Onion Lake Energy Forms New Alliance with Alberta First Nations

Press Release - March 12,2012

Onion Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No. 6 Territory...Onion Lake Energy (OLE) is at the fore front in oil & gas development and is the largest oil producing First Nation in the country. Tomorrow, OLE will make a formal announcement of an Economic Treaty between three Alberta First Nations to build capacity in the oil and gas sector. Onion Lake Cree Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, Drift Pile First Nation and Ermineskin Cree Nation are partnering to form Wanska Energy Alliance.

"We are acting upon our inherent rights which existed prior to European contact by creating a new Economic Treaty with these First Nations as we have done for thousands of years. Our Nations are prosperous and we need to support each other and share our collective knowledge in this rapidly growing industry to be at the fore front of resource development. The days of miniscul pick and shovel labour jobs along with collecting royalties are gone!” stated Chief Wallace Fox of Onion Lake Cree Nation.

The MOU will be signed during an industry forum which will see First Nation partners, government representatives and industry partners to discuss new energy joint ventures. Over the next year, the group will work as strategic partners and explore development opportunities for greater regional economic growth and wealth creation in the respective communities.

“Onion Lake Energy’s vision is to provide quality stewardship of our Cree Nation’s lands and natural resources, in particular our oil and gas fields, which is guided by our leadership, Elders, industry partnerships and our citizenship. Furthermore, our energy company is a responsible and accountable Indigenous company that is helping maximize our wealth through strategic investments into our community’s development and establishing sustainable business ventures to attain our people’s aspirations for economic livelihood”, said Roy Littlewolfe, OLEnergy Ltd. President.

Media are invited to attend the Industry Forum where Wanska Energy Alliance along with guests will present on new business endeavours. The Forum will be held on March 13, 2012 at the Onion Lake Communiplex Community Hall from 11am until 4pm.

The Onion Lake Cree Nation is an independent Nation located in Treaty No. 6 territory and is situated 50 kilometers north of Lloydminster. The Cree Nation has over 5000 members and is governed by their own Cree Government Structure. The resource rich Nation is the largest oil producing First Nation within Canada.

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Nicole Robertson, Communications Advisor
Muskwa Productions & Consulting
(403) 616-4999
nicole.robertson[at]telus.net

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