Indigenous relations and energy businesses: Building foundations for authentic and sustainable community partnerships

In Canada, there is a lack of trust in energy businesses to develop energy projects in environmentally and socially responsible ways. From blockades to protests, we see that many groups are taking extreme action against energy projects. This is especially true for Indigenous groups, who have experienced many negative impacts from energy businesses.

One of the main methods in building trust is through community consultation to better understand the impacts and how they can be mitigated. In my project, I will be researching ways to not only improve the consultation process but also how consultation can be shifted towards more meaningful partnerships between Indigenous groups and energy businesses. This research will be conducted in partnership with Touchwood Agency Tribal Council Economic Development Company Ltd. (hereafter, TATC) which is a for-profit organization representing four First Nations. The organization’s purpose is to represent their people through economic development projects. One such project is a joint venture with Rainforest Energy Corporation (RFEC) to pilot a technology that converts waste biomass into renewable gasoline as well as propane equivalent.

Faculty Supervisor:

Irene Herremans

Student:

Partner:

Touchwood Agency Tribal Council Economic Development Company Ltd.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public administration

University:

University of Calgary

Program: