Episode 4: Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council

On this episode of CRIN @ COP28, hosted by Bill Whitelaw, we sit down with Stephen Buffalo, CEO of the Indian Resource Council (IRC), to discuss the forward-thinking new partnerships being developed with Indigenous communities related to resource development. Because of these incredibly important partnerships, we are accelerating a very inclusive energy transition by combining traditional knowledge, innovation, technology and collaboration from which we will all benefit.

Covered in this episode:

• The IRC model and the inception of the organization and the Indian Oil and Gas Act to provide a means for First Nations to advocate the oil and gas industry and address regulatory concerns
• How the IRC's National Energy Business Centre of Excellence is building capacity and how traditional knowledge can be used to address reclamation and environmental progress
• The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and it's purpose to provide First Nations that had no investment capital the ability to participate in resource projects
• How equity ownership in projects is a game changer for First Nations communities who are trying to stand up on their own
• What message on behalf of Alberta and Canada Stephen would like to leave for the world at COP28
• How Indigenous communities can be an agent of change, creating a balance for energy progress while preserving traditional lifestyles