Resource development, ownership essential for Indigenous progress

Resource development, ownership essential for Indigenous progress

Enbridge's pipeline ownership agreement with 23 Indigenous nations is one example

In Canada’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation, there exists a transformative opportunity to reshape the relationship between Indigenous communities, Canada’s federal government and industry.

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At the heart of this potential lies the concept of Indigenous ownership in resource projects — a powerful mechanism that can foster a new era of cooperation, understanding and shared prosperity. By recognizing and embracing the benefits of Indigenous ownership, Canada can pave the way for a future where everyone can thrive, creating a truly inclusive and sustainable path forward to reconciliation.

Throughout history, Indigenous peoples in Canada have borne the burden of colonization and marginalization, enduring the devastating consequences of resource development without reaping its benefits. In the past for example, Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain Pipeline have tried every tool available to them to stop the pipeline since they felt their concerns were not heard. (Ottawa is now looking at selling a 50 per cent ownership stake in the pipeline to those same nations, which are now organized as the Western Indigenous Peoples Group.)

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However, a paradigm shift is currently underway, where governments, industries and Indigenous communities are increasingly recognizing the immense value of collaboration. By integrating Indigenous ownership into major resource projects, Canada can foster economic empowerment, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship — a harmonious trifecta that fuels sustainable development and paves the way for reconciliation.

One of the most significant advantages of Indigenous ownership lies in its potential to address historical injustices and promote self-determination for communities. Indigenous people are moving away from being labelled as “stakeholders” and instead being brought in as partners. When Indigenous communities are only consulted as “stakeholders,” there is no real commitment to uphold their wishes from industry, as is evident in the case of Trans Mountain. Now, Indigenous communities are engaging with projects as equal partners and have a seat at the decision-making table. Partnerships go farther than sentiment; knowing that an Indigenous community has ownership in a project means that we have a seat at the table and a genuine say in how the project is carried out.

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Moreover, Indigenous ownership introduces a crucial lens of environmental responsibility and sustainability into resource projects. As Indigenous peoples, we have long held deep-rooted connections to the lands, possessing traditional knowledge that spans generations — something an analyst on Bay Street may not be privy to.

By embracing Indigenous ownership, we tap into this invaluable wisdom, which can guide us towards more environmentally conscious practices. Indigenous communities have demonstrated their ability to balance economic development with the preservation of nature, offering innovative solutions that safeguard our ecosystems and combat climate change — a win-win for all Canadians. One example of success is the historic agreement between the Squamish Nation and Woodfibre LNG, which was the first ever legally binding, Indigenous-led environmental assessment in Canada. It saw Squamish become both a partner and environmental regulator of the project.

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This shift to Indigenous ownership is essential to reconciliation by providing the tools necessary to correct injustices. One key example is the massive Enbridge pipeline ownership agreement with 23 Indigenous communities. Because these pipelines were already in operation, cash flow was immediate. According to Justin Bourque, the president of Athabasca Indigenous Investments which represented the 23 Indigenous communities, economic benefits are already being felt, such as dental, healthcare, infrastructure and others.

Indigenous ownership in resource projects, like the Enbridge agreement, addresses historical injustices of the past and promotes self-determination. It also holds the potential to revitalize Indigenous economies and strengthen their communities.

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Through ownership, Indigenous communities gain the opportunity to generate long-term revenue streams and economic independence. Indigenous ownership also fosters job creation and skill development within the communities, providing employment opportunities and reducing reliance on social welfare programs. Industry further benefits from the de-risking of the project since Indigenous communities are investing; industry now sees Indigenous participation as essential when seeking regulator approval at both the provincial and federal levels. With economic empowerment, Indigenous ownership becomes a catalyst for social and economic progress, ultimately contributing to the broader reconciliation process.

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Indigenous ownership embodies the essence of reconciliation, serving as a pivotal stride towards addressing multifaceted and historical challenges encountered within Indigenous communities. While not exhaustive in resolving all on-reserve issues, it stands as a paramount undertaking that engenders own-source revenue streams for Indigenous communities, while concurrently facilitating the realization of vital national project initiatives.

 

John Desjarlais is the executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network and is Nehinaw Métis from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. 

 

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