Indigenous Peoples
AltaGas strives to conduct development activity in an environmentally, ecologically, socially, culturally and economically sustainable manner for the benefit of future generations, and values collaboration with Indigenous peoples in determining how this may be achieved in conjunction with our projects.
Forming open, respectful, and inclusive relationships with Indigenous Peoples is fundamental to the way we do business in our growing Midstream value chain. AltaGas recognizes our Midstream operations are on the traditional lands of the Nations of Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8, the Métis Nations of Alberta and British Columbia, the Mi’kmaq, Coast Salish and the Tsimshian.
AltaGas works to build long-term collaborative relationships that are based on trust, the willingness to listen and learn, and the desire to involve Indigenous peoples meaningfully in every phase of our developments. Our approach is underscored by principles that help to enable strong relationships, including:
- Open and honest communication throughout all aspects of a project
- A willingness to integrate Indigenous teachings and knowledge to help inform AltaGas’ environmental actions and community solutions as part of the project planning and development
- A desire to engage with as many community members as possible, and
- A desire to educate, train and build capacity so that Indigenous peoples may participate in the planning, construction and operations of a project
Indigenous Engagement Guideline
At AltaGas, we adhere to our Indigenous Engagement Guideline. The Guideline reaffirms our commitment to respect the rights, cultures, interests and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples while sharing economic benefits that result from our development activity.
Our Guideline directs how we develop mutually beneficial relations with Indigenous communities affected by our operations. It provides direction and a means to clarify how the company will interact with Indigenous communities. It also sets standards for employees and contractors to interact with Indigenous representatives and ensures a consistent approach for all projects.
The Guideline promotes the understanding of, and sensitivity to Indigenous peoples and the issues important to them based on the concerns they raise.
Agreements with Indigenous Communities
As part of its engagement with Indigenous peoples, AltaGas may enter into agreements with Indigenous peoples. These agreements may range in nature from short-term arrangements that enable Indigenous peoples to learn more about AltaGas’ proposed developments and participate in regulatory processes, to agreements that define how AltaGas and Indigenous communities can collaborate over a longer period of time on matters such as training, education, and environmental protection.