Ten years ago, the idea that First Nations and Métis people might own a major pipeline project would have been seen as a non-starter. Today, people barely bat an eye at the prospect of such an investment. With the federal government recently re-approving the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, a number of realistic proposals for Indigenous ownership of the project are in play.
These Indigenous groups are already formed, competitive, and eager to proceed. Project Reconciliation, the Alberta-led Iron Coalition, and B.C.’s Western Indigenous Pipeline Group all have extensive proposals. Both Iron Coalition and Project Reconciliation would operate along a model of distributing benefits to member First Nation and Métis communities.
