Stephen Buffalo

Stephen Buffalo

Credentials

Background

Stephen Buffalo, a member of the Samson Cree Nation, is president and CEO of the Indian Resource Council (IRC).2IRC STAFF,Indian Resource Council. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Xp9p5 3Stephen Buffalo,” MLI. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kNxfE In this role, Buffalo has been one of the most outspoken Indigenous voices in favor of expanding oil and gas production in Canada.4Geoff Dembicki. “Oil Company Gave $200K to Group Accusing Pipeline Opponents of Taking Secret Money,” DeSmog, May 1, 2023.

Buffalo is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI),5Stephen Buffalo,MLI. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kNxfE a group listed as a partner of the international Atlas Network. MLI’s Aboriginal Canada and the Natural Resource Economy Project described MLI’s work with First Nations as “a shield against opponents,”6โ€œAboriginal Canada and the Natural Resource Economy Projectโ€ (PDF), Atlas Network and Macdonald-Laurier Institute, March 31, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. and whose team was “concerned” about the passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People given the provision of free, prior, and informed consent, given its potential to disrupt resource development.7โ€œMLI Case Study Shows How Engaging Non-Traditional Allies Can Create Free-Market Change,โ€ Atlas Network, February 26, 2018. Archived May 19, 2022. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/M6RPU

DeSmog found that the Indian Resource Council, which previously accused pipeline protests of being beholden to hidden financial interests,8Our Speaker, Stephen Buffalo,” Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/tS6Po received at least $450,000 from Canadian Natural (CNRL), one of the largest oil and gas producers in Canada, between 2020 and 2022 ($250,000 in 2022,9Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Annual Report: Canadian Natural Resources Limited,” For reporting year 2022. Canadian Natural Resources, submission date 2023-05-30. Retrieved from cnrl.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. $100,000 in 2021,10Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Annual Report: Canadian Natural Resources Limited,” For reporting year 2021. Canadian Natural Resources, submission date 2022-10-17. Retrieved from cnrl.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. and $100,000 in 202011Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Annual Report: Canadian Natural Resources Limited,” For reporting year 2020. Canadian Natural Resources, submission date 2022-10-17. Retrieved from cnrl.com. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.).12Geoff Dembicki. “Oil Company Gave $200K to Group Accusing Pipeline Opponents of Taking Secret Money,” DeSmog, May 1, 2023.

In his 2022 testimony before the federal government, Buffallo said the “biggest barrier you can eliminate in indigenous economic development is to stop hampering or choking out the oil and gas sector.”13Mr. Stephen Buffalo (President and Chief Executive Officer, Indian Resource Council Inc.) at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee,” openparliament.ca, March 1, 2022. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kANGi Buffalo has also appeared regularly in mainstream media outlets, including at least a dozen publications listed under his “work for MLI,” where he has also advocated for oil and gas development and opposed limitations on the industry such as a proposed federal emissions cap.14Stephen Buffalo,” MLI. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kNxfE

Buffalo’s bio at MLI also describes him as the first-ever Indigenous governor of the Canadian Energy Executive Association.15Stephen Buffalo,” MLI. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kNxfE

Buffalo is listed as the governor for “Wagering & Challengesat the Association.16About Us,” Canadian Energy Executive Association. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pQYj4 Its website states: “We believe our nationโ€™s greatest successes are secured through strategic partnerships. For CEEA, we value the relationships we have created with Indigenous communities and leaders.”17Fostering Collaboration & Advocacy,” Canadian Energy Executive Association. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/MV0mX

The group commented in its 65th-anniversary report:

“The tarnished image of the industry is largely generated by several major international groups that fund anti-oil sands campaigns, anti-pipeline campaigns, and anti-fracing [sic] campaigns. A need was identified to educate and counter misinformation in the public domain.”

Stance on Climate Change

February 21, 2024

Buffalo said the following during a Zoom webinar titled “What will be the impact of Ottawaโ€™s cap on oil-gas emissions?”18“What will be the impact of Ottawaโ€™s cap on oil-gas emissions?” Archived .mp4 of webinar on file at DeSmog.

“We still can’t say if CO2 is a pollution. But, you know, it’s definitely there’s a lot of fear mongering on on what CO2 is and and what it does. So, lot of questions still to be asked and to be answered, and I think First Nations really have to come together and unify, to take stance on on such a [emissions] cap.”

October 2019

IRC representatives issued statements in response to the Edmonton Climate Strike:19Indigenous Misrepresentation: Indian Resource Council Chiefs Respond To Edmonton Climate Strike,” Alberta Native News, October 18, 2019. Archived January 18, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/8lnAi

“We care deeply about the Earth and we understand the threat posed by climate change. But as long as there is demand for oil and gas products, we would prefer if our resources are brought to market, as we know they are ethically and responsibly developed,โ€ stated Councillor Vincent Saddleback of Samson Cree Nation.

โ€œOn our territory, we operate under the highest environmental and social standards possible. The Blood Tribe has over seven decades of experience with oil and gas exploration, production and transmission. No harm has come to the air or water, the animals or birds as a result of that development,โ€ stated Chief Fox.

Stephen Buffalo, IRC president, stated:

โ€œThe energy sector represents the best pathway forward for our communities to get out of poverty and take our rightful place as self-sufficient nations.โ€ He continued, โ€œWe are finally at the point where First Nations communities are becoming the owners of large, economically significant, projects. Itโ€™s hard to understand why so many activists, who use oil and gas products everyday, want to take this opportunity away from us.โ€

Key Quotes

Undated

Buffalo has been quoted20Background,Canadian Gas Dialogues 2020. Archived January 18, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/SLhqi# in several21Stephen Buffalo,Forward Summit. Archived January 18, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/aMeMH of his conference profiles as saying the following:

โ€œThe oil and gas industry is very exciting, and especially for First Nations. Oil and gas are natural resources that can help them build First Nations communities.

โ€œDevelopment is very important. As more and more First Nations deal with their own resource futures, this reality will lead to becoming more self-sufficient as Nations. As the development of these resources continues, more and more capacity is gained, which will allow the First Nation to maximize their investment of their own resources moving forward,โ€ his profiles add. โ€œIRC must also ensure that the Federal Government is supporting, and working with, First Nations to maximize the potential benefits of their natural resources. The big picture shows First Nations becoming more of an active player in all areas of resource sector, from providing certain services all the way to equity ownership. For this to happen we need heightened communication, more capacity building and more support systems in place.โ€

January 2024

“I call it soft communism being under the Indian Act. So, this energy industry is so critical for our people, despite what people might think and some of the narratives youโ€™re hearing from environmental groups,โ€ Buffalo was quoted in an article at Windspeaker.com.22Sam Laskaris. “Indian Resource Council president hints carbon tax legal challenge is in the works,” Windspeaker.com, January 17, 2024. Archived January 18, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Ip1ci

March 1, 2022

Buffalo testified before the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee, commenting:23Mr. Stephen Buffalo (President and Chief Executive Officer, Indian Resource Council Inc.) at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee,” openparliament.ca, March 1, 2022. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/kANGi

“There’s no sectorโ€”not solar panel installation, not tourism, not golf coursesโ€”that can replace the economic opportunity that oil and gas provides for first nations. The biggest barrier you can eliminate in indigenous economic development is to stop hampering or choking out the oil and gas sector. I note that the government is now considering a cap on emissions which, if not drafted properly, will in practice be a cap on production. Instead, I ask you to promote and encourage our involvement by making sure that first nations have access to the capital we need to be real partners in new projects. I know you’ve heard from others, and I know you’ll hearโ€ฆbut that’s an issue.”

Key Actions

November 23, 2023

Buffalo spoke on a podcast hosted by the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) at COP28, where he discussed topics including the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.24CRIN @ COP28 Episode 4: Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CRIN Clean Resource Innovation Network,” November 23, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

During the podcast, Buffalo said his “good friend Jason Kenney,” when he was Alberta Premier, called him to discuss the creation of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, a group that helped provide investment capital for First Nations to participate in resource projects. Buffalo said he then applied to be on the board and was one of the founding board members.25CRIN @ COP28 Episode 4: Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CRIN Clean Resource Innovation Network,” November 23, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

“The intention, at the time when he [Jason Kenney] was Premier, was for Nations to participate on the Trans Mountain Pipeline, the expansion,” Buffalo said.26CRIN @ COP28 Episode 4: Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CRIN Clean Resource Innovation Network,” November 23, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

Buffalo summarizes, speaking of the green energy transition:

“If everything goes green and stuff like that, it’s a long journey. It’s not going to happen tomorrow. You know, the world still needs energy in all factions. It’s hard to see some of the things that are happening around the world today. But at the end of the day, you know, we’re all mankind. We’re all here together, and the Earth is here to provide for us.”27CRIN @ COP28 Episode 4: Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council,” YouTube video uploaded by user “CRIN Clean Resource Innovation Network,” November 23, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

October 16, 2023

Buffalo testified before the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee. During his testimony, Buffalo described some of the issues with Indian Oil and Gas Canada, in their enforcement as a regulatory body.28Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on Oct. 17th, 2023,Openparliament.ca, October 17, 2023. Archived December 6, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/bK84f

“In the oil and gas sector, we have Indian Oil and Gas Canada, which is a horrible regulator. It causes more problems than it needs to,” Buffalo said, adding “Some of the problems that stem from their lack of enforcement have turned into litigation against the Crown.”29Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on Oct. 17th, 2023,Openparliament.ca, October 17, 2023. Archived December 6, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/bK84f

February 15, 2023

Buffalo spoke30Energy Panel Event โ€“ Joy Romero, Stephen Buffalo, Kevin Birn, and Greg McLean, MP,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Alberta Enterprise Group,” February 16, 2023. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. on a panel hosted by the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG),31Calgary event: Energy Panel Event โ€“ Joy Romero, Stephen Buffalo, Kevin Birn, and Greg McLean,” Alberta Enterprise Group, February 15, 2023. Archived January 17, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qrCh9 whose members include oil and gas producer Canadian National Resources and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and who is a sponsor/donor to the Macdonald Laurier Institute according to MLI’s annual reports.32Defining Canada’s Agenda: 2019 Annual Report” (PDF), Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith served as the president of the AEG from 2021 to 2022, according to her LinkedIn.33Danielle Smith,” LinkedIn. Accessed January 2024. .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The panel included Joy Romero, executive advisor for innovation at Canadian Natural Resources Limited.; Conservative MP Greg MacLean; and Kevin Birn, head of the Centre of Emissions Excellence and chief analyst for Canadian oil Markets at S&P Global Commodity Insights.34Calgary event: Energy Panel Event โ€“ Joy Romero, Stephen Buffalo, Kevin Birn, and Greg McLean,” Alberta Enterprise Group, February 15, 2023. Archived January 17, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/qrCh9

March 1, 2022

Stephen Buffalo testified before the federal government to advocate for oil and gas development.35Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC),Government of Canada. Archived December 6, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/spyKK

September 15, 2021

Buffalo was a speaker at the Oil Sands Conference and Trade Show.36Business Conference, Oil Sands Trade Show. Archived November 30, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/knCx0 His presentation, where he represented the Indian Resource Council, was titled “Strengthening Our Message.” Listed sponsors37Thank You to Our Sponsors & Official Partners!Oil Sands Trade Show. Archived November 30, 2021. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/dZaGd included Canada Action and the Oil Sands Community Alliance (OSCA).

September 21, 2020

Buffalo was a speaker at the Canadian Gas Dialogues 2020. Supporting groups, among others, included the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, and the Canadian Gas Association.38Background,” Canadian Gas Dialogues 2020. Archived January 18, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/SLhqi#

February 26, 2020

According to a draft agenda, Stephen Buffalo participated in the opening remarks of the Indigenous Participation in Major Projects Conference in Calgary. Notable participants included then-Alberta-Premier Jason Kenney, Questerre Energy president, and Modern Miracle Network founder Michael Binnion, and Chief Sharleen Gale of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, Ken Coates of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, among others.39INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION IN MAJOR PROJECTS CONFERENCE” (PDF), February 2, 2020. Retrieved from Newswire. Archived.pdf on file at DeSmog.

Affiliations

Social Media

  • Stephen Buffalo does not appear to be active on social media.

Publications

Some sample publications are below:

Resources

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