The dawn breaks over the rugged coastline of British Columbia as Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, surveys the land where generations of her people have lived—and where a groundbreaking $3 billion liquefied natural gas project is taking shape under Indigenous leadership.
“This isn’t just about building infrastructure,” Smith explains, gazing across the waters of Douglas Channel near Kitimat. “This is about building our future, on our terms.”
The Cedar LNG project represents a watershed moment in Canadian resource development. As the largest First Nation-majority-owned infrastructure project in the country, it fundamently challenges the narrative that Indigenous communities must choose between economic development and environmental stewardship.
The Haisla Nation holds a 50% ownership stake in this floating LNG facility, partnering with energy infrastructure company Pembina Pipeline Corp. Expected to be operational by 2028, Cedar LNG will process approximately 400 million cubic feet of natural gas daily, creating hundreds of jobs while generating sustainable revenue for the Haisla.
“We’ve watched industry come and go on our territory for decades,” Smith told CO24 in an exclusive interview. “The difference now is that we’re not just participants—we’re decision-makers.”
This shift toward Indigenous-led development marks a significant evolution in Canada’s economic landscape. For generations, resource projects proceeded with minimal Indigenous involvement, often leaving communities to bear environmental costs while receiving few benefits. Cedar LNG represents a new model where economic reconciliation meets practical business sense.
Environmental considerations remain central to the project’s design. The facility will be powered by electricity from BC Hydro’s grid—among the cleanest in North America—rather than natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 80-90% compared to equivalent facilities.
“We’ve always been stewards of these lands and waters,” says Smith. “Our project proves that responsible development and environmental protection can coexist when Indigenous values guide the process.”
The economic impact extends beyond the Haisla Nation. According to project estimates, Cedar LNG will create up to 500 jobs during construction and 100 permanent positions during operations, while generating significant tax revenue for all levels of government.
Karen Ogen-Toews, CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance, sees broader implications. “What the Haisla have achieved provides a blueprint for Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond,” she notes. “This is economic reconciliation in action—not just talking about it, but building it.”
The project has not been without challenges. Regulatory approvals, financing complexities, and balancing diverse community perspectives all presented hurdles. Yet the Haisla leadership has navigated these obstacles while maintaining strong community support.
Ellis Ross, former Haisla chief councillor and current MLA for Skeena, emphasizes the transformative nature of this approach. “For too long, our people were told they had to choose between economic opportunity and cultural values,” Ross states. “Cedar LNG demonstrates that Indigenous communities can determine their own economic destiny while honoring traditional responsibilities.”
The project comes amid growing recognition that Indigenous economic empowerment represents one of Canada’s greatest untapped economic opportunities. A 2023 report from the National Indigenous Economic Development Board estimates that closing the economic participation gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians could add $27.7 billion annually to Canada’s GDP.
As global demand for cleaner energy solutions grows, Cedar LNG positions the Haisla Nation at the forefront of a significant market opportunity. The facility will supply Asian markets seeking to transition from coal to lower-emission energy sources, potentially helping reduce global carbon emissions while creating sustainable prosperity for an Indigenous community.
“Our ancestors couldn’t have imagined this specific project, but they always taught us to be innovative and adaptive,” reflects Smith. “They survived by understanding their environment and making wise decisions about resource use. We’re doing the same, just in a 21st-century context.”
As Canada navigates complex questions about resource development, climate commitments, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the Cedar LNG project offers a compelling case study in how these priorities might align under Indigenous leadership.
The question now facing Canada’s resource sector and policy makers is profound: Could the Haisla Nation’s approach to economic development represent not just a single success story, but a transformative model for how the country builds a more inclusive and sustainable economy?
