lines of bringing low-emission gas energy solutions to the world.
Highlights include:
- A profile of Indigenous-led major projects, including Cedar LNG and Ksi Lisims LNG, where Indigenous nations are project proponents.
- A look at major Indigenous equity options in projects involving natural gas pipelines, LNG terminals and carbon capture projects.
- A detailing of a first of its kind agreement to reconcile downstream and upstream impacts and benefits, as shown in the Haisla, Nisga’a and Metlakatla Nations’ MOU with Halfway River First Nation.
- An explanation of the first legally binding Indigenous-led environmental assessment in Canada, which saw the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) become both a partner and an environmental regulator of Woodfibre LNG.
Indigenous leaders from across Canada were interviewed to share their perspectives and the experiences of their communities with gas energy. As a result, this report not only documents emerging best practices in Indigenous-industry relations, but presents the vision that Indigenous leaders have for their communities. Access to natural gas for community use, and participation in resource development, are part of the road to reconciliation, innovation and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
“We are building for the seven generations to come. It’s not for right now. That’s why we make sure the projects we get involved in, like LNG Newfoundland and Labrador, are good ones. The number one issue for us is to look after the environment. We always think about the footprint we’re leaving for future generations. But with this LNG project, I see that way forward, that it can be a positive thing for everybody.”
– Chief Mi’sel Joe, Miawpukek Nation
“White Bear First Nations wants to be at the forefront of the transforming energy future. We see the opportunity to use the resources from our territory, including natural gas, to rebuild our economies and move towards economic sovereignty. We can do this while respecting our Indigenous values and paving the way for a brighter future for the next seven generations.”
– Chief Annette Lonechild, White Bear First Nations
“A transformation has been occurring in the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the natural resource sector. Today, First Nations and Métis communities are leaders in the development of Canada’s energy economy. We are pleased to release this report that highlights the importance of Indigenous-industry partnership and how it can underpin Canada’s role in building a more secure future for Canada and the world,”
– Shannon Joseph, Chair, Energy for a Secure Future
For the full report – please click here.
For more information, please visit:
www.energysecurefuture.ca
For media inquiries contact:
[email protected]
About Energy for a Secure Future:
Energy for a Secure Future is a non-partisan civil society initiative that brings together Canadian Indigenous peoples, business leaders, organizations, and experts in a new conversation about energy and building a secure future for Canada and our allies around the world.
