Open letter to Michigan Tribes

Enbridge is committed to Native American communities

September 2024

Enbridge’s commitment is embodied in our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), which continues our long-held commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities across North America and advancing reconciliation.

The plan lays out 22 commitments organized into six pillars: People, Employment and Education; Community Engagement and Relationships; Economic Inclusion and Partnerships; Environmental Stewardship and Safety; Sustainability, Reporting and Energy Transition; and Governance and Leadership.

Our IRAP serves as the roadmap by which we will continue our journey to advance truth and reconciliation. It is the mechanism by which we will remain accountable for executing on our commitments and to our partners, including Indigenous peoples.

Seven Stars Energy

On June 24, 2024, Enbridge and Six Nations Energy Development LP—a newly-created partnership owned by Cowessess First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Pasqua First Nation and White Bear First Nations—announced plans to advance development of a new wind energy project southeast of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Seven Stars Energy Project is expected to produce 200 megawatts of emissions–free power—enough to support the annual energy needs of an estimated 100,000 Saskatchewan homes. The project is targeted to be operational in 2027 with Six Nations owning at least 30% of the project.

“This is a game-changer for the Indigenous Nations, Métis and First Nations,” said Chief Matthew Peigan of Pasqua First Nation. “This project will produce emissions-free electricity for Saskatchewan and provide a stable source of revenue that will benefit our people for many years to come. We are pleased Enbridge sees that meaningful Indigenous ownership is the way to build energy infrastructure in this country and we look forward to developing this project together.”

Committed to partnership, respect, opportunity and progress

In February 2024, the LCO Tribal Governing Board voted in favor of entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Enbridge renewing and adding easements on the reservation and addressing reconciliation.

This agreement builds on a longstanding relationship. In 2017, one of the “glaring needs” for the LCO Band, was an expanded wastewater treatment facility. With the support of Enbridge and several other partners, the LCO Band quadrupled its wastewater treatment capacity—allowing for creation of a new preschool, fire hall, 40-unit apartment complex, police headquarters, health clinic and new residential development.

Enbridge also recently contributed $500,000 for a new fire truck to serve the community.

Strong partnership—great opportunities

In June 2023, Thunder Butte Petroleum Services Inc.—owned by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation of North Dakota—purchased the Plaza/Wabek Pipeline from Enbridge for $5 million. The oil-producing MHA Nation will soon become the first Tribal shipper on the Enbridge system.

“We are looking forward to the partnership with Enbridge through the acquisition of the Plaza/Wabek pipeline. Becoming one of the first Tribal shippers on the Enbridge system is a win-win situation. Creating an avenue of transmission to move our energy trust assets and resources to the marketplace will help further support various projects, programs, infrastructure, and increase our Nation’s standard of living,” said Mark Fox, Tribal Chairman at MHA Nation. “Enbridge interacted with respect and professionalism throughout the process, and it has been a pleasure to work with them.”

Engaged, respected, included

As part of a pipeline replacement project in northern Minnesota, more than 30 Native American Tribes contributed to an Enbridge-funded, Tribal-led cultural resources survey spanning more than 330 miles—the largest such survey in history. Findings shaped the project’s route and protected culturally sensitive areas.

Enbridge committed to spend $100 million during Line 3 construction in Minnesota on doing business with Native American-owned companies, and hiring and training Native American workers. Enbridge actually spent four times that amount—more than $450 million specifically with Indigenous businesses, workers and communities.

Seven Pipelines, Seven Generations

In the Canadian province of Alberta, 23 Indigenous communities collectively acquired an 11.57% stake in seven Enbridge pipelines in the oilsands region for $1.12 billion (in Canadian dollars)—a historic partnership that’s believed to be one of the largest of its kind in North America.

“Our partner logo theme—Seven Pipelines, Seven Generations—speaks to the long-term value potential of these assets, which will help enhance quality of life in our communities for many years to come,” said Justin Bourque, president of Athabasca Indigenous Investments, the organization created from the alliance of the 23 Indigenous communities.

More opportunities in Michigan

We value our relationships with Tribal citizens. As we continue to move closer to construction on the Great Lakes Tunnel Project, we remain committed to including Tribes and Tribal citizens in this incredibly important and consequential project.

Enbridge will work with the Tribes to:

• Employ qualified Tribal citizens to work during construction.
• Connect Tribal communities and businesses to opportunities with our projects and operations.
• Consult, coordinate, and collaborate to protect and preserve cultural resources.
• Contract with Tribes, Tribally owned businesses, and Tribal citizens for products and services necessary for the project.

All of us want to protect the Great Lakes and our communities. We have a common goal. Let’s work together. We welcome all opportunities to connect, talk together, learn from one another, and find common ground. Visit our Line 5 and the Great Lakes Tunnel web section for more information.

Sincerely,

Tom Schwartz
Senior Vice President, Liquids Pipelines,
Enbridge Strategic Projects and Partnerships