Indigenous Resource Network’s Post

Projects like this should be a top priority for Canada. Indigenous economic reconciliation and smart energy transition policy in action. The government should empower the Infrastructure Bank & other agencies to help make this happen. https://lnkd.in/eQHvW7yU

Exactly correct common sense at its best

Why are we dragging our heels on Canada's future? It’s not every day that industry heavyweights like Mike Rose of Tourmaline Oil and the leadership at Cenovus Energy openly challenge the pace of our government's energy policies. Yet here we are, seeing a pattern where top execs are not just suggesting but insisting that we need to get our act together. Canada sits on a goldmine of resources, yet what do we do? We watch as allies, having asked—even begged—us to ramp up production, shake their heads at our inaction, stalling both their reliance and our growth. Mike Rose spells it out clearly: we're risking our children's future by stumbling over red tape and hesitation. Cenovus echoes this sentiment, emphasizing our role in a secure, sustainable global energy framework. Yet, our government's leisurely stroll towards meaningful policy changes is frustratingly out of step with the urgency these leaders are talking about. It’s time we ask ourselves: if our industry leaders are ready to sprint, why are we still tying our shoelaces? https://lnkd.in/gFPRnbY5

Indigenous people can decide for themselves what to invest in. Indigenous communities are increasingly becoming partners and owners in major natural resource projects across the country. Under a proposed federal program, even more Indigenous communities could become partners and even owners in major natural resource projects, from oil to natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG). Historic restrictions in the Indian Act mean Indigenous peoples face enormous barriers in raising or borrowing money to finance equity partnerships. Yet the ability to purchase equity in major projects is to enter the big leagues of economic development and wealth generation. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty about whether this federal initiative will allow all projects to be supported. There are reports that Ottawa will exclude oil and gas projects from the guaranteed-loan program, in favour of exclusively renewable and green energy projects. Read Margareta Dovgal's latest on why that would be a mistake. #cdnpoli #canadianeconomy #indigenousbusiness

The First Nations Major Projects Coalition published the National Indigenous Electrification Strategy. A well-researched report outlining clear actions to position Indigenous nations as frontrunners in Canada's net zero transition. The report features insights into ongoing Indigenous equity-owned ventures such as solar and wind farms, hydro dams, transmission line expansions, battery storage, and geothermal electricity generation. #greenenergy #electrification #decarbonization #sustainibility #netzero

Pushing back against Canada’s Genocide of Indigenous First Nations⚠️⛔️⚠️ Globe & Mail - Brent Jang: Haisla Indigenous First Nation & Pembina Pipeline forge ahead with Indigenous-led Cedar LNG project in northern British Columbia. An Indigenous-led project to export liquefied natural gas has been approved by its proponents, who are touting the B.C. energy development as a prime example of economic reconciliation.
The Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corp. PPL-T said on Tuesday that they have made a final investment decision to forge ahead with their US$3.4-billion Cedar LNG project.
The Haisla have a 50.1-per-cent stake in the joint venture while Calgary-based Pembina owns 49.9%. 
Cedar’s floating production facility will be located on the Haisla’s traditional territory in Kitimat, B.C.
“We’re tired of managing poverty. It’s time that we now manage prosperity,” Haisla chief councillor Crystal Smith said in an interview from the main reserve of Kitamaat Village, located about a 15-minute drive south of Kitimat.

Ms. Smith said having financial stability will mean that a new program to teach the Haisla’s culture and preserve their language will be sustained and have long-lasting effects. “Growing up, we never had the opportunity to fully learn our language,” she said. 
Nearly 93% of Haisla members who participated in a ratification vote last month on Cedar supported plans by the elected band council to borrow money for the development, construction and co-ownership of the LNG venture. “They supported our nation’s desire to move forward in terms of economic development, economic reconciliation,” Ms. Smith said. 
About 800 of the more than 2,000 Haisla members in British Columbia live in Kitamaat Village, the seat of government of the Haisla.
Cedar awarded a contract in early 2024 for engineering, procurement and construction in South Korea of a floating production unit to Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch.
Construction activities in Kitimat will create about 500 jobs at Cedar, which will require nearly 100 full-time workers for operations. 
“Through our partnership with the Haisla Nation, I believe we are redefining how Indigenous communities and the energy industry can work together to bring Canadian energy to the world,” said Pembina chief executive officer Scott Burrows. https://lnkd.in/gmhjcdri

INDIGENOUS GROUPS TELL TRUDEAU: Our Investments are NOT a ‘Ottawa-Knows-Best’ Policy Approach. Indigenous People Can Decide For Themselves What to Invest In - Resource Works - Read More: https://hubs.la/Q028Z0B00 Indigenous involvement – and leadership – in major energy projects has arrived. Indigenous LNG is Canadian LNG, and Canadian LNG has become Indigenous LNG. This is a global first. The federal government is expected to announce a guaranteed loan program that will enable Indigenous Peoples to finally bypass these structural obstacles and purchase equity shares in resource projects. Alberta and Saskatchewan already have their own programs, and the federal government has a lot to learn from them, particularly Alberta’s Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. Supporters of such programs point out that Ottawa, without spending a cent of taxpayers’ money, could backstop loans to Indigenous communities. It’s a low-risk mechanism and another way to support economic reconciliation. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty about whether this federal initiative will allow all projects to be supported. There are reports that Ottawa will exclude oil and gas projects from the guaranteed-loan program, in favour of exclusively renewable and green energy projects. Indigenous groups argue that they can make up their own minds on what to invest in. #firstnations #indigenous #oilgas #oilsands #politics #justintrudeau Justin Trudeau Jonathan Wilkinson #canadianenergy Steven Guilbeault

Big infrastructure projects in America and around the world have been hamstrung by a history of exploitation and distrust between corporations and local communities, from solar farms in the southwest to fossil fuel pipelines in the Great Plains. In Canada, an unlikely triumvirate of finance, government and indigenous communities has found a better way—advancing Canada's green energy transition, potentially making big money for investors and helping overcome centuries of economic and social exploitation of First Nations. The key is indigenous ownership. To read the entire article reported by Justin Worland for Time Magazine, please click on the link in the comments section below. #cleanenergy #projects #indigenousrights #indigenousownership #greenenergy #canada

During the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference, Nanwakolas Council President Dallas Smith moderated a panel on #electrification. Minister of #Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne and BC Hydro President and CEO Chris O'Riley shared their perspectives on the current call for #power and the North Coast #Transmission Project. Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts addressed economic opportunities stemming from electrification. Minister Osborne: • “As the Premier likes to say, B.C. is a #cleanenergy superpower. We have a strong backbone of BC Hydro reservoirs that we are integrating more #renewables into. What has inspired me is the work to collaborate in true partnership with First Nations through the minimum 25% Indigenous equity requirement in this call for power...there’s a new way of doing business in B.C. - anything we do must be in collaboration with First Nations and in true recognition and respect of rights and title.” • “The North Coast Transmission Project...is going to bring power to the northwest corner of this province where we are seeing so much growth at the Port of Prince Rupert and in #criticalminerals, #LNG, and #hydrogen. The work we are doing with those First Nations whose territories the line will go through is truly unprecedented.” • “The call for power with its 40 MW minimum does not encompass smaller projects. These are very important for First Nations – I have heard this over and over. The work we are doing with the New Relationship Trust...is an important part of providing opportunities for those smaller projects.” Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts • “We need clean power in our communities. Right now, it’s a bit of a hurdle on Vancouver Island to unlock economic potential for projects like salmon farms or hydrogen facilities...It’s important work we have to do together...We’re in a position to take advantage of growth opportunities.” BC Hydro President and CEO Chris O'Riley: • “When you look at the amount of investment that is going into this call for power, and with the tremendous participation of the Canada Infrastructure Bank/ Banque de l'infrastructure du Canada that is providing loans for Indigenous Nations...this can be one of the biggest economic reconciliation programs ever for us, and it won’t be the last for sure.” • “We’ve proposed a co-ownership model for the North Coast Transmission Project...to serve growing loads...from Prince George to Terrace and up to New Aiyansh...It’s the first time we’ve proposed a co-ownership model in B.C. We are working intensely with First Nations along the route...we’re open to doing things differently and ensuring this is a true partnership.” Global Public Affairs #bcpoli #energy

A review of Reviving Canadian Competitiveness in Resource Development: A Forward-Looking Perspective In this insightful analysis, Heather Exner-Pirot emphasizes the pivotal role of sound policy in bolstering Canada's resource and energy sector, laying the groundwork for national growth, productivity, security, and prosperity. However, recent trends paint a concerning picture: major project investments are on a downward trajectory, with little sign of imminent reversal. The completion of flagship projects like TMX and Coastal Gas Link, soon to be followed by LNG Canada and Site C, underscores the urgency of identifying successors to sustain momentum. Across sectors, the decline is palpable. Oil and gas, for instance, has experienced a substantial 43 percent decrease in project value since 2015, signaling a significant downturn in industry activity. Equally alarming is the plight of the electricity sector, which has seen a staggering 49 percent drop in project value since 2014. Despite the imperative to transition towards cleaner energy sources, this decline underscores the pressing need for concerted action to stimulate investment and innovation. While there have been pockets of resilience within the natural resource sector, they have often been in spite of rather than due to federal government policies. As we enter a phase of heightened commodity demand, it's imperative to heed the lessons of the past and champion a supportive regulatory environment. Read more here... https://lnkd.in/gAf3_y2V