Alberta stands at the forefront of Canada’s energy sector, a province globally recognized for its vast natural resources and industrial strength. From oil sands and natural gas to emerging renewables and clean technologies, the Alberta energy industry is a cornerstone of both provincial and national prosperity. Yet, what truly sets Alberta apart in recent years is the surge of Indigenous-led organizations that are reshaping the industry with purpose, responsibility, and regional resilience.
Among the most prominent of these transformative entities is the Willow Lake Métis Group (WLMG), a 100% Indigenous-owned company dedicated to building meaningful participation in energy development. Through strategic alliances—most notably with Backwoods Energy Services—WLMG is leading a new era where Indigenous values, local employment, and environmental accountability align with Alberta’s industrial demands.
The Foundation of Alberta’s Energy Industry
For decades, Alberta has driven Canada’s energy output through its vast reserves of:
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Crude oil (including bitumen from oil sands)
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Natural gas and natural gas liquids
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Coal and emerging geothermal sites
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Wind, solar, and bioenergy
With infrastructure stretching from the Athabasca oil sands to southern transmission corridors, Alberta’s energy economy has been shaped by mega-projects, multi-national operators, and a deeply skilled workforce.
But as the industry evolves to meet net-zero goals, ESG benchmarks, and reconciliation efforts, the need for inclusive, community-conscious partners is more urgent than ever. This is where Indigenous-led companies like Willow Lake Métis Group and its partners become essential catalysts for change.
Backwoods Energy Services: A Force for Indigenous-Led Excellence
Backwoods Energy Services, majority-owned by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, is one of the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada. It has earned a solid reputation for delivering reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible services across Alberta’s energy sector.
Through a strategic collaboration, WLMG and Backwoods combine their strengths to offer a full suite of energy and industrial services, including:
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Matting and access solutions
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Civil construction and earthworks
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Environmental services and reclamation
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Forestry and vegetation management
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Facility maintenance and site logistics
This partnership extends beyond project execution—it represents an Indigenous economic model that is deeply rooted in community uplift, shared ownership, and sustainable growth.
Meeting the Needs of a Changing Industry
As the energy sector diversifies, WLMG and its partners remain agile in delivering solutions that meet the demands of both traditional energy operations and new energy technologies. Whether working in oil sands, natural gas plants, or utility-scale wind and solar farms, their teams are equipped to manage:
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Construction, operations, and maintenance
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Pipeline integrity and installation
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Turnaround and shutdown support
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Remote workforce accommodations
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Emergency and environmental response
With Alberta pushing toward a lower-emission future, WLMG ensures that Indigenous peoples are not only included in the conversation but are actively leading the transition.
Community-Driven Energy Development
What distinguishes Willow Lake Métis Group is its values-based approach to economic development. Every project generates tangible returns for the Willow Lake Métis Nation through:
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Employment and training opportunities
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Revenue reinvestment into community infrastructure
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Education and youth development programs
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Cultural preservation and land stewardship
This holistic model ensures that while Alberta benefits from robust energy production, Indigenous communities benefit equally through empowerment, autonomy, and prosperity.
Safety, Sustainability, and Compliance
Operating in the Alberta energy industry means adhering to the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. WLMG and Backwoods implement rigorous protocols that include:
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COR-certified safety programs
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Comprehensive risk assessments
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Regulatory compliance with AER and CEPA standards
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Indigenous knowledge integration into environmental monitoring
These practices not only reduce risk and downtime but also foster long-term trust between Indigenous communities and industry operators.
Supporting Alberta’s Net-Zero Ambitions
The future of Alberta’s energy economy lies in responsible resource development and innovation-driven decarbonization. WLMG is already preparing for this future through:
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Partnerships in renewable energy projects
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Workforce training in clean energy disciplines
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Carbon footprint mitigation services
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Reclamation and land restoration efforts
By embedding environmental accountability into every phase of their projects, WLMG helps clients meet ESG mandates while maintaining operational excellence.
Strengthening Regional Resilience
The strength of Alberta’s energy sector also depends on the resilience of its communities. WLMG enhances regional capacity by:
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Creating job stability in northern Alberta
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Offering local procurement opportunities
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Reducing reliance on transient workforces
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Fostering Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaboration
In doing so, they build not just infrastructure—but long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships between communities and corporations.
The Future of Alberta’s Energy Industry Is Indigenous-Inclusive
As Alberta prepares for a future defined by energy diversification, sustainability, and social responsibility, it’s clear that the involvement of Indigenous businesses is not optional—it’s vital.
Willow Lake Métis Group, together with Backwoods Energy Services, offers a blueprint for what that future looks like:
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Technically capable
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Community-grounded
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Culturally respectful
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Environmentally responsible
These are the pillars that will sustain Alberta’s energy industry for generations to come.
Conclusion: A Call to Partnership
If your company operates in Alberta’s energy sector and seeks a partner that blends world-class execution with deep Indigenous insight, look no further than the Willow Lake Métis Group. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive energy future—one that powers Alberta while honoring its people and land.
We invite industry leaders to collaborate with us and become part of this powerful movement where economic growth, cultural integrity, and environmental care go hand in hand.
