Member Spotlight: Enbridge
If you would like to have your organization, project or product featured in an ACR blog and Resources Letter, let us know! Contact communications@acr-alberta.com.
Cover of Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.
Strengthening Indigenous Partnerships for a Brighter Future
As few other industries do, the energy industry works every day to amplify the importance of Indigenous perspectives into operations, projects and the overall decision-making process.
This shift in thinking not only creates more inclusive and sustainable energy practices—it further strengthens business relationships with the Indigenous communities located near our operations, and bolsters more meaningful engagement based on respect, trust and economic inclusion.
Enbridge is committed to working with Indigenous communities to drive positive change and set new industry standards. This commitment is embodied in our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), which continues our long-held commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities across North America and advancing reconciliation.
The plan lays out 22 commitments organized into six pillars: People, Employment and Education; Community Engagement and Relationships; Economic Inclusion and Partnerships; Environmental Stewardship and Safety; Sustainability, Reporting and Energy Transition; and Governance and Leadership.
Our IRAP serves as the roadmap by which we will continue our journey to advance truth and reconciliation. It is the mechanism by which we will remain accountable for executing on our commitments and to our partners, including Indigenous peoples. Here are some examples of Indigenous engagement and positive outcomes:
A Landmark Collaboration in Alberta
In Alberta, 23 Indigenous communities collectively acquired an 11.57% stake in seven pipelines in the oilsands region for $1.12 billion (in Canadian dollars)—a historic partnership that’s believed to be the largest of its kind in North America.
“Our partner logo theme—“Seven Pipelines, Seven Generations”—speaks to the long-term value potential of these assets, which will help enhance quality of life in our communities for many years to come,” said Justin Bourque, president of Athabasca Indigenous Investments, the organization created from the alliance of the 23 Indigenous communities.
Signing ceremony with 23 Indigenous groups who now own 11.57% of our existing pipeline assets in northern Alberta.
Seven Stars Energy Project
In June 2024, Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development LP—a newly-created partnership owned by Cowessess First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Pasqua First Nation and White Bear First Nations—announced plans to advance development of a new wind energy project southeast of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Seven Stars Energy Project (the Project) is expected to produce 200 megawatts of emissions–free power—enough to support the annual energy needs of an estimated 100,000 Saskatchewan homes. The Project is targeted to be operational in 2027 with Six Nations owning at least 30% of the Project.
“This is a game-changer for the Indigenous Nations, Métis and First Nations,” said Chief Matthew Peigan of Pasqua First Nation. “This Project will produce emissions-free electricity for Saskatchewan and provide a stable source of revenue that will benefit our people for many years to come. We are pleased Enbridge sees that meaningful Indigenous ownership is the way to build energy infrastructure in this country and we look forward to developing this Project together.”
June 2024 event with Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development LP announcing a partnership to advance development of a wind energy project.
Strong partnership-great opportunities
In June 2023, Thunder Butte Petroleum Services Inc.—owned by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation of North Dakota—purchased the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge for $5 million. The oil producing MHA Nation will soon become the first tribal shipper on the Enbridge system.
“We are looking forward to the partnership with Enbridge through the acquisition of the Plaza/Wabek pipeline. Becoming one of the first tribal shippers on the Enbridge system is a win-win situation. Creating an avenue of transmission to move our energy trust assets and resources to the marketplace will help further support various projects, programs, infrastructure, and increase our nation’s standard of living,” said Mark Fox, Tribal Chairman at MHA Nation. “Enbridge interacted with respect and professionalism throughout the process, and it has been a pleasure to work with them.”
Signing event with Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation of North Dakota—who purchased the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge—creating a channel to move MHA energy resources to the marketplace that can help support tribal projects, programs, infrastructure, and increase the nation’s standard of living.
Commitment to Partnership, Respect, Opportunity, and Progress
In February 2024, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Governing Board in Wisconsin voted in favor of entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with Enbridge renewing and adding easements on the reservation and addressing reconciliation.
This agreement builds on a long-standing relationship. In 2017, one of the “glaring needs” for the LCO Band, was an expanded wastewater treatment facility. With the support of Enbridge and other partners, the LCO Band quadrupled its wastewater treatment capacity—allowing for creation of a new preschool, fire hall, 40-unit apartment complex, police headquarters, health clinic and new residential development. Enbridge also recently contributed $500,000 for a new fire truck to serve the community.
Engaged, Respected, Included
As part of a pipeline replacement project in northern Minnesota, more than 30 Native American tribes contributed to an Enbridge-funded tribal-led cultural resources survey spanning over 330 miles—the largest such survey in history. Findings shaped the project’s route and protected culturally sensitive areas.
Enbridge committed to spend $100 million during Line 3 construction in Minnesota on doing business with Native American owned companies and hiring and training Native American workers. Enbridge actually spent four times that amount—over $450 million specifically with Indigenous businesses, workers and communities.
The Future of Indigenous Relations in the Energy Landscape
These landmark partnerships between Indigenous communities and Enbridge demonstrate a deeper commitment to strengthening relationships and advancing reconciliation. These collaborations signify a transformative shift toward integrating Indigenous perspectives into the energy industry, and reinforcing the need for meaningful engagement that drives positive change.
Enbridge’s approach to Indigenous engagement is based on our desire to build sustainable relationships that create value for both Indigenous peoples and our business. Our ongoing engagement with Indigenous Nations, Tribes, governments and groups—and the implementation of our Indigenous Peoples Policy—underline our respect for the legal and constitutional rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United States.
As the energy industry evolves, sustained efforts and ongoing engagement will be key to ensuring Indigenous communities are central to the transition to a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The progress we’ve made to date offers a promising glimpse of how these relationships can shape a more inclusive and resilient energy sector.
Thank you to Enbridge for preparing this article for use by ACR.
If you would like to have your organization, project or product featured in an ACR blog and Resources Letter, let us know! Contact communications@acr-alberta.com.
