The Blood Tribe is moving forward with the Kainai Oil and Gas Project.  This will give the Tribe an opportunity of increasing revenues generated through oil and gas activities.  This will establish greater control over the Tribes natural resources and will maximize potential contracts and employment for members.

The pilot project, formally known as the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act (FNOGMMA), was started in 1994 with a proposal presented to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.  The project outlines authority to First Nations in managing oil and gas resource development on their lands.  Three First Nations, White Bear from Saskatchewan, Siksika and the Blood Tribe, are participants in the pilot project.

There are over 120 First Nations in Canada either producing oil or gas.  Many of these are located in Alberta and Saskatchewan.  The Blood Tribe presently has 130 wells producing oil and gas on the reserve and has long wanted to assume control over the management of the resources.

With the mandate of increasing revenues and establishing control over natural resources, Kainaiw Resources Inc. (KRI) has been overseeing the pilot project and has established the project to the membership as the “Kainai Oil and Gas Pilot Project”.

KRI also maintains a high level of environmental protection standards and ensures that the Blood Tribe’s cultural and spiritual customs are not infringed on. 

In June of 2005, the Government of Canada introduced FNOGMMA in the House of Commons.  The proposed legislation was given approval on November 25, 2005 and in order for all three First Nations to use this new legislation, each must have their members ratify their participation through a referendum.  A referendum for the Blood Tribe is scheduled in the near future.