The Indigenous-Led Economy

Featured Participants

• 

  National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

  National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

  Biography

  National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

  National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak was born and raised in Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba. Her ancestor, Chief Richard Woodhouse, was an original signatory of Treaty No.2. She began her term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on December 7, 2023, becoming the youngest woman and mother to hold the position. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and has completed Harvard Business School’s Tribal Leaders program. In 2021, she was elected as the Regional Chief for the AFN Manitoba Region. During her tenure, she was the lead negotiator for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action lawsuit, which resulted in over $40 billion compensation for First Nations children and families. Throughout her career, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak has accumulated a wealth of experience lobbying the Senate, House of Commons, Cabinet Ministers, and the Prime Minister’s Office to fulfill mandates from Chiefs. She continues to advocate for First Nations priorities, as directed by the First Nations-in-Assembly collaboratively with First Nations leadership, to protect collective rights–Treaty, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, the right to self-determination, and all human rights.
• 

  The Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

  Member of Parliament, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, Manitoba and Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs

• 

  The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty

  Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, Quebec, Minister of Indigenous Services

• 

  The Hon. Anna Gainey

  Member of Parliament, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, Quebec and Secretary of State (Children and Youth)

• 

  The Hon. Terry Duguid

  Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South, Manitoba

• 

  Chief David Jimmie

   Chief & CEO of Squiala First Nation

  Biography

  Chief David Jimmie

  Chief Jimmie currently serves as Chief & CEO of Squiala First Nation located in Chilliwack, B.C. He is the President of Sto:lo Nation, representing 9 Sto:lo communities; and President of the Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe, representing seven communities. He is the former co-chair alongside the National Chief for the National Chief’s Committee on Fiscal Relations and currently sits on the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation Board and the Sts’ailes Economic Development Board. David also owns and operates DJimmie Construction (DJC), which has built 224 homes and 175 apartment units in Chilliwack and Westbank, B.C. DJC is currently building a 330-unit townhome development in Chilliwack B.C. and 103-townhome development in Westbank B.C.
• 

  Kristan Straub

  CEO, Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corp.

• 

  Jennifer Podmore Russell

  Chief Development Officer, Nch’ḵaỷ Development Corporation

  Biography

  Jennifer Podmore Russell

  Jenn Podmore Russell has more than 20 years of experience in real estate strategy, portfolio planning, and development advisory. She is an established authority on development in British Columbia with an in-depth understanding of how to translate informed visions into successful places. She was the founder and managing partner of MPC Intelligence, a research and analytics solution for the new home development industry in Western Canada. She has held senior roles at both rennie and Deloitte where she brought strategies in development, operation, and portfolio to life through execution. In addition to her contributions to strategic real estate growth, Jennifer is passionate about creating meaningful change in her community. She serves on the board of the Urban Development Institute and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, and as director of the Arrowleaf Real Estate Holdings Board, and is a former Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Economic Commission.
• 

  Katherine Koostachin

  VP, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sussex Strategy Group; Former Senior Advisor, Indigenous Policy and Litigation, PMO

  Biography

  Katherine Koostachin

  Katherine Koostachin is a senior Indigenous relations and public policy leader with over 20 years of experience across government, law, and Indigenous relations, including senior roles at the centre of federal decision-making on Indigenous rights, major projects, and economic reconciliation. Her work has focused on complex files involving regulatory approvals, Indigenous partnerships, and multi-billion-dollar settlements and investments. As Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister on Indigenous Policy and Litigation, she advised on Cabinet-level decisions related to Indigenous litigation, settlements, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA), translating complex legal and policy considerations into executable decisions. She previously held senior advisory roles to federal Ministers responsible for Environment and Climate Change, Indigenous Services, and Natural Resources Canada, shaping major project decisions, regulatory approvals, and Indigenous partnerships. Now Vice President of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation at Sussex Strategy Group, Katherine advises boards, executives, investors, and Indigenous governments on mining, energy, and infrastructure projects. Her work focuses on structuring Indigenous partnerships, including equity participation and benefit-sharing, and aligning regulatory processes, government decisions, and community priorities to support project advancement and long-term economic outcomes. She brings a commitment to responsible development that advances economic opportunity while supporting Indigenous governance and stewardship. A trained lawyer and a proud Mushkegowuk Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation, Katherine brings both lived experience and senior leadership to Indigenous participation in major projects and long-term community prosperity.
• 

  Sharon Singh

  Partner, Environment | Indigenous, McMillan LLP

  Biography

  Sharon Singh

  Sharon Singh is recognized for advising clients on complex, high-stakes regulatory, environmental, Indigenous, and commercial matters across the mining, infrastructure, energy, and renewable sectors. She excels at providing integrated legal and strategic counsel on projects where competing stakeholder interests intersect with regulatory and policy uncertainty. Sharon advises on a broad range of interrelated matters, including regulatory approvals and environmental and impact assessments through the development of permitting, environmental review, and compliance strategies for complex projects. She regularly supports Indigenous community collaboration and agreement structuring, advising on consultations, negotiated agreements, and equity arrangements that provide legal certainty while fostering long‑term relationships. Her practice also includes commercial agreements and governance, with extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements, partnership frameworks, and governance structures aligned with organisational strategy. Sharon also provides counsel on stakeholder, political, and policy risk management, helping clients navigate evolving regulatory frameworks and policy environments to anticipate challenges and protect project outcomes. Sharon’s in-house experience in an international mining company, combined with her public policy and board experience, gives her nuanced understanding of regulatory decision-making and project risk from both operational and oversight perspectives. Known for her pragmatic judgment, technical rigour, and proactive approach to strategy development, Sharon is frequently retained on high-stakes mandates where conventional solutions are insufficient. Her work is consistently recognized in leading legal directories, reflecting her reputation as a trusted advisor on complex, multi-stakeholder and rights-holders, matters. Sharon is also active in the community, including serving on the board of the British Columbia Energy Regulator, Mining Association of British Columbia and CKNW Kids Fund.
• 

  Deliah Bernard

  Partner, Roots Strategies

  Biography

  Deliah Bernard

  Deliah Bernard is a seasoned advisor on Indigenous Affairs at both the national and local levels, most recently serving as the Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A proud Mi’kmaw woman from the We’koqma’q First Nation, Deliah is dedicated to giving back to the community, a commitment that fuels her unwavering drive to advance meaningful reconciliation. She has played a key role on notable public policy advancements such as the Government response to the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry, securing support to Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the visit to Canada by Pope Francis as well as coordinating the Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation, which provided whole-of-government direction on significant Indigenous policy initiatives. At Roots Strategies, Deliah leverages her lived experiences and expertise to craft innovative, culturally responsive approaches. Her strategic counsel and aptitude for fostering robust, collaborative relationships have positioned her as a key influencer – a skill set that enables our team to navigate complex landscapes while ensuring that Indigenous voices remain central to our work. Deliah’s unique insights not only enrich our initiatives but also reinforces our mission to place the priorities of Indigenous communities at the forefront of our work.
• 

  Tiara Folkes

  Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy

  Biography

  Tiara Folkes

  Tiara Folkes is a proud member of the Piikani Nation, raised on the coast of Newfoundland and now based in Ottawa. With over a decade of experience in Indigenous relations, policy, and government affairs, she has worked across federal government and industry to advance reconciliation and Indigenous economic empowerment. Now leading Indigenous public policy at TC Energy, Tiara brings a strong voice to national conversations on equity, energy, and sovereignty. She is also a mother of two and a passionate advocate for Indigenous women in leadership.
• 

  Emily Black

  Vice President Corporate Strategy & Power, Enbridge

• 

  Dakota Kochie

  Director of Government and External Relations, Nuclear Waste Management Organization

  Biography

  Dakota Kochie

  Dakota Kochie (he/him) is currently the Director of Government and External Affairs at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Dakota previously served as Chief of Staff for the Assembly of First Nations, Canada’s largest Indigenous advocacy organization. Dakota is an advocate for First Nations issues and advancing Canada’s climate goals. Dakota is a board member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and an Indigenous Advisory Council Member at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Dakota is a proud Anishinaabe citizen from Pinaymootang First Nation (Treaty Two).
• 

  Mark Cameron

  Cerulean Global Advisory

  Biography

  Mark Cameron

  Mark Cameron has over three decades of experience in government, business and consulting. He is currently Vice-President, External Relations with the Pathways Alliance. Mark has served in several roles with the Government of Canada, including in Ministers’ offices, the Privy Council Office, and as Director of Policy and Research in the Prime Minister’s Office. Mark has also served as Deputy Minister of the Policy Coordination Office in the Government of Alberta. He has worked in executive roles with Ontario Power Generation, BlackBerry, and Hill + Knowlton Strategies. He served as the Executive Director of Canadians for Clean Prosperity. Mark has also served in board or advisory roles with the Banff Forum, Canadian-American Business Council, Canada-India Business Council, Canada 2020, Cardus, the Energy Futures Lab and Smart Prosperity. Mark holds a BA and MA in political science from the University of British Columbia. Mark first joined PPF as a Fellow from 2017 to 2019, and again in 2024.
• 

  Ranj Pillai

  Former Premier of Yukon

• 

  Hillary Thatcher

  Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank

  Biography

  Hillary Thatcher

  Hillary Thatcher leads the CIB’s Indigenous and Northern Infrastructure investments team. She is part of the CIB’s senior team that provides advice to Indigenous and northern leaders, and structures investments that are consistent with the CIB’s focus on infrastructure in priority sectors – clean power, green infrastructure, transit, trade and transportation and broadband. Hillary joined the CIB from her role as the head of Innovation at Indigenous Services Canada. Prior to joining ISC, Hillary spent 15 years with the Ontario Public Service in senior roles across Indigenous Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure and Natural Resources. With significant experience in Indigenous relations, public policy and program delivery, Hillary has a proven track record of building linkages among government, industry and Indigenous interests. Hillary’s Métis heritage is from northern Alberta and has been an active member of the urban Indigenous community of Toronto through her volunteer roles at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Red Sky Performance and the Downie Wenjak Fund. Hillary graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and attended the Indigenous Governance graduate studies program at the University of Victoria.
• 

  Dr. Margot Burnell

  President, Canadian Medical Association

  Biography

  Dr. Margot Burnell

  Currently president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Margot Burnell is a medical oncologist who has served the patients of New Brunswick for over three decades. She is an associate professor of medicine at Dalhousie University and was the head of the department of oncology for eight years. She also previously served as chief of staff for Zone 2 of the Horizon Health Network in the province. She has participated in and chaired multiple committees associated with the health authority, the Saint John and New Brunswick medical societies, CMA, pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review and Hospice Greater Saint John. She has participated in many clinical trials. She is co-chair of the supportive care committee for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group. Dr. Burnell has dedicated herself to caring for patients, making a difference in their lives, helping them on an individual basis, participating in system administration and now advancing solutions to patient and physician concerns at decision-making tables. She feels being a physician is a calling and is eager to share her passion for medicine with coworkers and learners, and believes in giving back to her community to make it a stronger, healthier one.
• 

  Dr. Alika Lafontaine

  Indigenous Advisor in Residence, Canadian Medical Association

  Biography

  Dr. Alika Lafontaine

  Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an award-winning physician, social innovator, and the first Indigenous physician listed by the Medical Post as one of Canada’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors. Grounded in a mixed Indigenous ancestry of Metis, Oji-Cree and Pacific Islander, Dr. Lafontaine has been at the epicentre of healthcare transformation for more than 20 years. He is a Canada’s top 40 under 40 recipient, Maclean’s top Health Care Innovator for 2023, and the youngest recipient of an Indspire award. From 2013-2018, Dr. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance, one of the most ambitious Indigenous health transformation projects in Canadian history. At its peak, it represented more than 150 First Nations and successfully advocated for $68 million in funding for health transformation across the traditional territories of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. In 2022, Dr. Lafontaine became the first Indigenous and youngest physician to lead the Canadian Medical Association in its 154-year history. That year, the Canadian Medical Association played the lead advocacy role in securing the largest nominal Federal investment in healthcare since 2004, breakthrough advances in physician credential recognition, and renewing commitments to national collaboration in managing health data and health human resources. Dr. Lafontaine also led the internal reconciliation process for the Canadian Medical Association apologizing for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples in the health system. On September 18th, 2024 the CMA delivered this apology in an event which received national and international recognition. Dr. Lafontaine continues to write and speak on the politics of healthcare, implementing and scaling equity, redesigning health systems, and effective advocacy. He continues to practice Anesthesiology in Northern Alberta and support the CMA in its Indigenous Reconciliaction plan as its Indigenous Advisor in Residence.