Indigenous Communities Secure Lasting Prosperity with Equity Ownership

Across Canada, Indigenous communities are building lasting prosperity through equity ownership in energy infrastructure. This shift has been quietly reshaping how Indigenous communities build wealth and plan for the future.

In northern Alberta, Peerless Trout First Nation (PTFN) is a prime example. The community acquired an 85% stake in $172 million worth of oil and gas pipeline assets operated by Tamarack Valley Energy in the Clearwater play in March 2023. This deal was supported by the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.

The partnership has provided PTFN with stable revenue streams, far more valuable than traditional impact benefit agreements (IBAs). With equity ownership, the community can borrow against it and access predictable returns. 'With equity, you have ownership and predictable returns,' said Tyler Letendre, operations manager and economic development officer for PTFN.

PTFN has used its revenue from the Clearwater deal to support education initiatives, emergency preparedness, wildfire evacuations, and other community priorities without restrictions. The community's two main settlements sit 29 kilometers apart, requiring them to build and maintain duplicate infrastructure.

The upgraded outdoor hockey rinks in PTFN are a testament to the lasting impact of equity ownership. Built to last with shells, lighting, boards, and higher construction standards, these facilities demonstrate a significant shift in energy development. The model is being repeated across Canada, with multiple Indigenous communities acquiring ownership stakes in pipelines and LNG terminals.