Indigenous Communities Essential to LNG Development in Canada: OGEN

FEB 24, 2025
Canada Action

Indigenous Communities are Essential to Liquefied Natural Gas Development in Canada says Karen Ogen

For decades, Indigenous communities in Canada have been sidelined in resource development on their traditional lands, but the fledgling liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry is presenting a unique opportunity for newfound partnerships and economic reconciliation.

Karen Ogen, Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations LNG Alliance, has been a strong voice advocating for Indigenous participation in this growing Canadian industry. In a recent speech to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute in Ottawa, Ogen emphasized the critical role First Nations play in LNG development and how this industry can pave the way for a more equitable future for her people.

The First Nations LNG Alliance, founded in 2014, unites First Nations around LNG development in Canada, particularly in British Columbia. These communities are not merely stakeholders, but are central to the entire LNG value chain.

“It’s First Nations territory from where the gas is extracted in Treaty 8 territory, it’s First Nations territory across which gas is transported via pipeline, it is First Nations territory where LNG terminals are located, and it is First Nations waters through which carriers take LNG to market,” said Ogen, as she addressed the room.

“In the case of Canada’s fledgling LNG industry, we broke a pattern that had existed for over a century. First Nations have been at the heart of the LNG opportunity – not on the sidelines like before – but on the job sites and in the boardrooms – helping to make it happen.”

Ogen reflected on the history of her people who have long lived off the land, and still do to this day, as they continue to use traditional methods to collect food and make useful tools. However, she also stressed the importance of gaining economic parity with the rest of Canada.

“We want to own our future, not be owned,” said Ogen.

Ogen's message was clear: First Nations are determined to be active participants in shaping their own futures. They seek partnerships built on respect, trust, and a shared vision for economic prosperity. The history of exclusion and marginalization must be acknowledged and addressed through meaningful engagement and equitable opportunities via resource development on their traditional territories.

Several examples demonstrate this exciting new paradigm, says Ogen.

It’s time to position Canada to win.

We must expedite natural resource projects and trade diversification infrastructure. #BcPoli #CdnPoli pic.twitter.com/rW7jBJywXY
— LNG Action (@LNGAction) February 27, 2025

The Cedar LNG project, spearheaded by the Haisla Nation, stands as a groundbreaking example of Indigenous ownership in the LNG sector. The Coastal GasLink pipeline offered First Nations along its route a 10% equity stake, ensuring long-term revenue streams, procurement opportunities, jobs, and training. The Nisga’a Nation's partnership with industry to develop a floating LNG terminal and construct the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline further exemplifies this growing trend.

“We are all partnering because First Nations are supporting our communities, and our corporate partners and governments are coming to us with respect,” continued Ogen.

“We had to earn it through a lot of hard-won court cases but we are in a better place today. We are creating new history.”

According to Ogen, First Nations want to continue to employ and advance the tools that have helped their communities become more self-sufficient through LNG development, including the following points in her speech:

“We seek and expect procurement opportunities that help us grow and expand our Indigenous enterprises.”

“We want to expand jobs and training opportunities for our people, whether they are for our ever-growing young population, or whether they are older members who seek to re-train.”

“We want to be owners – as equity partners and through other forms of participation that help us build our self-sufficiency.”

“To be owners we need to access capital – and we are encouraged by the governments of Alberta and B.C. and the federal government for steps they have taken to support First Nations equity financing.”

Ogen was optimistic about the future where First Nations are continued equal partners in resource development, benefiting from the economic opportunities while safeguarding their cultural heritage and values.

“This is why we say Canadian LNG is Indigenous LNG.”

According to Ogen, the LNG industry in Canada has the potential to be a catalyst for economic reconciliation, ushering in an era of prosperity and self-determination for First Nations. As the first LNG cargo from LNG Canada prepares to leave Haisla territory later this year, it symbolizes a new chapter in Canadian history. The collaborative efforts of First Nations, industry, and government are forging a path towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

She says that her organization will soon change its name to the ‘First Nations Natural Gas Alliance’ to be more inclusive of all Indigenous communities that are becoming part of the industry.

“And, the important work of developing LNG and connecting our natural gas with markets in Asia and around the world will take all of us here. It’s a team effort,” said Ogen, as she neared the end of her incredible speech.

“And we are going to make history.”