Overview

The Pilot Project initiative was launched in February 1995 in response to the expressed interest of several First Nations to gain more control and flexibility over how their oil and gas resources are managed and administered. The goal of the program is for Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC) to no longer manage and administer the oil and gas resources of participating First Nations and to have these resources fully managed and controlled by First Nations themselves.

Participating First Nations

This initiative is undergoing development for three First Nations:

Alberta
Blood (Kainaiwa)
Tribe Siksika Nation

Saskatchewan
White Bear First Nation

The Process

The process sees a participating First Nation move through three distinct phases of oil and gas resource management and control.

Co-management:
In this phase, IOGC and the participating First Nation share administrative duties and responsibility for making decisions.

Enhanced Co- Management:
In this phase, which began in April 1998, the participating First Nation acquires the necessary training in order to perform all the functions presently being done by IOGC. However, IOGC maintains all authorities under the existing Indian Oil and Gas Regulations, 1995.

Management and Control:
After enabling legislation is passed and a First Nation has held a referendum where the results support opting into this legislation, then the First Nation will be in a position to manage and control their resources.

The Government of Canada also recognizes that legislation developed under this initiative could be of benefit to other First Nations that wish to avail themselves of it.

The Steering Committee and Working Groups

The Pilot Project initiative is directed by a Steering Committee and supported by Working Groups.

The Steering Committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), IOGC, the participating First Nations and the Indian Resource Council (IRC). The Steering Committee is responsible for monitoring the progress of the initiative and for setting out its future directions.

Working Groups have been established to support the efforts of both the Steering Committee and the participating First Nations and are made up of staff from both the participating First Nations and IOGC. These groups are responsible for carrying out research on a range of matters aimed at facilitating and supporting the orderly transition of responsibilities from IOGC to First Nations. These activities include: research into educational and training needs, technical support requirements, and assessments of how current administrative processes can be transferred to First Nations.

Benefits

Participating First Nations will assume full responsibility and control for the management and development of their oil and gas resources and will be accountable to their own people for how those resources are managed. Under First Nation control and management, new oil and gas agreements will reflect the terms and conditions of the First Nation. IOGC will no longer be involved in the process.

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

Ray Lenstra
Manager, Pilot Project
Indian Oil and Gas Canada
Suite 100, 9911 Chula Boulevard
Tsuu T’ina, AB T2W 6H6
Phone: (403) 292-6087
Fax: (403) 292-5618

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