First Nation oil, gas, and energy
Natural resources development and management are an important part of the energy and mineral resources sector in the Canadian economy, including First Nation oil, gas, and energy development. Responsible development and optimization of diverse sources of energy are becoming increasingly important to all Canadians. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is committed to engaging First Nations and their communities on strategies to develop knowledge, capacity, and tools to improve access to energy.
Indian Oil and Gas Canada
- Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC) is a special operating agency that reports to the ISC Deputy Minister in collaboration with the ISC Assistant Deputy Minister of Lands and Economic Development.
- IOGC manages and regulates oil and gas resources on designated First Nation lands across Canada.
- IOGC's dual mandate is to fulfill the Crown's fiduciary and statutory obligations related to the management of oil and gas resources on First Nation lands, and to further First Nation initiatives to manage and control their oil and gas resources such as governance.
- IOGC operates under the authority of the Indian Oil and Gas Act, RSC 1985, c I-7 and the Indian Oil and Gas Regulations, SOR/2019-196.
Greater First Nation control over oil and gas resources and trust moneys
- The First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act, SC 2005, c. 48 (FNOGMMA) was developed through a collaborative effort by the Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe, White Bear First Nation and the federal government.
- This federal legislation provides First Nations with the option to manage their oil and gas resources currently managed on their behalf by the Government of Canada.
- FNOGMMA also provides First Nations with the option of managing moneys currently held in trust for them by the Government of Canada.
- First Nations can choose to opt into either part of FNOGMMA, or both.
- With First Nations and the Indian Resource Council, IOGC is also exploring other ways beyond FNOGMMA for First Nations to have greater control of their oil and gas resources.
First Nation management and control of oil and gas resources
- IOGC is in a pre-engagement stage to explore First Nation-led approaches to further First Nation initiatives to manage and control their oil and gas resources which could include FNOGMMA.
- Contact IOGC or see additional information on the IOGC First Nations Oil and Gas Management Initiative page.
Greater First Nation control of trust moneys
- For additional information on greater control of trust moneys, see First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act (FNOGMMA) trust moneys options.