Enbridge has reached a landmark agreement with the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, representing 36 First Nations in British Columbia, to invest CAD$715 million in Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system.
This deal gives the First Nations group a 12.5% ownership stake in the pipeline, which spans over 2,900 kilometres from Fort Nelson in northeastern B.C. to the Canada-U.S. border.
The pipeline has been a vital energy source for over 65 years. The agreement is backed by a CAD$400 million loan guarantee from the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, enabling the partnership to move forward.
Enbridge views this deal as a significant step in its efforts to provide Indigenous communities with ownership opportunities in energy infrastructure, aligning with its broader Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.
Chief David Jimmie of the Stonlasec8 First Nations called the deal a win for economic reconciliation, with anticipated long-term benefits such as investments in housing, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
This historic partnership is expected to close by the end of Q2 2025 and sets a precedent for future Indigenous involvement in Canada’s energy sector.
