Indigenous Leaders Renew Calls for Bold Action on Energy Security, highlighting the Indigenous role at Upcoming G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indigenous Leaders Renew Calls for Bold Action on Energy Security, highlighting the Indigenous role at Upcoming G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting
Toronto, Ontario – October 28, 2025 – Ahead of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto on October 30 and 31, 2025, Indigenous leaders are calling on G7 leaders to advance global energy security, economic growth, and environmental protection by affirming the global importance of secure natural gas supply and reversing financing restrictions on oil and gas related critical infrastructure.
Representing five Indigenous organizations, the group urged G7 energy and environment ministers to amplify their support for global energy security and world-wide emissions reductions through clear and positive messages about the role of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and not to stop there.
“We would like to see the G7 to join us and clearly recognize the importance of natural gas and access to financing for developing country energy customers,” said John Desjarlais, Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network.
In May 2025, Indigenous organization leaders urged the G7 to “reverse current G7 policies that restrict access to financing by energy customers for key infrastructure associated with conventional energy, including: thermal power plants, LNG intake facilities and pipelines.”
See: Letters to the G7 2025 - First Nations Natural Gas Alliance & Indigenous groups urge prime minister to support LNG exports - First Nations Natural Gas Alliance
“We are saying it again: Indigenous Peoples are ready to deliver, and we ask G7 leaders to concretely stand with us by rescinding the barriers that block the realization of prosperity for our nations and of peoples seeking energy security around the world,” said Stephen Buffalo, President, Indian Resource Council.
“First Nations are already working with industry partners to develop and deliver solutions,” continued Karen Ogen, CEO of First Nations Natural Gas Alliance. “As Chair of the G7, Canada has an opportunity to lead the world in a practical approach to energy, recognizing people need reliable, lower emission alternatives to coal for electricity.”
The group pointed out that such support would more strongly align with the G7’s aims in favor of energy security and affordability, as Canadian LNG can provide reliable, lower-emission alternatives to coal, ensuring affordable energy while building resilient supply chains free from geopolitical vulnerabilities such as those tied to Russian imports. Further, this approach supports the G7’s emphasis on innovation and emerging technologies, as delivering on LNG is the first step on a road that includes hydrogen, nuclear power technology, and other innovation.
Co-signers of the May 2025 letters to G7 leaders include Karen Ogen, CEO of First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, Guy Lonechild, the CEO of First Nations Power Authority, Justin Bourque, Vice-President of Athabasca Indigenous Investments, Stephen Buffalo, President of Indian Resource Council and John Desjarlais, Executive Director, Indigenous Resource Network. For more information contact:
Joseph Quesnel, External Relations Coordinator
Indigenous Resource Network