First Nations Major Projects Coalition

The OECD - OCDE Mining Regions and Cities Initiative last week spotlighted a key session on Indigenous-centred pathways for sustainable futures in mining regions, where Indigenous leadership outlined strategies for enhancing engagement, well-being, and advancing economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Saga Williams, Senior Advisor, FNMPC, and Mark Podlasly ICD.D, Chief Sustainability Officer, FNMPC, highlighted the critical role that local communities and Indigenous nations play in developing holistic approaches to resource management and community development. They emphasized the importance of early, meaningful engagement to avoid past pitfalls, ensuring that mining projects respect cultural heritage, and address vital issues like land use, water consumption, and emissions—while creating equitable economic opportunities. By fostering genuine partnerships, prioritizing transparency, and upholding environmental stewardship, we can build sustainable pathways that empower Indigenous nations, benefit local communities, and strengthen the broader economy. Watch the session highlight here: https://lnkd.in/gSGFHhj7 #IndigenousLeadership #SustainableDevelopment #EconomicReconciliation #CriticalMinerals

On October 24, 2024, tune in for a timely webinar post-BC election, co-hosted by the Clean Energy Association of BC (CEBC) and the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), exploring key themes in clean energy, Indigenous leadership, and regulatory reform. This event will focus on the evolving relationship between government policy, industry, and Indigenous nations, highlighting collaboration, transparency, and equitable clean energy development. It’s a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading voices in the clean energy sector. Learn more and register now at (limited availability): https://lnkd.in/gNkwBEwJ #CleanEnergy #FirstNationsLeadership #EnergyTransition #FNMPC #Sustainability #IndigenousEquity

The growing principles behind sustainable finance—such as transparency, long-term value creation, and accountability—have led to "chasing in” capital toward value-driven investments. By extending these frameworks to focus specifically on Indigenous financing needs, we are not only supporting Indigenous self-determination but also promoting investments that align with Canada's broader climate and economic goals. The First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), in partnership with First Nations Financial Management Board and Addenda Capital, hosted a roundtable discussion in Toronto during the #PRIinPerson 2024 event where participants explored how bond issuance by First Nations could address the persistent challenges of accessing capital. The closed-door session heard from thought leaders like Ernie Daniels, CEO of First Nations Finance Authority, Lawrence Schembri, former Deputy Chair of the Bank of Canada, Chief Joe Miskokomen, Deshkan Ziibiing (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), and Steve Saddleback, ICD.D, Senior Advisor of External Relations, FNMPC, highlighting both opportunities and challenges, identifying actionable next steps for advancing Indigenous participation in sustainable finance. By extending sustainable finance frameworks to support Indigenous projects, we can catalyze economic reconciliation while promoting investments that align with Canada's broader climate and economic goals. #SustainableFinance #IndigenousLeadership #EconomicReconciliation #CapitalMarkets

True economic reconciliation is grounded in real partnerships between Indigenous nations and industry. Today at BHP’s Traditional Owner’s Forum, Traditional Owners, Cultural Knowledge Holders, and senior leadership at BHP convened at Kaurna Meyunna Yerta, Adelaide, Australia, to better understand how to build sustainable, equitable #energy futures through storytelling, using real project examples, methods, approaches, and best practices. We are honoured to have our very own Board Chair, Sharleen Gale, and SVP of Environmental Services, Angel Ransom, RPP, MCIP, highlight the transformative work of the coalition in supporting our members and First Nations across Canada through meaningful participation in major projects. Angel shared insights on her work around The Spirit of the Land Toolkit, emphasizing “this work emerged from a critical need: to address the gaps in how Indigenous cultural rights are assessed in Environmental Assessments. This toolkit equips First Nations with the resources to protect their lands, traditions, and ways of life—while actively participating in economic development. It’s a framework designed to foster dialogue between Indigenous communities, project proponents, and governments, ensuring that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (#FPIC) is respected at every stage”. Sharleen’s participation in the Indigenous Female Leadership panel underscored the value of diverse leadership and the importance of navigating complex landscapes with resilience. Sharing the stage alongside Florence Drummond, Consultant, Innova Consultancy, Katie Wyatt GAICD, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – BHP, and Marisa Bradshaw, Principal Indigenous Engagement at BHP, she notes in her closing remarks “I envision a future where First Nations are fully empowered as owners in projects on their lands, driving sustainable development and economic reconciliation for generations to come”. Learn more about the SOTL Toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/gwPq62Hv

“What I would like to say to our Japanese and Asian partners is that the First Nations Major Projects Coalition members are deeply committed to developing new relationships and contributing to a cleaner supply of energy to global markets. Our members also prioritize sustainable development that balances economic growth and environmental stewardship, which also aligns with the global shift towards greener, more responsible energy practices, including Japan.” Chief Sharleen Gale, Chair, Board of Directors, First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), on the role and commitment that Indigenous Nations have undertaken as owners, proponents and developers of Energy Projects in Canada, and their international potential. See the full webinar here ➡ https://lnkd.in/e8peiBGx #FNMPC #IndigenousEnergyProjects #Reconciliation #GlobalEnergy #ResponsibleEnergy #IndigenousLeadership #CanadaJapanEnergy #EnergySecurity #CanadianLNG #LNGCanada #LNG

At the ICMM 2024 Responsible Mining Leadership Forum earlier last week, the central theme of "Tensions" resonates deeply with current efforts in responsible #mining, as First Nations leaders play an essential role in ensuring that Indigenous values guide the development of major projects. The forum highlighted the tension between the urgent need for mining, to fuel the #energy transition, and the vital responsibility to protect and conserve natural ecosystems. Saga Williams, Senior Advisor of FNMPC, explained how the tension between consent and veto emerges when Indigenous communities are excluded from meaningful participation, stressing that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (#FPIC) should prioritize transparent communication, respectful relationships, and equitable agreements. Niilo Edwards, ICD.D, CEO of FNMPC, reinforced this by calling for Indigenous leadership in Environmental Assessments to balance regulatory demands with Indigenous cultural values. In his closing to the audience he emphasized, “in order to speed up the regulatory process, we must allow Indigenous communities to lead using their own Impact Assessments”. These conversations are part of the broader industry advancement to ensure Indigenous nations lead as full partners, ensuring responsible and equitable resource development. #IndigenousLeadership #ResourceDevelopment #EnergyTransition #UNDRIP

FNMPC Board Chair, Sharleen Gale, spoke today at the #G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting side-event in Brazil as part of the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. This IEA Commission tackles critical questions like how to support workers in clean energy transitions to ensure social inclusion in policy design, and what the best approach is to provide universal access to affordable energy. Sharleen Gale is playing a role on this Commission to encourage governments to prioritize Indigenous leadership, ownership, and economic participation in energy projects. In her remarks today, Sharleen Gale highlighted the opportunities along the #electrification and critical mineral value chain to support Indigenous nations leadership and economic participation in them. She stated, “As the world shifts to a low-carbon economy, we must support not only job training, skills, and education. We must also centre Indigenous nations as decision makers. “ Learn more about how government, industry, and nations can work together to accelerate Indigenous ownership of electrification and #criticalmineral supply infrastructure in Canada: -Explore the National Indigenous Electrification Strategy: https://lnkd.in/gT6Tc-Br -Explore the Critical Minerals Roundtable Report: https://lnkd.in/g3xrmem9 #EnergyTransition #IndigenousLeadership #SustainableDevelopment

Indigenous ownership of #electrification projects gets them built faster, and the Government of Ontario has taken note of this. Ontario’s recent launch of its largest competitive energy procurement—aiming for 5,000 MW of new power and incentivizing projects with or by Indigenous nations— could be a significant step toward mutually beneficial partnerships that respect Indigenous rights and help meet the electricity demands of a First Nation. As Sharleen Gale (Fort Nelson First Nation) Chair, FNMPC, and JP Gladu BScF MBA ICD.D LL.D (Sand Point First Nation), Principal, Mokwateh state, "By prioritizing Indigenous involvement, we will not just step towards electrification, we will run." Successful initiatives like the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line and the Waasigan Transmission Line highlight the positive impact of Indigenous participation in and ownership of major electricity projects. To maintain this momentum, it's crucial for governments to implement effective policies that support Indigenous access to capital and incorporate Indigenous free, prior, and informed consent. As Canada strives to double or triple its electricity supply by 2050 to remain globally competitive, centering and supporting Indigenous nations into these efforts is a practical necessity to unlocking a more sustainable and equitable energy future. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dbzw6C9w Discover the National Indigenous Electrification Strategy: https://lnkd.in/gM2AyQmb #IndigenousLeadership #Partnerships #EconomicDevelopment #EnergyTransition

Indigenous leadership is redefining corporate governance in Canada, offering a critical advantage for businesses navigating projects on traditional territories. As Mark Podlasly ICD.D, Chief Sustainability Officer at the FNMPC, highlighted in his recent discussion with John Valley, Partner, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, the adoption of #UNDRIP now requires major project proponents to seek free, prior, and informed consent (#FPIC) from Indigenous nations. Indigenous directors are essential in helping companies understand the complexities and opportunities involved, ensuring cultural, environmental, and economic considerations are integrated into the decision-making process. This shift is not just about diversity or inclusion—it’s about giving companies a strategic edge. Indigenous representation at the board level enhances risk mitigation, strengthens relationships with communities, and improves investor confidence, especially in the natural resources and energy sectors. As more Indigenous talent emerges from non-traditional areas, companies that embrace this growing pool of leaders will be better positioned to lead in a competitive, dynamic economy. Listen in on their full conversation at: https://lnkd.in/gzUc53eg #IndigenousLeadership #EconomicReconciliation #CorporateGovernance

#Reconciliation is not a destination but a journey that we must walk together. Today, on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we honour the survivors of the residential school system and remember those who never returned. Acknowledging the injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities is essential, but acknowledgment alone is not enough. Reconciliation demands that we confront our shared history and work actively to build a better future. We continue to call upon everyone to work to implement tangible actions that support Indigenous self-determination and prosperity. It means investing in community-led initiatives and creating spaces for Indigenous voices at all levels of decision-making. By working collaboratively, we can forge a future of shared prosperity and mutual respect. #NationalDayofTruthandReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #CallsToAction