Indigenous communities are key stakeholders in the development of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) projects across Canada. Many CCUS initiatives intersect with traditional Indigenous territories, creating opportunities for collaboration that can drive economic development, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement.

Importance of Indigenous Engagement in CCUS Projects

Land and Resource Stewardship

1. Intersection with Traditional Territories:

   Many CCUS initiatives, such as CO₂ storage facilities and pipeline infrastructure, are located on or near traditional Indigenous lands. This geographical overlap underscores the need to collaborate with Indigenous communities who hold deep-rooted connections to these territories.

2. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK):

   Indigenous communities possess invaluable ecological knowledge that can improve project outcomes:

   • Enhanced Environmental Assessments: TEK contributes to understanding the potential impacts of CCUS projects on local ecosystems, including water, flora, and fauna.
   • Monitoring and Safeguards: Indigenous expertise is crucial for long-term environmental monitoring and ensuring safe CO₂ storage in geological formations.

Building Social License

1. Trust and Cooperation:

   Engaging Indigenous communities meaningfully from the outset builds trust and fosters collaboration. This engagement is vital for securing the social license needed for projects to operate smoothly.

2. Reducing Risks:

   Proactive consultation with Indigenous communities helps identify and address concerns early, reducing the likelihood of project delays, disputes, or opposition. Projects with strong Indigenous support are more likely to gain broader public acceptance.

Source:

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canadian Environmental Policy
• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business - Resource Development

Economic Opportunities

1. Employment Creation:

   CCUS projects generate jobs in:

   • Construction: Building infrastructure such as CO₂ pipelines and storage facilities.
   • Operations and Monitoring: Long-term positions in facility operations, environmental monitoring, and compliance oversight.

2. Equity Partnerships:

   Indigenous communities can enter equity partnerships, granting them ownership stakes in CCUS projects. This fosters long-term financial returns and positions communities as key stakeholders in the energy transition.

3. Infrastructure Development:

   Investments in CCUS often result in infrastructure improvements in surrounding regions, including:

   • Transportation networks (e.g., roads and pipelines).
   • Utility enhancements benefiting both projects and local populations.

Revenue Sharing

1. Royalty Agreements:

   Revenue-sharing models can be established to ensure financial benefits flow back to Indigenous communities, aligning project profitability with local economic development.

2. Community Investments:

   Proceeds from CCUS projects can be directed toward community development, including healthcare, education, and local business initiatives.

Compliance with UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)