From Treaty 8 territory to tidewater – Approval of Ksi Lisims LNG marks a milestone in Indigenous environmental and economic leadership
It’s time to move past outdated debate and show that Indigenous-led projects can drive both economic growth and meet environmental goals while growing Asian export markets.
A First Nation based in New Aiyansh, a 16-hour drive from Vancouver, is advancing a multi-billion-dollar LNG project that will benefit all British Columbians. Would anyone have believed that a generation ago – let alone a decade ago?
The Nisga’a Nation has achieved another significant milestone for Indigenous-led resource development. In September, Ksi Lisims LNG received the rigorous Environmental Assessment Certificate from the B.C. government, a process that is one of the most stringent in the world, while also receiving a positive Decision Statement from the Government of Canada.
It’s a clear achievement that forces us to reconsider some assumptions that have shaped the LNG conversation for years.
The idea that LNG is a battle between the environment and the economy, or Indigenous opposition and corporate interests, no longer holds true.
With a goal to be net-zero ready by 2030, Ksi Lisims LNG is on track to becoming one of the lowest-emission LNG facilities in the world.
Located on Nisga’a owned lands, the LNG facility will be powered by renewable hydroelectricity and will receive natural gas from Treaty 8 territory via the PRGT pipeline.
First Nations are critical to the natural-gas supply chain. From the upstream, to the midstream, to tidewater, the project touches dozens of First Nations territories and will involve thousands of people.
The First Nations Natural Gas Alliance contends that LNG exported from the west coast is different than LNG from the Gulf Coast or LNG from Qatar and other places in the world. Why? Because it’s ‘Indigenous LNG’.
Here’s why it’s important in Canada and globally: In Canada, the LNG opportunity is relatively recent and gave us all an opportunity to get it right. It involved First Nations from the get-go. It wasn’t always an easy process but the significant participation of First Nations, like the Nisga’a, the Haisla, in Treaty 8, and many others, is very encouraging for economic reconciliation.
It shows that when we align our interests, we can strengthen resource development in Canada.
Globally, Indigenous LNG means respect for the environment. Participating First Nations have taken a long, careful look at this opportunity and see the benefit of contributing to the global energy transition. The projects are built and operated responsibly, and will do the world some good, while strengthening First Nations at home.
There are trade-offs – there are always trade-offs – but many are not prepared to turn their back on the opportunity to support their communities and reverse the cycle of economic dependency.
The Nisga’a decided as a community they wanted to pursue LNG and lead the process with their values and knowledge, working with trusted partners that bring industry experience.
The world is knocking on Canada’s door for responsibly-produced Indigenous LNG – and B.C. First Nations hold the key. That may not have been the story a decade ago, but it’s the chapter being written now for our benefit today and for future generations.
Let’s keep going. . . .
(From Karen Ogen, CEO, the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance)
About the Ksi Lisims project: https://www.ksilisimslng.com/
Artist’s concept: The floating Ksi Lisims LNG facility
(Posted here 01 November 2025)
