KEY PIPELINE PARTNERS

There’s a common perception that First Nations are vehemently opposed to expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Indigenous people have been prominent at ongoing protests against the $6.8-billion project and have been a strong presence at the tent camp, which has been ordered dismantled, constructed outside the pipeline’s terminus in Burnaby, B.C.

Everyone has a right to legally protest a development they disagree with, and Indigenous people bring heft to such demonstrations, given their special standing in society.

So it’s interesting that many First Nations are considering becoming partners in the project, which was purchased by the federal government from Kinder Morgan, after the company grew weary of endless delays, including demonstrations and bothersome court challenges.

Whispering Pines First Nation Chief Michael Lebourdais says he has had talks with as many as 27 Indigenous groups along the pipeline route, the majority of them in B.C. They are among 33 First Nations in B.C. and another 10 in Alberta that have already signed benefit agreements for the project valued at $400 million.

Indigenous people clearly see the advantage of investing in the energy industry. Alberta’s Fort Mckay and Mikisew First Nations, for instance, raised $545 million last year to buy a 49 per cent stake in Suncor Energy’s oilsands storage facilities north of Fort Mcmurray.

The two bands are not along the pipeline route, but they, too, are interested in purchasing a stake in Trans Mountain.

Such foresight is important, because wise investments provide financial returns that allow First Nation leaders to improve the living conditions of their members. First Nations partnership in the Trans Mountain pipeline won’t make the resistance evaporate, but it would prove — as other investments have done — that opposition is not universal. It would show that while a noisy minority are against the project, many Indigenous people want to participate in getting Canadian oil to tidewater, which will open up new markets in Asia.

Indigenous investment would also, to some extent, give First Nations oversight over construction and operation of the pipeline expansion. Much of the line crosses their lands, so they have a keen interest in safety and environmental compliance.

“The best way for those who are worried about the environment is to have control over the thing you fear,” says Lebourdais.

He’s right, of course. And when First Nations are partners rather than objectors, everyone is a winner.