Issue #1 - January 2013
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Canada’s First Nations Energy Publication
INDIAN RESOURCE COUNCIL Introduction
INAUGURAL ISSUE
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Water, Hydrocarbons and Hydraulic Fracturing A Nova Scotia Perspective
This Month’s Profile: Frog Lake First Nation
NEBCE
Our Story
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Issue #1 - January 2013
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NEBCE
Our Story
elements
Issue #1 - January 2013
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Table of Contents MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Introduction of the Inaugural Issue of ELEMENTS
IRC - ABOUT US
4 5
Indian Resource Council was founded in 1987 by Chiefs representing the oil & gas producing First Nations.
NEBCE Highlights NEBCE Mandate
Profile
7 10
Frog Lake First Nation - A natural resource rich nation deeply involved in community programs
training: intro to oil & gas Modules currently offered by NEBCE Cheryl Cardinal Director National Energy Business Centre of Excellence Indian Resource Council Lynn Calf Robe Manager of Business Development National Energy Business Centre of Excellence Indian Resource Council Nathan Elliott Contributing Editor David Blondeau (Maxpo Communications) Design and Layout Jamie Angus / Floyd Blackhorse / Lynn Calf Robe Curtis Comeau / Loretta Quinney Photos Linda Chipesia / Louis Joe Bernard Cheryl Cardinal / Lynn Calf Robe / Larry Kaida Writers
ANNUAL General Meeting 2012
13 14
Summary of the AGM with JTC 1 and JTC 2 updates
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 dulpication without written consent is not permitted. For any information, please contact Cheryl Cardinal at cherylc@fnet.ca.
message
from the director Cheryl Cardinal
This marks the inaugural issue of the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence publication Elements. Our publication serves as one of the many ways in which our organization shares information, not only about what we are doing, but also about what other First Nations from coast-tocoast-to-coast are doing in the areas of energy and resource development.
Moving forward, Elements will focus on providing critical information as it pertains to understanding the needs and motivations of First Nations engaged in the energy and resource sectors. This publication is unique in the fact that it takes a national focus on development, it is First Nations focussed and includes ongoing success stories from which other First Nations may draw inspiration. We are truly excited for the possibilities.
“We are excited to
As you will see in this issue and the other that are to follow, we employ the elements of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water as common themes of understanding and as frameworks for categorizing the energy and resource development (both on and off reserve) in Canada today. Earth includes mining as its main focus. Fire will include stories in the oil and gas sectors. Wind will highlight a number of First Nations wind energy activities currently underway. Finally, Water will include information on protection and understanding development.
work alongside you
and show you the many
exciting initiatives that we are working on.”
This issue includes an introduction to the Indian Resource Council, the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence and initiatives that the Centre has been involved in. We are excited to work alongside you and show you the many exciting initiatives that we are working on.
NEBCE Staff Cheryl Cardinal
Lynn Calf Robe
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence Indian Resource Council
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence Indian Resource Council
Director
Manager of Business Development
Cheryl Cardinal has spent over 15 years working with various First Nations communities nationally in the areas of energy and resources, education, research, as well as program and economic development. Cheryl is currently the Director of the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE) in Calgary, AB. She works with First Nations across the country who are either engaged, or who are looking to engage, in the country’s energy and resource sectors. In her work at NEBCE, Cheryl has worked to address many of the barriers First Nations face in energy and resource development today.
Lynn is a Member of Siksika Nation. Professional resume; Communications Officer, Siksika Media (1999), Managing Editor for New Tribe Magazine, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (2004) Manager of Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre, SAIT Polytechnic (2008) Instructor, SAIT Polytechnic (2010) Research Consultant, Siksika Chief and Council (2010) Advisor for Chinook Lodge Aboriginal Resource Centre (2012) Health Careers Coordinator, Treaty 7 Management Corporation (2012) Freelance writer and photographer (1999-2012).
Cheryl has also worked with the Vancouver-based New Relationship Trust to distribute $2 million annually to British Columbia First Nations. This distribution was carried out through the creation and management of four programs related to post-secondary employment subsidies, scholarships, as well as elder and youth-directed initiatives. Cheryl has a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Political Science and History from the University of British Columbia and is a member of the Sucker Creek First Nation in northern Alberta.
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Academic accreditations; Communications Certificate, Grant Mac Ewan Community College (1999) Business Administration Diploma, SAIT Polytechnic (2003) Bachelor of Arts: Major in International Indigenous Studies, University of Calgary (2012).
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Irc ABOUT US
Indian Resource Council
IRC was founded in 1987 by Chiefs representing the oil and gas producing First Nations, following the recommendation of a task force that was established to study the role of the Crown in the management of First Nations oil and natural gas resources. An expanded and restructured Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC) was established at the same time. The work and activities of the IRC are guided by the mandates that were approved and adopted at previous AGM’s in 1993 and 1995. These mandates, which are currently being revamped, are as follows: • To support First Nations in their efforts to attain greater management and control of their oil and natural gas resources; • To complement initiatives by individual First Nations to gain economic self-reliance and to ensure the preservation of the Crown Trust obligations under Treaties with First Nations; • To coordinate the promotion of initiatives with federal and provincial governments, with industry and with other groups associated with oil, natural gas and related activities to enhance economic benefits realized by the First Nations from resource development; • To encourage greater development and utilization of First Nations human resources in oil, natural gas and related activities;
“The work and activities of the IRC are guided by the mandates that were approved and adopted at previous AGM’s in 1993 and 1995.”
• To transform IOGC into a First Nations institution, working in partnership with the IOGC co-management Board. As well, work towards supporting the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence in the long term.
Photo by Jamie Angus
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
IRC
staff Pamela A. Atjecoutay Office Manager Pamela is a member of Cowessess First Nation located in SE Saskatchewan and is the greatgranddaughter of the famed Saulteaux long distance runner, Paul Acoose from Sakimay First Nation. Her academic accreditations include: Thom Collegiate, Receptionist/Office Assistant course at a Regina business college; graduated with honors from the Secretarial Course at Henderson Business College; and an Accounting Certificate from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Professional resume includes: Office Clerk for Canada Employment & Immigration Commission; Secretary and Contracts Clerk for NOVA, An Alberta Corporation; Executive Assistant for SAIT Student’s Association; and Records Clerk for Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC). Pamela began employment with the Indian Resource Council on January 6, 1997.
Larry Kaida Assistant to the President/CEO, IRC Larry has been with the IRC for over 20 years and has held the positions as the Director of Training and Employment (19911994); Special Advisor to the President/ Chairman(1994-1996) and Assistant to the President/CEO (1996-Present). Previous to this, Larry worked as Director of Post-Secondary Programs at Blue Quills First Nations College, St. Paul, Alberta (1982-1990). His academic background include a B.A. (Education), M.A. (International Relations) and Graduate Studies in Educational Policy and Administration.
Patti Beebe JTC1 Project Manager Tansi - Patti is from the Four Nations of Hobbema Alberta, and is honored to be working with the Indian Resource Council. She joined the team in October of this year where it has been an incredible learning experience. Her role at the IRC is the Project Manager for the Joint Technical Committee One (JTC1). The JTC1 is comprised of individuals appointed by their respective Nations that make up the top 10 Oil & Gas Producing First Nations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The objective of the JTC1 is to monitor & review regulatory changes to the Indian Oil & Gas Act proposed by Indian Oil & Gas Canada. The Committee has been very busy working, working against deadlines and will continue to work diligently towards completion. For more information contact our office at 403.281.8308 or visit us at www.indianresourcecouncil.ca
Current Projects: Larry assists the President/CEO in the development and management of all IRC programs and projects including the work of JTC1 and 2.
Linda Chipesia IRC/IOGC Liaison
John Snow Jr. B.Sc. P.M.L.M. M.A. JTC 2 John Snow Jr. is the eldest son of the Late Chief John Snow, Stoney Tribe. John is a member of the Stoney Tribe and was educated in Canada, United States and England. Academic accreditations include - a bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University, Foreign study at the University of London Union in England, Master’s degree at the University of Calgary, and a diploma in petroleum land management from Mount Royal University. His professional resume includes; Shell Canada Ltd, Stoney tribal council as the oil and gas manager, instructor for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, instructor for Brandon University and faculty leader for the oil and gas symposium for Banff Centre for Management.
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
neBce
HIGHLIGHTS National Energy Business Centre of Excellence
NEBCE MANDATE
industry and government. NEBCE provides this understanding but has the opportunity to expand even further. One of the current strengths of NEBCE is its ability to accommodate diverse interests, the key factor to building mutually beneficial and long term relationships. NEBCE provides the tools for creating capacity with community-based economic and environmental initiatives.
First Nations are playing an ever-increasing role in energy and resources projects and developments on traditional lands across the country. First Nations are not only interested in taking active interest in these projects, but also are wishing to lead the charge, in turn, receiving the recognized benefits that accompany development. Many First Nations are new to developing energy and resources projects. Others are not. Still, most First Nations across the country lack the background and “best practice” experience hindering their ability to maximize community benefits.
Overall, NEBCE has invested in a plan to assist NEBCE stakeholders in achieving the full potential of their businesses. Full potential can be achieved through the development of partnerships with targeted small-to-medium size oil, gas, mining and renewable energy companies to accelerate the pace of commercial activity in the aforementioned sectors. Full “The Indian potential can also be achieved Resource Council by improving First Nations and non-First Nations business (IRC) created The skills through workshops, National Energy networking, training and advising. Business Centre
These realties considered, the Indian Resource Council (IRC) created the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE) in 2008, a completely unique First Nations-directed and operated organization, to provide leadership and to promote collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships between oil and gas producing First Nations, government and industry with the intent of increasing First Nations direct involvement in, and understanding of these sectors.
Check out www.nebce.com or www.fnresources.com for more information.
It is no secret that industry players in the energy sector are looking to engage in meaningful relationships with First Nations. With this in mind, NEBCE uses its own expertise, and the expertise provided from its strategic partners, to help accelerate the pace of energy and resource development, both on and off reserve, through an intense focus on trust, respect and credibility to form meaningful, lasting relationships. The focus on these principles creates NEBCE’s competitive advantage and provides measurable returns on investment.
of Excellence (NEBCE) in 2008”
Opportunities in the energy and resource sectors are more abundant than ever before. It is NEBCE’s mission to take full advantage of these opportunities through the services and programs it offers. One of the early successes of NEBCE has been its ability to foster relationships in the oil and gas sectors that build on a foundation of generating community and economic opportunities, while at the same time, managing environmental impacts. Part of NEBCE’s success moving forward will be based on our expertise in the areas of energy and resource development, as well as a balanced approach to First Nations consultation and traditional knowledge policies and their implementation. The 2012 Annual General Meeting
Current oil, gas and mining projects hinge on understanding the respective roles and obligations of First Nations communities,
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Photo by Floyd Blackhorse
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Delbert Wapass, Title, Com
Board of Directors Directors
Dean Manywounds, Title, Community and b munity and bio Delbert Wapass, Title, Community and bio Delbert Wapass, Title, Community and bio
IRC Board O
Board of Directors Chair of IRC Board of Directors, Interm President/CEO Chief Delbert Wapass (Walking Eagle), Thunderchild First Nation (Treaty 6) • • • •
Vice-Chair of IRC Board of Directors Dean Manywounds, Councillor of T’suu Tina Nation (Treaty 7) • Community is adjacent to south west side of Calgary, AB • Population is 2,038 (AANDC 2012) • Serving his second term on council, from 2010 to 2012 and 2012 to 2014 • Professional resume includes; 25 years with Sarcee Gravel - managed five businesses - Waste Management facility, Soils Recycling, Roads Department, Gravel and Asphalt (owned and operated by Tsuu T’ina Nation) Established in partnership environmental company in Canada - Green Spirit Environment Inc. • Academic education includes; Waste Management, Environmental Technologist, Business Administration, Mount Royal College and Sheet Metal Mechanic, SAIT
Community located approximately 200 km from Edmonton, AB Population is 2,728 (AANDC, 2012) Professional resume includes; Chief for two terms, two terms as an executive member with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Analyst for Assembly of First Nations (AFN), a teacher, school administrator, researcher, governance negotiator, public relations, human resources and finance. Academic achievements include; Bachelor of Arts degree, University of Regina (1994), Bachelor of Education degree (1994), University of Saskatchewan and Master’s degree in Educational Administration, University of Saskatchewan (2010)
James Badger, Title, Com o Dean Manywounds, Title, Community and bio Delbert Wapass, Title, Community and bio anywounds, Title, Community and bio
Board of Directors
Councillor Clayton Auger, Bigstone Cree Nation (Treaty 8)
Chief Jim Badger Sucker Creek First Nation (Treaty 8)
Clayton Auger munity and bio James Title, Community and bio Dean Manywounds, Title,Badger, Community and bio Title, James Ahnassay, Community and bio James Badger, Title, Community and bio • • • •
• • • • •
Community is located approximately 360 km N.W. from Edmonton, AB Population is 2,678 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes; Served 16 years as Chief, consultation, governance, strategic planning, audit and policy development, Consultation Officer with Provincial Government A member of numerous associations including; Indian Resource Council, Treaty 8 Chiefs First Nations, LSLIRC Board of Chiefs, Oteenow Employment & Training, Mountain Cree Camp Syllabics Institute, Kapown Treatment Centre, and Siksika Medicine Lodge
Chief James Ahnassay Dene Tha’ First Nation (Treaty 8) • • • • •
Located approximately 320 km north of Edmonton, AB Population is 7,231 (AANDC) He is serving his 2nd term on council, from 2006-2010 and re-elected 2010-2014 Academic credentials include; Diploma in Accounting, Grant Mac Ewan University Professional resume includes finance, accounting and consultant roles with various companies owned by Bigstone Cree Nation
Chief Joseph Knockwood, Fort Folly First Nation
Community is located approximately 650 km N.W. of Edmonton, AB Population is 2,868 (AANDC, 2012) Professional resume includes; fourth term as Chief, Academic accreditations include; NAIT graduate from the Civil Engineering Technology program Recipient of the 2009 NAIT Alumni Award of Distinction
• • •
Community is located 40 km from Moncton, NB Population is 123 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes; Served 15 years as Chief, 27 years working in Land Claims and Native American History, a member of the American Forces, Entrepreneur
Joe Knockwood, Title, Badger, Title, James Ahnassay, Title,James Community and bioCommunity and bio Errnol Gray ssay, Title, Community and bio Councillor Errnol Gray, Aamjiwnaang First Nation • • • •
Chief Eddy Makokis Saddle Lake First Nation (Treaty 6)
Located km near Sarnia, ON Population is approximately 700 (INAC 2006) Professional resume includes being employed with Dal Chemicals for 33 years as a pipefitter/welder, retired for 18 years He is serving on Council for 39 years, sat in for Chief for 6 month term
• Located approximately 180 km from Edmonton, AB • Population is 9,827 (AANDC) • Professional resume includes: 15 years as Chief
ommunity and bio Joe Knockwood, Title, Community and bio Cameron Janvier Joe Knockwood, Title, Community and bio James Ahnassay, Title, Community and bio
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Franklyn White Quills
of Directors Errnol Gray
Leon Whitstone
Clayton Auger Cameron Janvier
Of Directors
Liz Logan
Tribal Chief Liz Logan Treaty 8 British Columbia
nol Gray
Vice Chief Edward (Dutch) Lerat Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN)
• From Fort Nelson First Nation located 380 km northeast of Fort St. John, BC. Representing Treaty 8 First Nations in BC; Doig River, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, West Moberly First Nation • Population is 877 • Professional resume includes; Re-elected as Tribal Chief on April 1, 2012 for another three year term. Chief of Fort Nelson First Nation and was re-elected to four terms. She served her last term from August 2006 to August 2008, 25 years in health, business management and administration fields, former Chair of the Board for Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre. • Education accreditations: Health, Business Management and Administration
Lonechild oard ofAnnette Directors
• • •
Clayton Auger Cameron Janvier Wray Maracle
• Main reserve located 25 km east of Hamilton, ON - Six Nations includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga and Tuscarora • Population is 22, 294 (2005) • Professional resume includes; 1st elected to Six Nations Elected Council in January 2008, Re-elected to Six Nations Elected Council December 2012, Indian Resource Council Board Member since 2009 • Academic accreditations; Honours Graduate Sport Management, Brock University (2007), Electronics Technicians Diploma, Radio College of Canada (1983)
Larron Northwest Northwest Larron
Community located 95 km south of Edmonton, AB Population is 7,783 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes; Served on council from 1989 – 1996 and 2005 – present, and board of director for Samson Oil and Gas Inc. (2005 – 2008) Represents the 4 nations in Hobbema (Samson, Montana, Louis Bull, and Erminskin)
• Located 200 km from Regina, SK • Population is 2,499 (AANDC 2012) • Professional resume includes: Councillor for 10 years non- consecutive involved with Governance, Oil & Gas, the Duty to Consult, Treaty Rights, Policy, Economic Development, Housing and Human Resources; Interim Chair of the White Bear Lake Holdings Management Corporation; Chief for one term (1999 - 2001); Researcher in Education and Training Secretariat, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN); Land Manager, Stoney Nation • Academic accreditations include: Petroleum Land Administration (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Councillor Cameron Janvier Cold Lake First Nation (Treaty 6)
Wray Maracle Cameron Janvier
Community located approximately 275 km from Edmonton, AB Population is 2635 (AANDC) CLFN is the ‘Largest Employer of First Nations in Canada’ with over 800 employees Longest serving Councillor with 5 terms Professional resume; Part of 5 different Councils’ that have seen the establishment of the following companies - Primco Dene, Denecor, The Dechen Corporation, 7 Lakes, Casino Dene, and Cold Lake First Nations Agricultural Society
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• • • •
Franklyn White White Quills Quills Franklyn
Community is located 45 km from Lethbridge, AB Population is 11,626 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes: Committee: Economic Development Committee, Economic Development, Lands, BTAP, KABC, Farm Initiative, Forage Plant, Kainai Resources Inc
Annette Lonechild Errnol Gray
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Councillor Larron Northwest Maskwacis Cree First Nation (Treaty 6)
Councillor Annette Lonechild Whitebear First Nation (Treaty 4)
Councillor Franklyn White Quills Kainai First Nation (Treaty 7)
• • • • •
Edward (Dutch) Lerat
Board of Directors
Councillor Wray Maracle, Six Nations of the Grand River
• • •
From Cowessess First Nation located 180 km east of Regina, SK Population is 3962 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes; 19 years representing Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Executive Assistant to the Chief of FSIN, Special Assistant to Minister Argue with the Federal Government, Second Vice-Chief for FSIN (1984), fifth term with the FSIN as Vice-Chief (1995) Regional Vice-Chief to the Assembly of First Nations of Canada, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority as Acting Chief Executive Officer (1996) and later appointed to the position of CEO (1996), two terms as Urban Councillor for Cowessess First Nation (2004), Elected Third Vice Chief for the FSIN (2009) and Re-elected second term as Third Vice Chief of FSIN (2012).
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Councillor Leon Whitstone Onion Lake First Nation (Treaty 6) • • • • •
Community located 45 km north of Lloydminster, AB (situated on the AB and SK border) Population is 5,350 (AANDC 2012) Professional resume includes; economic development, oil and gas and public relations Academic achievements include; a certificate in Business Administration. He has been an IRC member for 5 years.
Leon Whitstone Whitstone Leon
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
PrOFILE FROG LAKE FIRST NATION Chief Clifford Stanley
by Lynn Calf Robe
Whitstone, and Theresa Wade, (April 2011 to April 2013.) Like their predecessors, they share a vision rooted in community– directed economic and business development that is sustainable in the long-term, and that is also rooted in protecting spiritual and cultural traditions.
Population: 2,952 (AANDC 2012) Location: 90 km north of Lloydminster In the rolling hills of northeastern Alberta, 90 kilometres north of Lloydminster, sits Frog Lake First Nation. Situated in Treaty 6 territory, this dynamic community of more than 2900 on and off reserve members, sits atop a rich mixture of natural resources. It is two of these resources – oil and gas – that, for some time, have been propelling the community in exciting new directions. This allows Frog Lake to change the way First Nation business is done in this country today.
It is no secret that Frog Lake’s successful economic development program has helped put the community on the financial map. For this reason, the community’s own oil and gas producing company, Frog Lake Energy Resources Corporation (FLERC), requires a closer look. Oil and gas development in Frog Lake began in 1982 when the community partnered with Husky Oil – a partnership that would eventually lead to the creation of FLERC. A private energy company, FLERC is managed under the experienced leadership of Chief Executive Officer Joe Dion and President Raymond Quinney, and has grown steadily since it was incorporated in 2003. FLERC has since created equity partnerships with other oil and gas companies including: Buffalo Oil, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Petromin Resources, and Twin Butte Energy Ltd.
One feature that the community has become well-known for is its progressive leadership. Current community leaders heading the charge include: Chief Clifford Stanley and Councillors Angeline Berland, Wayne Faithful, Terry Moyah, Collin Quinney, Erma
FLERC now boasts many of the same business structures and operating licenses as the strongest oil and gas juniors in the business, propelling company growth even further. For example, in October 2005, FLERC production exceeded 50 barrels of oil a day. In March of the same year, it exceeded 450 barrels a day. Now production is more than three times higher than those early numbers, with no signs of slowing down. The work FLERC is doing is having a positive impact on the First Nation, leading to increased employment and joint ventures with service companies that benefit all Frog Lake members. The mission from day one has been to develop the oil and gas resources so that profits from development flow to the people of Frog Lake. Mel Abraham, Oilfield Liaison with FLERC and former Councilor of the First Nation, views the company as being ‘’very successful” not just in an economic sense, but in the equally-important areas of education, housing, local procurement and wealth sharing. Photos provided by Loretta Quinney
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
“A nation rich in natural resources, Frog Lake’s focus has, and will always be, on the most important resource – the people.”
“The mission from day one has been to develop the oil and gas resources so that profits from development flow to the people of Frog Lake.”
Clearly, their accomplishments are not an accident or the result of simple good luck, rather FLERC’s growth can be attributed to the consistent hard work and uncompromising vision for a longterm, sustainable future.
China-based private investment firm Sichuan Ruifeng Investment Management Co. Ltd. has led to the establishment of Windtalker Energy Corporation – yet another business venture added to the community’s growing economic development portfolio.
FLERC wants to create enduring benefits for the members of Frog Lake First Nation, and education is one area of intense focus. The Frog Lake Education Authority, for example, oversees Chief Napeweaw Comprehensive School (K to 12 program), as well as Portage College which supports post-secondary students from the community. Newly-appointed FLERC President Raymond Quinney states that in order for the Frog Lake community to continue to grow, the focus has to be on the youth. Quinney states “We need to educate our youth to get involved. We need geologists, lands people, physicist and financial people. There is a lot that needs to happen so that our people can grow along with the rest of the world.”
A nation rich in natural resources, Frog Lake’s focus has, and will always be, on the most important resource – the people. Much of Frog Lake’s recent success can be attributed to its strategic vision - looking beyond today, to tomorrow when natural resources may not always be so plentiful. If the recent economic upswing of the community is any indication, Frog Lake will be on the cuttingedge of business innovation, and community development for decades to come.
As is the case with all growing businesses community and business challenges are ever-present. Abraham, who has worked with the community on resolving some of the issues including land management, notes that “not everyone wants an oil rig in their backyard.” Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for the community and company as they make their way into a second decade of resource development and look for other potential partnerships, some domestic and some even international. Case in point, a recent partnership with the
Contact Information: Frog Lake First Nation General Delivery Frog Lake, AB. Canada T0A 1M0 Phone: 780-943-3739 Fax: 780-943-3966 www.froglake.ca
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Water, Hydrocarbons and Hydraulic Fracturing Presentation to the Nova Scotia First Nations by Louis Joe Bernard
On October 23, 2012, the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence came to Sydney, Nova Scotia to present an information session on Water, Hydraulic Fracturing and Hydrocarbons. Cheryl Cardinal, Director of the Centre, utilized the expertise of James T. (Terry) McCoy, P. Geol. of Koa Resources Ltd to deliver a one day comprehensive workshop titled “Water, Hydrocarbon and Hydraulic Fracturing” which provides an overview of the process of fracing for the development taking place in Nova Scotia. This process is foreign and new to the many residents of Cape Breton Island, specifically near Lake Anslie. The residents were very concerned with the effects that fracing will have on their drinking water. Although, a small number of people attended the presentation, the word quickly spread like grassfire among the five Mi’kmaq communities; Eskasoni, Membertou, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, and Potlotek/Chapel Island and other adjoining communities near Lake Anslie who were also in attendance. The participants were pleased with the depth of information and the knowledge of the presenter. The problem with this type of information is that community members believe that this is not always discussed with the communities by our leadership and leadership informs its members to “trust us”. This is very difficult when the effects of fracing activity are presented by ill-informed and mixed messages by the media and social networks like Facebook. This way of receiving information like Facebook creates scare tactics by certain individuals that were not well informed and created misinterpretation of the facts. Mr. McCoy made a complete visual presentation with facts about fracturing for oil. Almost a month later almost to the day, investors had told the media that they will not be investing in the exploration well. This was very pleasing to the residents around Lake Anslie.
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
Intro to Oil & Gas by Cheryl Cardinal
Oil and Gas power our world. Those who have these resources are positioned to lead the charge in the modern economy. So, too, do First Nations have oil and gas, however, our people have not profited equitably from development. Recognizing that information is the key to understanding, the National Energy Business Centre of Excellence has responded by working with a number of First Nations and organizations to launch a series of workshops that tackle development questions head-on. Our goal is to better-equip First Nations with cuttingedge insight and information so that they can participate more-fully in the energy and resource economy and, in turn, make informed decisions for their nations and about the economic futures they desire.
Included below are descriptions of the modules NEBCE facilitates: 1) First Nations Corporate Structures and Liability This newly-designed module outlines potential liabilities for First Nations engaged in a number of areas of Canadian oil and gas development. It includes important information that decision-makers must understand to undertake strategic development, both on and off reserve. It provides a much-needed perspective on the legal ramifications of decision-making. 2) Pipelines – Canada is a pipeline nation. A vast network of oil and gas pipelines stretches throughout most of the country carrying the wealth of First Nations. At once, pipelines serve to mobilize and connect us, but they also serve to demobilize and disconnect us. While pipelines are a vital link bridging resources to energy markets worldwide, lessons from past projects must be understood, and best practices developed, to ensure that the potential benefits of development outweigh the inherent risks. It is no secret that pipelines affect First Nations communities disproportionately. With this in mind, this newly-developed module assists First Nations and non-First Nations to better understand the central issues surrounding pipelines in this country, allowing stakeholders to make more informed decisions on this increasingly important topic in social, cultural, political and economic debate. 3) Community Planning – First Nations community planning is vital for sustainable economic development. Proper community planning includes a multitude of steps and considerations. The use of GIS technology represents just one tool that serves to assist First Nations in decision-making. This module details GIS technology and an array of other strategies to equip First Nations with requisite information they need to succeed. 4) Safety - First Nations working in the oil and gas sectors need to understand the safety standards and requirements that play an ever-increasing role in development. Energy and resource development has its risks. It is labour-intensive, requires heavy machinery and employs large numbers of people. At the end of the day, people (many of whom are First Nations) are the engine that drives the energy and resource
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economy. These are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons just trying to making a living. They deserve to be safe. This module is designed to assist First Nations understand the importance of safety. Fostering a safe working environment creates safer communities. One injury is one too many and this module highlights safety standards, best practices and legislation that must be understood for injury prevention and more. The first wealth is health. 5) Water and Fracing - The concerns of the water usage and fracing have been facing many First Nations communities across Canada for years. NEBCE provides an overview of the importance of water, the legislation that accompanies it, and how development affects, or has the potential to affect groundwater. The module provides insight and addresses concerns faced by First Nations in their attempts to understand fracing, the importance clean water, and hydrocarbons impact on it. 6) Exploration and Production – This module provides a general overview for understanding upstream, downstream and midstream activity in Canadian oil and gas development. It provides an interactive approach for understanding risk and the requirement for buying land. It also provides analysis on how presidents and CEOs of major companies working in the energy and resource sectors operate when it comes to development, and provides First Nations with strategies to more effectively respond to industry activity affecting them.
“Our goal is to better-equip First Nations with cuttingedge insight and information...”
7) Successful First Nations – Several First Nations across the country have taken charge and have paved their own path towards economic success in their communities. Recognizing that it is important for all First Nations to understand how to undertake successful economic development. This module focuses on a series of success stories where First Nation communities have undertaken economic development on their own terms. 8) Overview of the Oil & Gas Industry - This module serves to bring together a number of the NEBCE workshops. It provides a comprehensive analysis of industry and First Nations positioning within it. Areas of focus include: Industry as a whole, Business opportunities for First Nations, Risk analysis, Pipelines, Water usage, as well as understanding Accumap. Each NEBCE module is designed and tailored for our clients’ unique needs. Our workshops are national in focus and have been created to move around the country to address the various concerns facing First Nations people from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For more information, please contact Cheryl Cardinal atcherylc@fnet.ca
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
AGM 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - SUMMARY 2011/12 IRC Annual General Meeting By Linda Chipesia The Annual General Meeting of the Indian Resource Council took place on Thursday, November 22, 2012 in accordance with the Day 2 Agenda published in the IRC Business Conference and AGM 2011/2012 brochure. Day 1 of the AGM was a business conference format with presentations from industry and First Nation’s oil and gas businesses (copies of the presentations can be found on www.fnresources.com). The 2011/2012 IRC written Annual Report was formally approved. Also, the IRC 2011/2012 Audited Financial Statements were approved and the auditing firm MNP was retained as the IRC Auditors for 2012/2013. In addition, a motion with an undertaking to engage IRC members of the proposed new MOU and to provide a recommended course of action regarding the proposed new MOU to Canada by February 28, 2013 was approved by the Annual General Meeting. Further to the Ex-Officio (TBA) and 16 members of the IRC Board of Directors, Chief Barry Kennedy from Carry The Kettle First Nation and Tribal Chief Liz Logan from Treaty 8 Tribal Association B.C (T8TA) have joined the IRC Board of Directors 2012/2013. The IOGC Co-Management Board has welcomed two new IRC members, Tribal Chief Liz Logan, T8TA and Vice-Chief Edward (Dutch) Lerat, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Joint Technical 1 Committee 2012/2013 also welcomed new member, Sheldon M. Wuttunee, President/CEO of the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence. The composition of all board members and committees will be made public on www.indianresourcecouncil.ca The Executive Director/CEO, IOGC presented the IOGC Report at the Annual General Assembly (Overview, Operations, CoManagement Board, Priorities 2012-2013 and IOGC 25th Anniversary). Contact: Larry Kaida, Assistant to the President/CEO Indian Resource Council (403) 281-8354 or email at larryk@fnet.ca
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- Inaugural Issue / January 2013
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
“IRC is responsible for providing information relating to this work to its members.”
Joint Technical Committee 1 (JTC1) Update By Larry Kaida
JTC1 is a committee made up of technical representatives from the major producing First Nations, IRC, IOGC and AANDC. This committee is tasked with the responsibility of “modernizing” IOGC’s regulatory regime through amendments to the Indian Oil and Gas Act and Regulations. The Act was successfully amended and enacted in May 2009; however, the Act does not come into effect until the Regulations are completed and approved. JTC1 is currently involved in the Regulations amendment work which may be completed in 2014. IRC is responsible for providing information relating to this work to its members while Canada is responsible to ensure proper consultations take place.
Photo & Inset Photo by Curtis Comeau
Joint Technical Committee 2 (JTC2) Update By Larry Kaida
JTC2 is made up of Chiefs and/or their representatives as well as representatives from IOGC and Canada. It was established in 2005 to address issues that are outside the scope and mandates of JTC1. These include business development, First Nations oil and gas management/ governance and employment and training. JTC2 was instrumental in the establishment of IRC’s Business Centre and provided research support to the IOGC Comanagement Board. During the current year, JTC2 is responsible to work with the Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta as well as with industry and the Federal Government to support a business plan and strategy that addresses the employment of First Nations people in the booming oil and gas industry. The business plan will be completed in March 2013.
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- Inaugural Issue / January 2013
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National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE)
National Energy Business Centre of Excellence 235 - 9911 Chiila Boulevard Tsuu T’ina Nation AB, Canada T2W 6H6 Tel: (403) 252-1702 Fax: (403) 252-3226 E-mail: cherylc@fnet.ca First Nations Website: www.fnresources.com Oil & Gas Website: www.nebce.com
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