A First Nations leader has called for a new oil pipeline to British Columbia’s northern coast, proposing an updated project he calls “Northern Gateway 2.0,” reviving the vision of the stalled Northern Gateway pipeline, and could offer long-term economic benefits to Indigenous communities.

Dale Swampy, chief executive of the National Coalition of Chiefs, said a new pipeline to the Port of Prince Rupert would be the answer to increasing economic activity and giving First Nations access to international markets.

"We need to get our oil to international markets," Swampy said in an interview.

Announced in 2006, the initial Northern Gateway oil pipeline project would entail constructing twin pipelines to transport heavy crude and oil condensate from Alberta to Kitimat, British Columbia. 

However, the project was later scrapped in 2016 after the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal overturned the project’s approval, citing inadequate consultation following fierce opposition from indigenous groups and environmentalists.

Swampy, a member of the Samson Cree Nation, worked with Enbridge on the original project's consultation team. He later formed the National Coalition of Chiefs to address poverty on reserves through resource development.

He said a new pipeline could create new economic opportunities and that Indigenous communities should have equity ownership in resource projects. But he stressed that ownership is not enough.

"We can't influence employment and contracting opportunities if we don't have a seat on the board," Swampy said. "We can't protect the environment as much as we'd like to unless we have a seat on the board."

Swampy said the current moment is a critical opportunity for Indigenous communities to secure stronger roles in major projects.