Basile Favel, a member of the Poundmaker Cree Nation, advocates for increased Indigenous participation in the energy sector by leveraging modern technology. Favel highlights the disparity in oil and gas development on Indigenous lands compared to surrounding areas, attributing it to a lack of resources and technical knowledge within Indigenous communities and a complex, inefficient system for contracting and payment. To address these challenges, Favel proposes the Thunderbird Experiment, a platform using distributed ledger technology to streamline transactions and payments between Indigenous communities and government agencies, while simultaneously providing Indigenous communities with data and software to better understand and manage their resources. By creating a more transparent and efficient system, Favel aims to foster cooperation between Indigenous communities and the energy sector, enabling Indigenous peoples to take a more active role in the development of their lands.

Suggested questions
How does the Thunderbird Experiment aim to empower Indigenous communities in managing their natural resources?

What are the primary technological solutions proposed by the Thunderbird Experiment to address the challenges faced by Indigenous communities?

How does the Thunderbird Experiment strive to foster collaboration and trust between Indigenous communities and the energy sector?

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