Canada’s oil and natural gas industry has an important opportunity to enhance its relationship with Indigenous peoples by working to support the broader reconciliation process and Indigenous self-determination, according to Toward a Shared Future: Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and the Oil and Natural Gas Industry, the latest in a series of economic reports released by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).
“Indigenous peoples are often seen as being widely opposed to oil and natural gas development – that’s simply not the case,” says Tim McMillan, president and CEO of CAPP. “There are many Indigenous communities who have built, and continue to build, a prosperous economic future by working with industry.”
Canada is home to tremendous natural resources but the oil and natural gas industry faces a number of challenges that not only affect its level of investment and competitiveness, but the economic future of many of Canada’s Indigenous communities. In its report, CAPP examines its evolving relationship with Indigenous peoples and the role it can play in economic reconciliation.
“Many Indigenous communities want to build business relationships and participate in the oil and natural gas industry,” says Running Deer Resources president and CEO Jamie Saulnier.“There is a real opportunity to share the benefits of employment and economic stability.”
The oil and natural gas industry considers natural resource development linked to the broader Canadian reconciliation process.
“The Blood Tribe created Kainaiwa Resources because we needed to be more involved in how our land is used. We have been very successful working with industry and partnering with companies we trust,” says Clayton Blood, general manager of Kainaiwa Resources.
Responsible resource development supports reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination by supporting the growth of sustainable Indigenous economies.
“We encourage the government to recognize that responsible resource development supports the growth of Indigenous economies, and provides real, tangible contributions to overall reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination,” says McMillan. “The Canadian oil and natural gas industry faces a number of fiscal, economic and policy barriers affecting investment in Canada. These challenges not only create obstacles for industry but could also impact the economic future of many Indigenous communities.”
In its report, CAPP recommends the federal government (and provincial governments where appropriate) take action by:
- Focusing on initiatives that will produce positive, tangible results for Indigenous communities by resolving long-standing reconciliation issues;
- Recognizing the advantages the oil and natural gas industry provides in support of Indigenous self-determination and reconciliation through economic opportunities; and,
- Greater collaboration with Indigenous peoples and industry on education and skills development training.
The full report can be found here
