Economic Reconciliation = Indigenous Owned + Indigenous Destiny

Forging a new path forward

Chinook Pathways is an Indigenous-led partnership formed to pursue equity ownership in the Trans Mountain Pipeline (Trans Mountain) following completion of construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion. Chinook Pathways was formed by Western Indigenous Pipeline Group (WIPG) with its selected industry partner, Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina), to establish a collaborative ownership framework for Indigenous communities in Trans Mountain.

Working together, we believe that Trans Mountain presents an exciting opportunity to redefine how Indigenous communities and industry can work together to support economic reconciliation.

Our Partnership

To advance the acquisition of an equity interest in Trans Mountain, WIPG, founded by First Nation leaders from Alberta and B.C., has chosen to enter into a 50/50 partnership with Pembina, a Canadian Tier 1 pipeline company and a uniquely qualified operator.

We believe the strength of our partnership lies in the strong representation of Indigenous communities within our organization and the extensive experience of an operator with a solid safety and environmental track record. Our partnership and equity model gives Indigenous groups greater control over their future and direct control of revenues to support social development and address community needs.

Western Indigenous Pipeline Group

The Western Indigenous Pipeline Group (WIPG) is a wholly-owned Indigenous company led by Chiefs and community leaders representing the communities directly in the path of Trans Mountain in B.C. and Alberta. WIPG was formed to acquire a major stake in Trans Mountain for the benefit of Indigenous communities who live along the pipeline. By purchasing Trans Mountain, Indigenous communities will ensure their environmental, community and economic goals are met.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina) brings extensive experience operating complex midstream assets with an exemplary, industry-leading safety record. With more than 65 years of experience successfully operating pipelines like Trans Mountain, Pembina is committed to building strong relationships with communities, and has a solid track record of safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations.

The Chinook Name

With extensive networks stretching across the continent, Indigenous traders have a long history of connecting our geographically and culturally unique communities. This custom of exchange was created along with the Chinook language.

To honour the wisdom of these Indigenous traders, we choose to forge a new path. One that values the past, finds solidarity in our present, and allows it to guide our future. As true partners, WIPG and Pembina will move forward collectively as Chinook Pathways Partnership (Chinook).

The name Chinook will signify many things. The pipeline right of way acts as a means to reconnect the many communities who live and move along that path, much as the trade network did in the past. It symbolizes our shared history. It is a tribute to the wise business practices of the Chinook trade network.

Our Commitment

Our partnership is a collaborative approach that provides unique and unmatched value for Indigenous communities and all Canadians in the spirit of reconciliation. We are focused on providing meaningful direct Indigenous ownership and participation in Trans Mountain while providing safe, reliable operations.

Our priority is to provide comprehensive governance, environmental and economic participation for Indigenous communities.

  • Governance: equity ownership provides governance rights and the opportunity to leverage this partnership model for future opportunities.
  • Environmental: communities will have enhanced environmental oversight to ensure protection of environmental and cultural resources, and the opportunity to include Indigenous knowledge and environmental practices into decision making.
  • Economic: Full control over revenues, which supports social advancement in communities, with collaboration between all stakeholders to advance Indigenous employment, education, and contracting opportunities.

Contact Us

info@chinookpathways.com