At a time when Canada needs to diversify its exports and strengthen its economy, Indigenous-led projects are leading the way
By KAREN OGEN, Alliance CEO
Who would have thought a decade ago that a First Nation in remote New Aiyansh, a 16-hour car ride north of Vancouver, would be the driving force behind a multi-billion-dollar LNG project benefiting all of B.C.?
It’s a vision that’s becoming a reality.
On November 13, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Terrace to spotlight the Nisga’a Nation-led Ksi Lisims LNG project, and the PRGT natural gas pipeline that supports it, as a top priority for his government and the federal Major Projects Office (MPO).
According to the government, Ksi Lisims LNG “is expected to attract nearly $30 billion in investment, create thousands of skilled careers, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global LNG exporter.”
The project referral to the MPO follows another significant milestone for Indigenous-led resource development, with Ksi Lisims LNG receiving an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the government of British Columbia and a positive Decision Statement from the federal government.
The BC Environmental Assessment process is one of the most rigorous in the world, and the Nisga’a process is even stronger. Ksi Lisims LNG cleared both.
And make no mistake – this is a Nisga’a project. The Nisga’a decided as a community they wanted to pursue LNG and has guided the process with their values and knowledge, partnering with trusted international companies that bring industry experience.
The Nisga’a will receive significant economic benefits from Ksi Lisims LNG, which will be located on Nisga’a Treaty lands, and from the approximately 800-kilometre PRGT pipeline, of which they are co-owners.
The pipeline will also generate significant benefits to First Nations and communities along its route.
These recent milestones mark major progress toward making the LNG export facility and pipeline a reality – creating jobs, training opportunities and lasting economic benefits for Indigenous and local communities, while strengthening our economy and supporting long-term resilience.
Ksi Lisims LNG will be powered by renewable hydroelectricity and will liquefy 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.
Indigenous-led projects are also showing the way on the environment. With a goal to be net-zero ready by 2030, Ksi Lisims LNG will become one of the lowest-emission LNG facilities in the world – with emissions 94% below the global average once fully electrified.
Ksi Lisims LNG is another achievement amongst an impressive list of projects demonstrating economic reconciliation in British Columbia. In projects such as Cedar LNG, Coastal GasLink, Tilbury LNG, LNG Canada and Woodfibre LNG, First Nations act as owners, participants, and/or regulators.
The scale and scope of Indigenous participation may not be fully understood in British Columbia, but it is truly bending the curve of reconciliation in the right direction.
And when you hear about LNG, just know that what we are really talking about is Indigenous LNG. That means it involves First Nations in a meaningful way, is produced at the highest global environmental standards, and will generate benefits for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians alike.
We can’t stop here. We must continue to support natural gas and energy projects that are done the right way, help diversify Canada’s exports, and deliver huge economic returns to First Nations and communities. We all benefit.
The world is knocking on Canada’s door for responsibly-produced Indigenous LNG – and BC 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.
