Report: “Reality of First Nations Engagement” in the Western Canadian Energy Sector

In anticipation of The Pipeline Gridlock Conference (October 3^rd
and 4^th, 2016), the Indian Resource Council (IRC)
has scheduled the public release of a report written by Dr. Ken Coates,
which looks at two scenarios, equally compelling but seemingly worlds
apart, reflecting the reality of First Nations engagement in the Western
Canadian energy sector.

The first, and the best known, shows First Nations protesters,
particularly in British Columbia, opposing the Kinder Morgan Pipeline,
criticizing Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project, and challenging the
construction of the Site C hydro dam in northern British Columbia. The
second, much less well-known, captures images of thousands of Aboriginal
people working in the industry, First Nations’ equity investments in oil
and gas fields, hundreds of Indigenous-owned service and supply
companies, and long but typically successful negotiations of impact and
benefit agreements with Indigenous companies.

Is the natural resource and energy sector the frontlines of
reconciliation in Canada, the single most important point of
constructive and positive collaboration between First Nations and other
Canadians? Or is the energy sector the present and future battleground
between First Nations and national aspirations for sustained economic
development and national prosperity?

As Canada struggles to reconcile these two apparently contradictory
realities, Dr. Coates reflects on past and present day issues in the
Western Canadian energy sector, while looking into the next forty years
of what could truly be a “New West” with First Nations playing a
prominent role in the regional economic, social, and political order.

To continue this discussion beyond the report, The Pipeline Gridlock
Conference aims to be the platform to bring together Industry,
Government and Indigenous Leaders to discuss challenges facing the
pipeline industry, as well as opportunities for Indigenous involvement
and meaningful participation in determining solutions. The conference is
scheduled to be held at the Hyatt Regency in Calgary on October 3^rd
and 4^th.

According to Stephen Buffalo, President and CEO of the IRC, "The
Pipeline Gridlock Conference is a timely opportunity for all the key
players to engage in a constructive dialogue on the current energy
infrastructure challenges in the interest of all Canadians. The Right
Honourable Justin Trudeau has promised a nation to nation relationship
with the indigenous people. We want to provide him and his Ministers a
Forum to put substance to these words. The folks that we represent are
willing to engage in this important dialogue for the benefit of their
resources and communities"

To view the full report, please visit the IRC Webpage: http://www.irccanada.ca/
or download directly by using this link: http://goo.gl/qtU2YP

For more information on The Pipeline Gridlock Conference visit the
website: www.pipelinegridlock.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160621005670/en/

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