First Nations Major Projects Coalition

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

Congratulations to Steve Saddleback, ICD.D on his recent appointment to the Electricity Leadership Council by the Energy Futures Lab. This council of electricity experts & community leaders will lead multi-stakeholder solution prototyping to accelerate vision-driven modernization of Alberta’s electricity system. As Senior Advisor, External Relations, FNMPC, Steve’s voice will ensure that Indigenous perspectives, values, and knowledge are embedded in the council’s mandate of transforming Canada’s #electricity sector. This appointment speaks volumes about the necessity of having Indigenous leaders at the table—making key decisions, driving sustainable development, and ensuring that Indigenous communities benefit from energy transitions. The path forward must be one of inclusion, #equity, and respect for the traditional territories that power our nation’s future. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/g6p5mN5R 

The momentum around Indigenous equity ownership in Canada’s natural resource sector is gaining national attention. As highlighted in recent media, significant steps are being taken to enable Indigenous participation in major projects, with equity ownership as a key pillar of economic #reconciliation. From pipelines to renewable energy, Indigenous communities are becoming crucial stakeholders in shaping the future of Canada’s resource development. 135 energy and related infrastructure projects over the past 15 years that are partially or wholly owned by Indigenous people. Twenty-eight per cent of those Indigenous #equity investments occurred in the last two years alone. Sharleen Gale, chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and former Chief of the Fort Nelson First Nation responds, “It certainly has been a good year, and it has also given us as Indigenous people a lot of hope about the future, especially going into 2025." At the heart of this shift, FNMPC continues to champion First Nations’ involvement by providing the tools, resources, and strategic support needed to secure equity positions in major projects. With over 170 member nations, our mission is clear: facilitate meaningful #partnerships that foster economic self-determination, drive #sustainable development, and align with the values of our member nations. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gBmy2sji

As the world transitions towards a clean energy future, the role of Indigenous leadership has never been more vital. Globally and in Canada, we are witnessing a collective push towards emissions-free energy systems. First Nations stand at the forefront of this opportunity, with emerging chances for economic and equity participation. With support from BC’s Clean Energy and Major Projects Office (CEMPO), FNMPC is excited to launch a new clean energy backgrounder: Clean Energy Project Types and Opportunities. This comprehensive guide is designed to help First Nations make informed decisions about their involvement in the clean energy sector. Whether it’s evaluating new energy sources or considering partnerships, this backgrounder offers essential insights into the existing and future technologies shaping our energy systems. Discover the backgrounder here: https://lnkd.in/gaa8Nvex To further support this release, join FNMPC on September 26th from 11am to 12:30pm PT for an informative webinar discussing clean energy opportunities for First Nations. *NOW SOLD OUT* Register now at: https://lnkd.in/gtMArd-9 #CleanEnergy #FirstNationsLeadership #EnergyTransition #FNMPC #Sustainability #IndigenousEquity

This week in Fredericton, the Atlantic Indigenous-led Energy Symposium (#AILES) convened First Nations, government, and industry to discuss #energy initiatives for a sustainable future. Canada's energy system holds exceptional economic opportunity with its commitment to address our greenhouse gas emissions and its commitment to Indigenous #reconciliation and #FPIC. A key step to meet both of these commitments is partnership with Indigenous nations and supporting Indigenous ownership of #electrification projects. To leverage this economic opportunity for Indigenous nations, #FNMPC and Mokwateh have developed a National Indigenous Electrification Strategy. This initiative centers Indigenous nations as leaders in decarbonizing and doubling Canada’s electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Crucial to this strategy is the Canadian government using its powers as a convener of the provinces and territories to harmonize opportunities. Indigenous nations and governments have the opportunity to work together and develop clean energy projects and inter-jurisdictional planning. The Mesgig Ugiu’s’n Windfarm is just one example delegates learned about at the AILES today that can be achieved when governments and Indigenous nations work together to address economic reconciliation and energy equity. The road to #netzero lies on Indigenous lands and partnerships with Indigenous nations must include Indigenous consent, Indigenous governance, and ownership opportunities. Read the full strategy: https://lnkd.in/gM2AyQmb

First Nations partnerships and participation in Canada's #energy system holds exceptional economic opportunity. Today at the Atlantic Indigenous-led Energy Symposium (#AILES), Angel Ransom, RPP, MCIP, SVP Environmental Services, FNMPC, underscored the transformative role of Indigenous leadership in major projects, particularly with the introduction of FNMPC’s Spirit of the Land Cultural Rights and Interests Toolkit. The toolkit empowers Indigenous communities to protect and assert their cultural rights in project planning and environmental assessments. The focus is clear: the path to economic reconciliation lies in #partnerships that respect Indigenous values, ensuring cultural rights and environmental stewardship for future generations. Explore the Spirit of the Lands Toolkit and Backgrounder: https://lnkd.in/gwPq62Hv Visit the FNMPC booth to learn more about our services and resources. #EconomicReconciliation #IndigenousLeadership #EnvironmentalStewardship #SOTL #Toolkit

Earlier this week, FNMPC’s leadership touched down in Toronto, engaging with our Sustaining Partners. Through FNMPC’s Sustaining Partners program, we exercise part of our mandate to identify mutual alignment with FNMPC member values and the private sector to help drive #partnerships forward. Conversations centered on advancing economic #reconciliation, as partners shared bold ideas on how to enhance their commitments to working with First Nations on key projects. This marks another critical step in forging partnerships that create shared value, ensuring Indigenous nations are at the forefront of Canada’s evolving economic landscape. The opportunities ahead are immense, and we look forward to what’s next.   Air Canada Arcadis Cenovus Energy CIBC Colliers Project Leaders | Canada Gowling WLG Kiewit Pattern Energy Group Vale Base Metals WSP in Canada