- Five years ago, Suncor and eight Indigenous community partners formed the Astisiy Limited Partnership, becoming owners in the Northern Courier Pipeline.
- The agreement marked a historic first by including Métis communities in an Alberta oil and gas equity partnership.
- Reliable revenue has helped communities fund land deals and infrastructure projects, including the Nikinan Community Centre.
Astisiy, a Cree word meaning “a thread made from sinew,” reflects an enduring bond designed to create lasting connections between partners. Five years later, that connection continues to deliver benefits to Indigenous communities across the region.
This partnership was a meaningful step toward economic reconciliation, creating long-term ownership opportunities for First Nation and Métis communities on their traditional lands. It delivers sustained revenue for the life of the project while opening pathways for additional investments in programs, services and infrastructure. Given the scale of the agreement and the returns it generates, it has become a true ‘golden egg’ in terms of the lasting impact it provides.
Building on the investment by the Fort McKay and Mikisew Cree First Nations in Suncor’s East Tank Farm (ETF) development in 2017, the Astisiy partnership saw eight Indigenous Nations become owners in the Northern Courier Pipeline, which connects the ETF to the company’s Fort Hills site. The deal, announced in September 2021, creates stable revenue for decades, with the potential to extend the deal for the life of the asset.
This agreement brought together three First Nations and five Métis communities in the region. The inclusion of Métis communities in an equity partnership marked a historic first in Alberta’s oil and gas sector.
This partnership was formed to enable local communities to have an ownership stake in energy infrastructure and benefit from prosperity for years to come. Five years later, it is a clear demonstration of how Suncor continues to lead in partnering with Indigenous communities. The success of Astisiy has created a repeatable model for establishing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our Indigenous neighbours.
Ryan notes the financial returns have exceeded expectations, surpassing the project’s initial forecasts every year. That has ensured consistent, reliable revenue and resulted in tangible impacts for communities.
Five years after its creation, Astisiy continues to demonstrate a new way of doing business. This marks a meaningful step on Suncor’s Journey of Reconciliation by supporting Indigenous ownership, strengthening communities and creating economic opportunity for future generations.
