The Fort McKay First Nation in northern Alberta is surrounded by oil sands projects. Like other Indigenous communities in the area, it endures noise and emissions, and has concerns about water, air quality and boreal forest destruction.

But the First Nation has also, over the decades, adapted to living amidst the mines and in situ projects north of Fort McMurray. It is wealthier than most, in part through community-owned companies that do service work – jobs like transport, waste disposal and catering – for the oil companies. It brags that only 5 per cent of its annual operating budget comes from government.

Through all of this, the First Nation has never been an oil producer itself. But that could change with a new agreement that puts the community in the driver’s seat. It’s an example of how Indigenous participation in resource projects so that they are even remotely tenable is now essential.

Earlier this month, the First Nation announced a memorandum of understanding with Suncor Energy to explore the possibility of a new oil-sands mine on reserve lands. Under the terms, Suncor will do tests to determine the quality and quantity of mineable ore on Lease 174C, Fort McKay reserve lands located conveniently just southeast of the........

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