The Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) has announced their support for the NEBC Connector Project.
In a release, the First Nation says they now have an agreement with NorthRiver Midstream that promises “important benefits” for Blueberry, the oil and gas company, and the provincial economy.
Earlier this month, the province announced that the project would be among 18 critical mineral and energy projects fast-tracked to counter U.S. tariff threats. NorthRiver received the province’s approval on January 17, 2025, noting that they will continue to work in partnership with regulatory authorities and First Nations.
The project involves two 216-kilometre pipelines that will transfer LNG from Wonowon to Gordondale, Alberta. The project will span nearly 200 hectares of Crown Land and will require new land disturbance as part of the construction, according to the BRFN.
Blueberry says they engaged with NorthRiver Midstream in the fall of last year on their permit application. This engagement came following a Notice of Motion that called on the Canada Energy Regulator to authorize the use of Crown Land was filed by NorthRiver.
At the time, regulatory delays and disturbance cap issues with the Nation put the project “at risk,” according to the company.
“Blueberry looks forward to continuing to build a positive relationship with NorthRiver and other project proponents,” read the release dated February 21st.
Blueberry’s Council also emphasized their support for industrial development that respects Treaty Rights and contributes to economic growth.
They will now work on joint permitting and planning that aligns with the 2023 Implementation Agreement.