Haisla First Nation: A Model for Successful Indigenous-Led Economic Development

The Haisla Nation on the north coast of British Columbia has become a model for how Indigenous peoples in Canada can independently lead large economic projects. Through their proactive position in negotiations with gas companies, the Haisla became the majority owner of the Cedar LNG project, a floating liquefied natural gas export terminal.

As Chief Crystal Smith explains, large industrial projects used to be built on Haisla territory without the participation or benefit of the Indigenous people. This changed with the arrival of new leaders, who began to educate them on the rights and opportunities enshrined in law.

Since 2013, the Haisla have focused on selecting projects that align with their environmental and cultural principles. The most promising market has been LNG. A partnership with LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink was the starting point, and Cedar LNG is the first Indigenous-owned and operated liquefied natural gas project in Canada.

The project will provide the region with jobs, income and, most importantly, long-awaited economic independence.