Listening, Learning and Redefining Indigenous Partnerships

Rhea-AI Summary

Enbridge is focused on becoming the preferred partner for Indigenous Nations in energy infrastructure. During the Values Driven Economy conference, CEO Greg Ebel emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to each Indigenous community's unique perspectives on partnership.

Enbridge's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan outlines commitments to economic partnerships, highlighting successful equity agreements with Indigenous groups, including a potential 50% stake for Treaty Six First Nations in the Wabamun Hub project and an 11.57% ownership by 23 Indigenous groups in various pipeline operations.

Ebel underscored the company's dedication to active listening and learning, aiming for equitable partnerships tailored to unique community needs, which are deemed essential for advancing the energy transition.

Positive

• Successful partnerships with Indigenous groups, including 50% potential ownership in the Wabamun Hub.
• 23 Indigenous groups now own an 11.57% stake in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines.
• Company's Indigenous awareness training completed by nearly all employees by the end of 2022.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 25, 2023 / Enbridge's goal to be the "first-choice partner" for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities is taking shape.

Listening. Learning. Adapting. Understanding that the word "partnership" may mean something different to each and every Indigenous Nation on the continent. Understanding the need for deeper, better relationships between project proponents and Indigenous groups than anything seen in the past.

Greg Ebel, recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of North America's leading energy infrastructure company, shared this hopeful and plausible vision today in Vancouver at the sixth annual Values Driven Economy conference, presented by the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), where he spoke in front of leaders of more than 130 Indigenous communities across Canada.

The FNMPC's mandate includes working toward the economic well-being of members by focusing on environment, benefits and ownership opportunities from major projects. A fireside chat with Ebel, who became Enbridge President and CEO in January following the retirement of Al Monaco, was among highlights of the first day of the conference. Today's discussion alongside Mark Podlasly, Director of Economic Policy at FNMPC, was entitled Examining Today's Highest Standards of Indigenous-Industry Partnership.

Over the past several years, Enbridge has pioneered a structure for Indigenous equity ownership in major infrastructure projects. The efforts and the lessons learned have helped define the company's values, Ebel said.

"We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that's informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America," he said.

Momentum is building. Clear commitments and actions are laid out today in Enbridge's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, a document that charts the company's journey of reconciliation. Of the company's more than 12,000 employees, nearly all had undertaken the company's Indigenous awareness training by the end of 2022.

And equity ownership agreements have successfully been forged:

• Partners in Enbridge's proposed open access CO₂ transportation and storage hub (the Wabamun Hub) near Edmonton include four Treaty Six First Nations that could own up to a 50% interest in the project.
• No less than 23 Indigenous Groups-through Athabasca Indigenous Investments-now own an 11.57% stake in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines in Alberta's Athabasca region, an agreement reached over an industrious six-month span last year "through a lot of listening and flexibility" culminating in what Ebel described as "one of our most proud moments as a company."

Enbridge, working hard to lead the energy transition, is open to more equity partnerships across North America, Ebel said, reiterating the clear understanding that every one of them may be different.

"We won't assume that everyone wants the same thing," he said. "We see ourselves as leaders in the energy transition, and (see) Indigenous partnerships as critical to achieving that transition."

Enbridge President and CEO Greg Ebel, right, talks with, Mark Podlasly, Director of Economic Policy at First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), on Monday, April 24 in Vancouver.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Enbridge
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/751203/Listening-Learning-and-Redefining-Indigenous-Partnerships

FAQ

What is Enbridge's goal regarding Indigenous partnerships?

Enbridge aims to be the first-choice partner for Indigenous Nations interested in energy infrastructure opportunities.

Who is the CEO of Enbridge and what did he discuss at the conference?

CEO Greg Ebel discussed the importance of understanding Indigenous perspectives on partnerships at the Values Driven Economy conference.

What is the significance of the Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan?

The plan outlines Enbridge's commitments to building equitable partnerships with Indigenous communities.

How many Indigenous groups partnered with Enbridge for pipeline ownership?

23 Indigenous groups through Athabasca Indigenous Investments now own an 11.57% stake in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines.

What equity stake could Treaty Six First Nations hold in the Wabamun Hub?

Treaty Six First Nations could potentially own up to a 50% interest in the Wabamun Hub.