Calgary: Canada’s federal energy regulator announced August 5 that “for the first time ever,” it now has an Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) who will advise the Board of Directors on how the CER can build a new relationship with Indigenous peoples. Members of the IAC are leaders at the local, regional and national level, are respected voices of their cvommunities, and bring deep experience in the energy and natural resources sector.
The committee members are:
• Dr. Marie Delorme, Métis Nation
• Kaella-Marie Earle, Anishinaabekwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Aroland First Nation
• Judy Gingell, Elder of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Gaanaxteidi Raven Clan
• Chief Harvey McLeod, Upper Nicola Indian Band
• Tribal Chief Tyrone McNeil, Stó:lō, member of Seabird Island Band
• Scott Patles-Richardson, Mi’gmaq citizen, Pabineau First Nation New Brunswick
• Chief Matthew T. Peigan, AFN nominee, Pasqua First Nation
• Marci Riel, Métis National Council nominee, Métis Nation.
The IAC provides advice from the diversity of its members’ Indigenous perspectives and is an integral part of the CER’s formal governance structure. IAC Members:
• Contribute strategic advice and perspective on how the CER can make meaningful progress towards reconciliation in Canada;
• Promote opportunities for positive systemic change through building and strengthening new relationships with the Board and CER staff;
• Leverage their experience with the energy and/or natural resource sector in providing advice;
• Share Indigenous values and teachings as a respected voice of their communities, so the IAC and CER can learn from each other and integrate Indigenous perspectives in the CER’s strategies, plans and actions.
The committee is made up of nine members, three of whom are appointed directly by national Indigenous organizations: the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The IAC does not deal with specific CER-regulated projects, detailed operational matters or regulatory decision-making, nor does it provide advice on any particular decision, order or recommendation that is made by the CER Commission.