The role of First Nations in oil and gas development under federal regulatory regimes: Options for change and lessons from New Zealand.

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to determine what role First Nations have under federal oil and gas regulatory regimes and to make recommendations to enable them to participate in oil and gas development. The author argues that there are persuasive legal and policy grounds to support an active role for First Nations in oil and gas development within their traditional territories. This position is supported through a comprehensive analysis of three federal oil and gas regimes (Northern, Offshore and Indian Reserve Regimes), their legislative frameworks, and recent developments in aboriginal jurisprudence and policy. An assessment of what role First Nations have under the federal environmental assessment regime is undertaken to supplement the overall analysis. The thesis is further supported by an international comparative component that highlights contemporary resource management issues in New Zealand.