Canada's petroleum is often produced in remote areas where much of the population is Aboriginal. First Nations and Métis people are taking an increasingly active role in the Canadian oil and gas industry. As joint venture partners, as energy industry workers, managers and business owners, they are stepping forward to play an important role in Canada's energy industry.

Encana has found a kindred business spirit in the Aseniwuche Development Corporation (ADC), based in the northwestern Alberta town of Grande Cache.

The energy industry has done many positive things to reach out to Aboriginal communities and bring them onboard as employees and business partners, says Kelly Lendsay, President and CEO of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council (AHRC).