When we talk about climate change, emissions reduction, or major development in Canada, one aspect that has become more and more centred in the discussion is the importance of Indigenous partnership and participation.
From the historic deal between Enbridge and 23 First Nations in Alberta to Cedar LNG in BC and other projects across the country, Indigenous communities are changing how we do business in Canada—for the better. But there’s still work to do.
On this episode, we are joined by Karen Ogen, former Chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and current CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a collective of First Nations participating in, and supportive of, sustainable and responsible LNG development in BC.
Karen sheds light on the importance of Indigenous ownership in major projects to not only improve the economic well-being of Indigenous communities, but to enable them with the resources to care for the housing, health, and healing needs of their people.
We also discuss the importance of energy literacy, the realities of Canada’s regulatory systems and their current challenges to enable Indigenous engagement, and advice to other Indigenous communities eager to participate in major projects.
In this episode:
- Getting to know Karen
- Karen’s time as Chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation
- What it means to be a leader within the community
- The importance of LNG to Canada and Indigenous communities
- The economic benefits of natural resource development to communities
- Challenges within Canada’s regulatory systems
- The value of bringing Indigenous communities to the table
- A discussion of the recommendations found within Future Unbuilt
- Advice for other Indigenous communities around major project development
Resources mentioned:
- Website: First Nations LNG Alliance
- Report: Future Unbuilt
About The Brief
In this series, co-hosts Scott Crockatt and Brittany Brander explore the big challenges we face as Albertans; celebrate stories of growth, innovation, and prosperity; and discover bold ideas to make life better for Albertans.
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