Issue #8 - Summit Edition 2014
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Canada’s First Nations Energy Publication
SUMMIT
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ENERGY
HEADING THE RIGHT WAY
Solutions to Oil & Gas Challenges
Tervita’s Enviro Protection Plan
Un-Convention Oil & Gas
UBC - Aboriginal Mineral Resource Centre
Superior Change in Pic River
Future Energy Choice
IRC AGM SPONSORS A Special Thank You
40,000
12,000 2010
B.C. is Canada’s second-largest natural gas producer.
The B.C. Natural Gas industry directly employs 12,000 people. This could rise to 40,000 by 2035.
LARGEST NATURAL GAS PRODUCER
(Source: CERI, June 2011)
2035
Between 2009 and 2013 an estimated $29 billion has been invested on natural gas and oil development in B.C. (Source: CAPP 2013)
INVESTED
SINCE
2009 150
Proposed LNG facilities could generate $150 billion in taxes and $500 billion in GDP growth across Canada over 25 years. (Source: CAPP/CERI)
capp.ca canadasnaturalgas.ca FOLLOW US @ OilGasCanada
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Issue #8 - Summit Edition 2014
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Table of Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR International Indigenous Energy Summit
DAM GREAT INVESTMENT
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Pic Rivers’ Renewable Energy Generation
TERVITA Partner In Responsible Resource Development
IIES 2014 SUMMARY Heading The Right Way
7 CRITICAL AREAS Cheryl Cardinal Director National Energy Business Centre of Excellence Indian Resource Council Paul Lu (Maxpo Communications Inc.) Co-Editor Cheryl Cardinal Contributing Co-Editor David Blondeau (Maxpo Communications Inc.) Concepts, Designs and Layout Tung Bui Summit Photos Cheryl Cardinal Floyd Blackhorse / Joel Krupa
Marcelina Johanson / P. Dawn Mills, PhD Law Writers
Unconventional Oil And Gas
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NEBCE Mandate
“Supporting First Nations in their efforts to attain greater management and control of their energy resources.” Elements© is a monthly publication distributed by National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE) and IRC Inc. Any use of content or duplication without written consent is not permitted. For any information, please contact Cheryl Cardinal at cherylc@irccanada.ca
message
FROM THE DIRECTOR Cheryl Cardinal government officials and participants highlighted the importance of the presentations, especially those involving alternative sources of energy.
In January 2014, I was excited to be a part of a great learning experience that encompassed a diverse spectrum of talent, accomplishment and provided direction and leadership. The International Indigenous Energy Summit brought world leaders to provide informative content and leadership direction to the issues that our own communities are facing as well as relay success through energy and resource development. Elder T’nawxtn George Jacobs,
Councillor Syetaxten Chris Lewis & Councillor Kwitelut Carla George Opening Prayers and Ceremony at IIES 2014
Ambassador Thordur Oskarsson of Iceland shared his country’s expertise on geothermal technology. As Indigenous communities, we strive to reach the successes of Iceland in the area of renewable energy. The Ambassador was generous in his comments on the summit, “This event has been one of the finest, if not the best experience I had since becoming the Icelandic Ambassador to Canada. Warm thanks Cheryl”. Finland’s success in the emerging field of bioenergy was a hot topic. Dominik Roser of FP Innovations took the complex terms of biomass energy to a level where this form of development was an opportunity that all the participants could support and consider. NDP MP Linda Duncan interacted with Roser in order to find common themes that could benefit the Canadian economy. Chris Karamea Insley, Maori from Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand) profiled Maori Renewable Energy involvement including their own Marai-owned Renewable Energy project. His presentation shared a Maori driven approach that involved research and development directed by and for the people. The intent was not to view renewable energy separately from science but to involve it in the development. Darlye Rigney of the Ngarrindjeri Nation in Australia focused on Ngarrindjeri engagement in Australia. The Ngarrindjeri worked together to find a common goal to ensure the Indigenous connections were integral and supportive to the work being done. The leadership utilized an approach that all indigenous people can identify with, and that is the importance of family ties and lineage.
The commitment to proceed with the Summit and host it within the respected territories of the Squamish, Tsleil Waututh, and Musqueam Nations involved great consideration of protocol. An official welcoming from Councillor Syetaxten Chris Lewis, a prayer by Elder T’nawxtn George Jacobs, and hosting of the Cultural Evening by Councillor Kwitelut Carla George of the Squamish Nation reflected the values and acknowledged the continued practice and appreciation for our traditional teachings.
Alan Parker from Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana United States, shared his work with the United States government. Alan has worked internationally through the United League of Indigenous Nations and has proven experience in showing our cross border economies. Amongst our Nations, there are no borders, and Alan Parker’s Nation is a clear example of how important one Nation’s activities can benefit other Nations across the way.
Leaders from around the world - Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, United States and all across Canada made the event a success. The common belief underlying each of these people, their participation, and presentations was this, the strength still continues throughout our great Nations. Through sharing, the communities will begin to grow in understanding and experiences.
Like our communities, it is important to reach the balance that Indigenous people are seeking by having participation by both men and women. I had the privilege of sharing the stage with my amazing co-MC James Parker of the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana United States. James is an upcoming leader in the United States
As the Director of the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people. The speakers, hereditary Chiefs, community leaders, foreign
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International dignitaries and speakers Alan Parker
Daryle Rigney
United League of Indigenous Nations, United States New Paradigm: The Economy of Indigenous Nations
Ngarrindjeri Nation, Australia Community Engagement: An Ngarrindjeri Perspective
Ambassador Thordur Oskarsson
Chris Karamea Insley
Iceland Ambassador to Canada “Iceland and Geothermal Technologies”
Ngati Porou, New Zealand “Renewable Energy in New Zealand”
our Creator”. His words served as a reminder to me that, many great leaders have come before us to pave the way like the speakers who shared their story at the summit. The reality is, that we are not the first to walk this path and we will not be the last. Our vision for our future generations holds the key to the road we take tomorrow. It is this belief that I leave with all of those whose participation made the Summit a success.
who brought the Summit to a new level and made this event truly international. The work that James does makes a difference to the many communities that he works with. It was my pleasure in working with such an innovative bright leader. The very talented Jason Chamakese of Pelican Lake First Nation Saskatchewan and Robert Gladue of Waterhen Lake First Nation Saskatchewan provided the entertainment for the Gala Dinner. They also participated in the International Cultural Exchange. Their talent and music was welcoming all the way from Northern Saskatchewan.
Huy chexw aa /Hiy Hiy (Thank-you)
This Summit acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors: Maxpo Communications Inc., Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), Tervita Corporation, and Onion Lake Energy. Your continued support of the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence’s work makes a difference and we can learn from each other.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Cardinal
In the words of my late father, Dr. Harold Cardinal, whose speech my family permitted me to share at the Gala, [We need to] “give to those generations the kind of environment they require so they can grow up healthy, prosperous and happy in the lands given to our people by
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Director of the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence
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by Joel Krupa
Energy Analyst - Pic River First Nation
Over the course of the last 25 years, Pic River has successfully transitioned from an impoverished northern Canadian community to a prolific renewable energy developer with diversified economic interests and low unemployment. By establishing a vision that they would, among other things, demarcate a strict line between business affairs and political affairs, curb substance abuse, and nurture a cohesive, unified view that “there is a better way”. Pic River has been able to maintain high levels of transparency and accountability with their key stakeholders. In the process, they have gained the confidence of a mix of unlikely bedfellows - government officials, prominent investors, non-governmental organizations and corporate partners within both the public and private spheres – and created a strong foundation for future community success.
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Over the next 25 years, infusions of new renewable energy generation capacity will reshape electricity markets across Canada. Aboriginal people, one of Canada’s fastest growing demographics, will need to play a central role in these developments as Canada transitions to a cleaner energy supply mix. The Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation, a small band on the northern shore of Ontario’s Lake Superior region, provide a replicable, grassroots example of what can be done.
Pic River’s determination to succeed has led to a sizable investment base – nearly $125 million in investments – with plans to build almost $575 million in additional energy assets. It can justifiably be asked why the band has realized their success to date; indeed, Pic River’s collection of projects represents a stunning ascendency to business achievement for a relatively small and historically ostracized group comprised of well under a thousand on-reserve members. In this brief article, I outline Pic River’s history and argue that it presents an outstanding model for other groups to emulate.
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many corporations, including limited liability partnerships, annual general meetings, and an appointment of Aboriginal-led boards.
the idea of, and momentum behind, renewable energy came about after a third-party renewable energy developer approached the community in a routine consultation process in the late 1980’s. Recognizing the tremendous opportunity offered by this encounter, Pic River’s senior administration decided to pursue the project, called Wawatay, as a proponent rather than as a developer. Several years later (1991), Pic River owned a significant equity stake in this 13.5 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric operation.
But instead of being accountable to largely faceless shareholders, Pic River’s energy division must respond with timely integrity to the concern of the most important shareholders – the local community members. To ensure that the local community is adequately engaged, Pic River Energy staff regularly engages in community consultations, passes out gift certificates at important celebration times, initiates elder visioning exercises that help to elucidate and clarify the framework within which the band will operate, and relies extensively on integrated direction from key political leaders like the Chief and Council. This managerial structure has nurtured a systemic ethos of duty, accountability, and responsibility – with predictable results.
Seizing on this momentum, Pic River joined another joint partnership to develop a new run-of-river hydroelectric site called Twin Falls. Again, Pic River initially joined as a minority equity partner. Eager to strengthen their economic position, the band expanded their role and, several years after
Future development plans are extensive and include solar, wind, and other hydroelectric sites. High Falls, a run-of-river site, is moving steadily through the development process. Two wind sites are on the books, and Pic River is pursuing a stake in the $600 million East-West Tie transmission line. Furthermore, the band is developing strategic frameworks for engineering, manufacturing, and consulting in an effort to make the renewable energy development process more holistically community-driven. Sharing and dissemination of “lessons learned” (as one community member put it) is also a major focus as the band works to share knowledge and information with other Aboriginal organizations across the country.
the completion of this 5 MW facility, Pic River deployed an innovative financing strategy to assume full ownership of the Twin Falls generating station. This marked the first time in Ontario history that an operational plant was fully owned and operated by a First Nation. Finally, Pic River moved to a new stage – full-fledged lead developer and initial project majority owner status. After assessing the potential of a 24 MW hydroelectric development on their traditional territory, the band elected to push forward (in joint partnership with the Montreal-based renewable energy company Innergex) on initiating environmental assessments, permitting/regulatory appeals, and construction. Umbata Falls, as the project came to be known, began generating power in November of 2008, with Pic River as the majority owner.
Pic River’s example shows that sustainable prosperity for all is possible. For further information, please see www.picriverenergy.com. For partnership inquiries, please contact Joel Krupa at joel.krupa@picriver.com.
Steady progress of this sort required flexibility, innovation, and adaptability. To stay current, Pic River’s development strategy has evolved with the times and demonstrates a high degree of sophistication. For example, their corporate structure mirrors that of
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*Excerpts of this article can be found in a longer, peer-reviewed piece written by the same author and appearing in the academic journal Environmental Development. A similar article also appeared in Aboriginal Marketplace.
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PARTNER A
by Marcelina Johanson
in responsible resource development
Tervita Corporation provides solutions to oil and gas industry’s environmental challenges.
Water. Earth. When it comes to protecting two of the most precious resources on the planet, Tervita Corporation has much in common with Canada’s First Nations. That’s the message Tervita’s president and CEO John Gibson shared with First Nations oil and gas producers when he spoke at the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Resource Council at Enoch Cree Nation last December. “I want to leave the world a better place for my grandchildren,” Gibson told attendees. “We know we have a lot to learn from First Nations. By working together, we can create value for all of us.” Tervita is a leading North American environmental and energy services company. More than 4,000 dedicated employees partner with natural resource and resource development companies, and work with them to create a more sustainable future. Tervita supports the responsible development of natural resources with a strategically located network of more than 95 state-of-the-art waste management facilities and a fleet of specialized equipment and assets to help customers address production and operational waste challenges. And when an asset is no longer producing, Tervita’s reclamation and restoration services include equipment, technology and processes that minimize environmental impacts and maximize returns on behalf of customers. Tervita recognizes First Nations play an important role in resource development on reserves and traditional lands. But as some First Nations have become energy project proponents, they must also reconcile the benefits that come from resource development with environmental impacts. By having Tervita provide superior energy services, First Nations can benefit from development while taking advantage of the latest innovations in environmental solutions. Historically, many sites of former oil and gas development on First Nations lands have not been properly reclaimed. In the 2009 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada identified 1,610 contaminated sites on reserves, mostly related to abandoned landfills and fuel spills. As a result, negative perceptions about oil, gas, pipeline and mining development persist. Tervita can work with the Nations and various levels of government to ensure legacy projects are reclaimed and returned to close to pre-development condition.
“By having Tervita provide superior energy services, First Nations can benefit from development while taking advantage of the latest innovations in environmental solutions.”
“My goal is for Tervita to provide services that support First Nations peoples’ stewardship of the land, including reclaiming and restoring legacy projects, and using our latest and greatest technologies in support of responsible development now and in the future,” said Gibson. Demonstrating core values and giving back to communities Tervita’s corporate values of life, accountability, collaboration and excellence are the foundation of its work and drive employees to act as good corporate citizens – taking responsibility to protect the earth, working with communities affected by its operations and ensuring the highest ethical standards are always met. This approach positions Tervita to meet future regulatory requirements, maintain a social license to operate, deliver long-term value to stakeholders, and minimize environmental impacts. Tervita also supports charitable and nonprofit organizations through corporate giving, and encourages and facilitates personal giving and volunteerism among employees. Tervita has eight pillar partners, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and STARS air ambulance service. Giving back demonstrates a commitment to the sustainability and quality of life of communities where employees live and work.
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Snake River
Tervita’s vice-president of Research and Development Dr. Preston McEachern is leading the project in partnership with university faculty and graduate students from across Canada, oilsands leaders Suncor and Canadian Natural Resources, First Nations communities and the provincial and federal governments. The research incorporates advanced modeling programs capable of predicting long-term water quality and quantity recovery rates as vegetation is established and grows on a reclaimed site. Because constructing these sites from mine waste runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars, tools to ensure it is done right are essential to success. The research is being conducted at a Canadian Natural Resources site and on Suncor’s first reclaimed tailings pond. On-site produced water and frac water treatment Tervita has designed and manufactured hybrid water recycling equipment that addresses a major water management issue for in-situ and shale gas producers. Currently the technology has been proven for treating and recycling frac flowback water on a mobile platform, as an alternative to underground injection. Ongoing research targets its use in treating multiple produced water streams, including those from in-situ facilities where evaporator blowdown is an issue.
Stewardship of the land Tervita is committed to building positive relationships with First Nations based on respect, trust and open communication.
A series of pilot tests have been conducted at Tervita’s U.S.-based Shreveport research facility and the company is now embarking on the technology field demonstration phase of this initiative.
Tervita works hard to integrate health, safety, and environmental and social responsibility into everyday operations. The company strives to promote economic prosperity, a healthy environment, and strong, vibrant communities while improving on its sustainability performance, engagement with communities, and ethical and safe conduct.
Biorestoration of oil sands mine tailings and hydrocarbon-contaminated soils Tervita, in partnership with the universities of Alberta and Calgary, and the Biorefining Research Institute at Lakehead University, is pioneering biological treatment systems for mobile, in-situ, and treatment facility use. Critical to the operation of these systems is the development of advanced microbial consortia (two or more different microbial groups living cooperatively) with the ability to degrade mixed organic and inorganic wastes that are responsive to changes in their chemical environment and systems that maintain reactor environments for peak performance. Initial research has demonstrated promising results, and with the potential to produce secondary valuable products, Tervita will continue to advance these technologies.
“Our reputation depends on operational excellence at our sites, support from the public and the trust of our stakeholders and employees,” said Michael Wood, vice-president, Environment & Regulatory at Tervita. Tervita’s leadership team understands that First Nations support natural resource development if it’s done responsibly and communities also benefit. Tervita has built positive working relationships with many First Nations across Canada and sees this as a growing market where the company’s services can support stewardship of the land to ensure responsible development now and in the future. [See box.]
A sustainability partner From exploration to remediation, Tervita’s solutions deliver safe, efficient and compliant results through the beginning, middle and end of a project. As a sustainability partner, Tervita’s goal is to reduce costs, manage liability, and protect the land on which the industry depends for generations to come.
“Tervita’s solutions deliver safe, efficient and compliant results through the beginning, middle and end of a project.”
Highlights of Tervita’s partnerships and work with First Nations include: • The construction and ongoing operation of the Skway Village landfill in Chilliwack, British Columbia. • Remediation of oil-contaminated soil near a shoreline for British Columbia’s Gwawaenuk First Nation in Hopetown, with participation of First Nations workers.
Innovative technologies Innovative research enables Tervita to develop equipment, technology and processes that minimize impacts and maximize returns of energy and industrial development.
• The safe closure and demolition of a landfill for Kitasoo First Nation along B.C.’s north coast, which included remediating the land and re- planting vegetation.
Oil sands water technology research Tervita is a partner in the groundbreaking FORWARD III research program, a five-year oil sands research effort to develop tools and best practices for reclaiming former oil sands mining areas in Canada’s northern boreal forest into functioning watersheds.
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• Supporting First Nations employment and business opportunities as a Leadership Circle Partner of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council and a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
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SUMMIT
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ENERGY
Earth: “Primary” industries including
HEADING THE RIGHT WAY
by Floyd Blackhorse
agriculture, forestry and mining.
Earth speakers
Breakout Sessions:
Keynote:
Chief Reginald Bellerose, Muskowekan First Nation, Saskatchewan
Bernd Christmas, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia Calvin Crosschild, Blood Tribe, Alberta Dr. Dawn Mills, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, British Columbia Reg Letourneau and Kamaran Noori, ANVIL GeoSpatial Corporation, Alberta
Indigenous people from around the world joined the room where
Many influential networks are created through genuine interactions
successful Canadian First Nation people spoke on Agriculture, forestry
that have the potential to develop into great business opportunities.
and mining. The room was filled with leadership and diversity with
One of the genuine interactions within the Earth breakout sessions
many participants from various Indigenous nations and countries.
was each participant member held a unique spot to fill from their own diverse background and engaged in lively discussion with the
In the main session, participants listened to Saskatchewan’s Chief
expertise and wisdom of influential speakers.
Reginald Bellerose of the Muskowekan First Nation who provided his unique perspective on potash mining in Saskatchewan. Regionally,
Bernd Christmas is an Indigenous lawyer successful in negotiating
the development is looking to take place on his nation.
significant deals in the millions for his home community of Membertou, Nova Scotia as well as several First Nations bands.
ANVIL Geospatial Corporation was invited as a breakout session
As an Indigenous lawyer, Christmas brings his CEO expertise and
speaker and is one of the senior business leaders working in plans
extensive experience on national and international boards and
with other First Nations for natural resource sustainability and
commissions to the Summit. Within the Earth breakout session, the
sustainable development.
Reg Letourneau, President of ANVIL
audience engaged in his presentation on “Negotiating Large Scale
and Kamaran Noori, practicing architect with ANVIL, have lead
Projects,” which interested in his full-room presentation of Chiefs and
successful projects in architect design to build smart and eco-wise
Indigenous representatives, senior business and government leaders.
structures suitable to First Nations geography that helped assist in the further interests of the community and Canada. Dean Manywounds presents Chief Reginald Bellerose with Ceremonial Blanket
Chief Reginald Bellerose Muskowekwan First Nation, SK Potash Mining in Saskatchewan: A First Nation perspective
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Dr. Dawn Mills Aboriginal Mineral Resource Centre Normannatural B. Keevilresource Institute of Participants shared common concerns around Mining Engineering, UBC, BC sustainability and how to progress on fixing some current state Unconventional Oil and Gas: of affairs, in turn creating exciting potential Extraction for First that Nations is both to the Application of Science and First Nations business ventures. Fiduciary Obligation
Calvin Crosschild Blood Tribe, AB Blood Tribe Agriculture Project
Calvin Crosschild, a member of the Blood Tribe – Kanai First Nation and CEO of Blood Tribe Agricultural Project & Its Affiliated Companies has 29 years of experience in the agricultural sector. After shaking-hands before his breakout session greeting participants, Crosschild spoke on what his community has done to undertake the economic opportunities available to his community such as farming and exporting premium class products worldwide.
(Above left) Kamaran Noori & Reg Letourneau (Above Right) Anvil Geo Spatial Corporation Industry, AB Reconciling State of the Art Community Planning with First Nations’ Wisdom, Heritage, and Visions for the Future
The corroboration of general thought was how do we, as indigenous people around the world, lead successful futures that will protect and sustain our way of life for future generations? Dr. Mills is Director of the Aboriginal Mineral Resource Centre at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Her work extends from administrative law and legislative reform at the “intersection of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Mineral Resource Development” to international consultation frameworks as they are administered by the particular national governments, in light of Canada’s duty to consult with Aboriginal people.
Bernd Christmas Membertou First Nation, NS Negotiating Large Scale Projects
After the Earth sessions of the International Indigenous Energy Summit, participants continued sharing their Indigenous perspectives around community and environment. Building strong communities has made the speakers presentations powerful from each geographic location. elements
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SUMMIT
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ENERGY
HEADING THE RIGHT WAY
by Floyd Blackhorse
Fire: Stories of all stages of oil and gas
production and transmission
Fire speakers
Breakout Sessions: Lisa Whitford, Onion Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan Joe Dion, Frog Lake Energy Resource Corporation, Frog Lake First Nation, Alberta Harold Calla, Squamish First Nation, British Columbia
Keynote:
Chief Derek Orr, McLeod Lake Indian Band, British Columbia
Chief Derek Orr, McLeod Lake Indian Band, and proud Tsek’hene from British Columbia, was one of the Canadian keynote speakers invited to the Summit with a goal of providing a stable economic platform for his people. Chief Orr sees that with a stable economic platform, programs for health, education, culture and language will be easily attainable for the benefit of all members of his tribal band. Oil and Gas producing First Nations were the top speakers in the Fire sessions of the Summit. Arriving with a spirited high energy and youthful exuberance was speaker Joe Dion, Chairman and CEO of Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp which is a wholly-owned First Nations oil and gas company, providing presentation on International Aboriginal Energy Opportunities, delivering what “model of equity participation can provide as a remedy through consultation and mediation between parties.” During the Fire speaker sessions, participants raised integral discussions regarding the various stages of oil and gas development in their own communities and discussed some of the most complex of relationships involved in this field. How does a nation preserve the natural resources of on-reserve communities? “International Oil Plays,” presented by Lisa Whitford of Onion Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan shared her working knowledge in mineral and resource departments that paved the way for her career with Onion Lake Energy Ltd. Her education and expertise is several years in the making and continues on as Director for an Oil and Gas development owned and operated by Onion Lake Cree Nation. Harold Calla’s workshop discussed “LNG in British Columbia”. This important topic would impact him as a member of the Squamish Nation located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. After many
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Chief Derek Orr MacLeod Lake Indian Band, BC
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Lisa Whitford Onion Lake, SK International Oil Plays
years of experience in international business, he worked with the Squamish Nation as negotiator in the areas of economic development, land management and finance and served eight years on the Squamish council. He also acted as an advisor and an arbitrator for First Nations in Western Canada. Through his experience Harold Calla highlighted the discussion surrounding LNG in British Columbia. The roster provided to the International Indigenous Energy Summit was of high level leadership involved in business and economics. We can learn from various jurisdictions and regions to find common solutions to issues that we face in the use of energy. Every workshop presenter provided their significant experience in working with Industry that benefited the economic development of their communities that improved working relationships with each other and government.
Harold Calla Squamish First Nation, BC Liquified National Gas (LNG) in BC
Jason Chamakese Pelican Lake First Nation, SK
Joe Dion
Robert Gladue
Frog Lake Energy Resource Corporation, AB International Aboriginal Energy Opportunities
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Waterhen Lake First Nation, SK Cultural Exchange Performance at Gala Event
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SUMMIT
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ENERGY
HEADING THE RIGHT WAY
by Cheryl Cardinal
Wind: All renewable energy projects. Indigenous communities are increasing their involvement in renewable energy whether the projects focus on wind, solar, biomass and geothermal projects.
Wind speakers
Breakout Sessions:
Dennis Thomas, TWN Wind Power Inc. and Pieter Van Gils, Headwater Capital Consulting, BC Mike McElligott, EPS Energy, Alberta Dominik Roser, Research Leader, FP Innovations, Finland Klynton Wanganeen, Nurrunga Nations Aboriginal Regional Authority, Australia
Keynote:
Chief Gordon Planes, T’Souke First Nation, BC
The Wind sessions at the IIES were based on renewable energy. Each of these workshops focused on a form of renewable energy whether it was solar, wind, co-gen or biomass, global leaders came to the Summit ready to discuss their trials and tribulations as it relates to their development. Closing the gap that exists for many Indigenous Nations to understand how each of these Nations are able to succeed for their communities or companies.
Dean Manywounds presents Chief Gordon Planes with Ceremonial Blanket Chief Gordon Planes T’Souke First Nation, BC
Mike McElligott - EPS Energy, AB Cogeneration and Decentralized Energy
Chief Gordon Planes of T’ Souke First Nation in British Columbia launched the renewable energy sector off as the keynote for this sector. With his First Nation in Canada, Chief Planes’ community is the leader in solar energy projects in Canada: his community passes the information onto the next generation of leaders in his community by teaching the next generation about solar energy technology. elements
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Dominik Roser Research Leader, FP Innovations Finland “How Finland Uses Biomass�
With the push of many of our Indigenous communities focusing on decreasing their dependency on fossil fuels, many participants wanted to see what other Indigenous communities were able to achieve in renewable energy. For many, it was imperative to understand on a global scale how these Nations were able to achieve and the learning that they can pass on to others to bring back to their own communities. This area is growing in importance to Indigenous people and understanding needs to be fostered to allow our Nations to choose what development we will be involved in and how we choose to be involved. Special thanks to all the speakers for participating in our inaugural International Indigenous Energy Summit.
Pieter van Gils Klynton Wanganeen Nurrunga Nations Aboriginal Regional Authority, Australia The Narungga Regional Authority: Native Title, Aboriginal Heritage and Mining
Headwater Capital Consulting, BC Wind Opportunities
Dennis Thomas
TWN WInd Power Inc., BC
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SUMMIT
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ENERGY
HEADING THE RIGHT WAY
by Cheryl Cardinal
Water: Fishing, hydroelectricity, water
rights and understanding this great resource
Water speakers
Breakout Sessions:
Robert Ruha, Ngati Porou, New Zealand Chairman Darwin St. Clair, East Shoshone Reservation, Wyoming, United States Grant Rigney, Australia Chair – Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations, Australia Nathan Elliot, Insightwest Research
Keynote:
Joel Krupa, Pic River First Nation, Ontario
Starts Now” report and highlight how economic space for First Nations is critical to move our communities forward.
Within the Water element at the International Indigenous Energy Summit, many of our international Indigenous speakers were drawn to discuss the protection of water. Listening to how each Nation approaches water helped participants learn that Indigenous communities have more in common within their respective countries.
Robert Ruha delivered a strong message concerning the opposition of the Maori people to Deep Sea and inland oil drilling in Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand). Robert highlighted his people’s viewpoint on the proposed developments in Aotearoa and described how this development would affect their way of life. Like many Indigenous peoples, the Maori lived off the land and ocean to sustain their communities.
Joel Krupa launched the water element by providing the keynote address for the work he does with Pic River First Nation in Ontario. Joel is directly responsible for the management of Pic River’s stake in new and existing energy generation projects worth about $700 million. Pic River boasts a 0% unemployment rate: a goal that our communities strive for. Pic River is just one example of where our communities and their leadership work towards. Joel has authored an article in this issue of Elements to give an in-depth approach to Pic River’s existing projects.
As Indigenous people of the world, we utilize our worldview to link with other Indigenous people to find common ground towards development. Although we may have different approaches to what development looks like in our communities, we all have the future generations in mind when approaching how our communities will ultimately look like.
Chairman Darwin St. Clair of the East Shoshone Reservation in Wyoming United States came to discuss how the tribe monitors air quality and ground water on their own reservation. To many of the participants, Chairman’s presentation showed that we can control how these resources are managed and how we participate in developments on our lands. Recently, his nation settled a land claim dispute with the United States government that owed monies to tribal lands for mineral deposits.
Joel Krupa Pic River First Nation, ON New & Existing Energy Generation
Grant Rigney from the Ngarrindjeri Nation in Australia spoke about protection of the groundwater in the Murray Darling Basins from an indigenous perspective. Grant was able to provide an outlook on Southwest Australia and what his people are doing to protect the water and talk about the many challenges and opportunities that exist for their people in Australia. With examining the First Nations economy, Nathan Elliott of Insightwest Research was able to provide an update to his “Future elements
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Cheryl Cardinal & Dean Manywounds presentsJoel Krupa with Ceremonial Blanket
Nathan Elliott Insightwest Research, SK Focusing on First Nations Economy
Chairman Darwin St. Clair East Shoshone Reservation, WY United States Unconventional Oil and Gas: Extraction that is both the Application of Science and Fiduciary Obligation
Robert Ruha with Cheryl Cardinal Ngati Porou, New Zealand Water Rites vs Water Rights – Relationship vs Ownership An Indigenous Prospective on Energy and Resources
Grant Rigney Australia Chair - Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations, Australia Protection of Ground Water in the Murray Darling Basin – An Indigenous Perspective
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
by P. Dawn Mills, PhD Law Aboriginal Mineral Resource Centre, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia
Unconventional Oil and Gas and First Nations throughout the Duvernay Foundation: Research and Engagement
It is recognized that throughout northeastern British Columbia, most of north and central Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, the Duvernay Foundation holds an expanse of shale oil and gas. The method of extraction provides some unique challenges for both regulators and the exploration/extraction industries. Unconventional Oil and Gas (UOG) extraction involves many different disciplines that come together to form the project. The variety of disciplines associated UOG range from geology, mining engineering, ecological management (forestry, soils and fisheries), financing, regulatory and policy experts, as well as a business expertise. Most often First Nation Leadership has not been consulted by government as to its plans for their region, so in some cases First Nation communities have had little time to prepare their local economies and community infrastructures to respond to significant resource investments. More specifically a positive dialogue is an essential ingredient that is often lacking. This activity needs to be balanced against applied and scientific research, and education when it comes to this resource development. Unconventional oil and gas development also has controversial aspects to it. There is uncertainty as to its impact on ground water, soils, and non-gas resources, and especially the low lying aquifers in Northern British Columbia. First Nations concerns are first centred on the ecological issues around this resource development; and second, the continued impact of migratory workers’ disruption on the traditional aspects of Aboriginal life and livelihood. In addition to First Nation concerns, water and environmental management at the regulatory level needs to be backed by sound scientific investigations that will instill trust throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan communities.
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
“Baseline information about ground and aquifer water, coupled with routine water monitoring, is important for continued assurance of the safety of the water supply.�
There are seven critical areas that need to be addressed as part of the development for Unconventional Oil and Gas: 1. Assessment/Consultation of the critical issues perceived by First Nation and Settler/Newcomer communities. This would map out principal areas of concerns and/or opportunities, as well as whether the communities have the skills and tools to take advantage of resource industry investments in British Columbia, and eventually in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The Aboriginal Mineral Resource Centre (AMRC) at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering is collaborating with the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia to develop a research program that will critically examine several of the above issues. AMRC is partnering with the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences to design and undertake an initial survey of existing skills and educational opportunities in northern British Columbia First Nation Communities. AMRC hopes that this initial engagement will enable a selection of First Nation educators to consider developing an educational strategy that will guide on-Reserve elementary and secondary schools science curriculum (chemistry, physics, geology, geophysics, ecology, biology and so on) so that the upcoming generation will be prepared to assist with ecological mitigation and monitoring. In addition to examining primary and secondary education and its delivery, AMRC is also interested in providing a means for current university graduates from the environmental science or related engineering backgrounds to engage in specific research associated with the more technical aspects of unconventional oil and gas development. These areas could very well be in the area of water management, water allocation standards, waste water and soil remediation. Since is it is important that larger issues, such a regional water planning, interprovincial water quality and quantity be addressed, it is necessary that research is instigated around inter-provincial responsibilities and mitigation. Also, it may be essential to examine the provincial regulatory frameworks associated with unconventional oil and gas in light of current scientific evidence around the composition of frac fluid, well casing integrity, water take and reuses, and lastly micro-seismicity.
2. Education and career training is crucial to inclusion. Working through Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) to develop a comprehensive First Nations education outreach program that enhances existing First Nation community educational programs, and also working through (NITEP and Ts�Kel Graduate Program), First Nation Schools (Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning) and other Band School Boards in Treaty 4, 6, 7 & 8 regions to develop and support an education strategy that will be inclusive of a range of educational institutions, and support systems. 3. The continued presence of industry and migratory workers in these regions affects the natural ecological balance, putting at jeopardy Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and other traditional activities. This renewed presence of the oil and gas industry through the development of unconventional oil and gas, will place additional stress on this eco-system. This will have to prompt a regional planning process that will need to ensure that Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are accommodated. 4. Water Management is indispensable to the success of Unconventional Oil and Gas development. Production takes an immense amount of water, and downstream water volumes must be taken into consideration. In addition, fracking fluids and produced water have the potential to migrate into the aquifer system causing wide spread pollution. Both of these issues are of concern of First Nation peoples. 5. Scientific research around fracking fluid migration, micro seismicity, reuse of frac fluids and related applications are critical concerns to local communities. It may be necessary to provide further in situ research on ground water sources, baseline water quality, knowledge transfer, and monitoring processes, thus enabling First Nations to have a voice when addressing the impact on regional health and environment.
In summary, research in areas associated with unconventional oil and gas development are related to specific areas. Standards of practice must include a working knowledge related to the seismicity and geohydrology in order to ensure that ground and aquifer water quality is not contaminated by either the migration of gas or frac fluids. Baseline information about ground and aquifer water, coupled with routine water monitoring, is important for continued assurance of the safety of the water supply. In addition, it is important to develop a water quantity management policy in order to maintain downstream ecological balances. Besides water, soil contamination with leaking frac fluids is also a concern. This will entail the creation of specific in-situ treatment process that leaves the soil base in tacked, while permitting the necessary remediation. Interspersed with this the research and policy reform, First Nation communities need to assess what educational support is necessary for First Nation individuals to become actively engaged in the development industry, as well as the development and maintenance of the new methods that should be developed to ensure there are no lasting effects from these activities on the water or soils.
6. There needs to be the alignment of Provincial and Federal water resulting in inter-provincial water management plans to establish industry best practices in the Dunernay Formation regions. 7. The area of regulation of unconventional oil and gas development needs a critical review. The areas range from the establishment of preliminary ecological baseline studies for water volumes, water quality, the underground geological stability, the nature of the sub-surface rock, and the long term management of the region. There needs to be a range of cooperative expertise (science, engineering, law, educators, municipal planners, and so on) to develop public policy that can be codified and delivered through the general regulatory channels. This includes the development of specific regulations associated with the Indian Oil and Gas.
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- Issue #8 / Summit Edition 2014
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)