First Nations look to buy equity in pipeline to have say in project's future

Despite high-profile protests some indigenous Canadians believe only way to mitigate environmental impacts is through ownership

• Infographic: what if Canada had backed wind instead of oil?

After Justin Trudeau's surprise announcement that the Canadian government would nationalize a contentious pipeline, indigenous protesters have been among the most vocal in their opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, arguing that the project trespasses on their territory and poses a risk to the environment.

Protests led by First Nations have amplified public unease of over the mega project - which will triple the flow of bitumen from Alberta to the coastal waters of British Columbia - as the country attempts to balance its fight against climate change with an economy driven largely by the energy industry.