Mark Podlasly: Canada’s First Nations are owners and investors, not obstacles to development

The reality is that if Canada wants to build and move major projects to market quickly, Indigenous Peoples must be at the table. Photo by Gavin Young/Postmedia

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Canada is entering a moment of enormous opportunity in energy, minerals and infrastructure — and much of that opportunity is taking place on Indigenous lands. Global instability has reshaped energy and commodity markets, creating unprecedented demand for the resources this country holds in abundance. Trade relationships that once seemed permanent are fracturing. The wars in Ukraine and Iran have proven that the world is far too reliant on global dictators for access to energy. Canada’s allies are competing to secure critical minerals, LNG and clean energy infrastructure.

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At the same time, there is growing domestic appetite across party lines to accelerate the “nation-building” projects that will define Canada’s competitiveness for decades to come. Demand for what this country holds in abundance has never been higher.

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Indigenous Peoples are not waiting for permission to move ahead with this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Across the country, we are stepping into leadership roles, securing equity ownership, shaping project governance and setting the terms on how development should proceed on our territories. This is our moment to be bold. This is our moment to lead and advance the terms of engagement for major projects.

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Contrary to how we’ve been treated in the past, Indigenous Peoples are not obstacles to development. We are owners, investors and decision-makers. A brief survey of projects across the country provides ample evidence of this leadership.

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In the Yukon, Selkirk First Nation initiated a process to secure full ownership of the Minto Mine, including equity stakes and royalties. In British Columbia, Tahltan First Nation concluded a consent agreement for the Eskay Mine and Haisla First Nation is advancing Cedar LNG as a landmark Indigenous-led energy project. Nisga’a Nation is also a partner in Ksi Lisims LNG. In Ontario, Taykwa Tagamou Nation invested $20 million in Canada Nickel’s Crawford project, securing a 7.9 per cent equity stake and a seat on the board. In Manitoba, Norway House Cree Nation purchased the Minago mine outright.

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These are not isolated examples. They reflect a fundamental shift in how Indigenous Peoples engage with resource development. More and more, we are moving from consultation to co-ownership and making concrete decisions about projects that impact our land and our communities.

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The expectation among Indigenous advocates is clear: Projects on our territories must include real ownership and governance, not just employment targets or benefit-sharing agreements negotiated after decisions have already been made. This model has been proven to work not only for Indigenous communities, but for everyone involved.

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Authentic Indigenous leadership de-risks major projects in ways that benefit our communities as well as investors, governments and natural resource proponents. When Indigenous Peoples hold equity, we become co-owners with a direct stake in project success, aligning interests for capital markets and creating clearer pathways for responsible development. Indigenous leadership also brings critical expertise that strengthens outcomes. Our people have watched over these lands since time immemorial.