Featured Participants

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  Chief Sharleen Gale

  Chief, Fort Nelson First Nation and Chair, First Nations Major Projects Coalition

  Biography

  Chief Sharleen Gale

  Chief Sharleen Gale has dedicated six years of service as a board member with FNMPC, assuming the role of Board Chair in 2017. Her commitment to her nation, the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN), spans over 14 years serving in positions as both Chief and Councillor. Chief Gale brings a wealth of experience garnered from her extensive tenure in the oil and gas sector, the corporate realm, and various leadership roles. This rich background informs her contributions at the Council table and as the Chair of the Dehtai Corporation—the FNFN’s economic development corporation. Chief Gale has overseen significant milestones in her First Nation’s development, including the realization of the Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal electricity project, a pivotal partnership in a major renewable energy endeavor, the acquisition of the largest Indigenous woodlot license in British Columbia and partnership with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in securing the largest community forest in the province. In 2020, Chief Gale served as the sole Indigenous member on the Premier’s Economic Recovery Task Force for the Province of BC. In 2023, Chief Gale further expanded her reach by joining the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, entrusted with the mission to advise the Minister of Natural Resources. Her role entails accelerating investments and advancing sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity systems for the betterment of all Canadians.
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  Mihskakwan James Harper

  Business Development Manager, NRStor Inc.

  Biography

  Mihskakwan James Harper

  Mihskakwan James Harper is a proud citizen of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8, Alberta. He is currently the Business Development Manager at NRStor Inc., where he champions developing large-scale energy storage and clean microgrid projects in a way that empowers communities and contributes to meaningful climate action. He holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba and has recently completed a Masters of Science in Renewable Energy from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Ecole Polytechnique, with entrepreneurial training from ESADE Business School. He is a part of the SevenGen council, an organization that develops and leads programs for Indigenous youth to lead in clean energy and climate action. He also is a co-host for the podcast, Decolonizing Power, a series that aims to amplify voices worldwide on how clean energy enables authentic community empowerment. This experience combined with the 20/20 Catalyst program, he is passionate about the carbon free future, particularly within the power and mobility sectors. He loves his family and his community now and generations ahead, which inspires him to work with youth to build a future that is sustainable and empowers all.
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  Chief Crystal Smith

  Chief, Haisla Nation

  Biography

  Chief Crystal Smith

  Crystal Smith has served the Haisla people for 12 years through her work with Haisla Nation Council, starting as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council from 2009 to 2013, then being elected Chief Councillor in 2017. She holds business certificates from Northwest Community College and Thompson Rivers University. In November, 2019, she was named Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a group committed to encouraging First Nations development of the LNG industry to provide employment and other sustainable benefits for BC’s aboriginal people. She advocates for Haisla Nation-owned joint venture partnerships which allows for participation in major projects in Haisla territory. Using those opportunities provides a doorway for members to find rewarding work and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and improve social conditions in Haisla communities. Ultimately, she wants the work done today by her and all of the Council to benefit today’s 1700 Haisla people but future generations as well.
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  Hon. Patty Hajdu

  Minister of Indigenous Services

  Biography

  Hon. Patty Hajdu

  The Honourable Patty Hajdu was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North in 2015. Appointed to cabinet by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately after the 2015 election, she has served as Minister of Status of Women, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Minister of Health, and is currently the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Highlights of her work in her cabinet roles include launching the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; the establishment of a National Strategy to End Gender Based Violence; the creation of legislation to protect federal workers from harassment and violence in the workplace, modernization of the Federal Labour Code, the establishment of pay equity legislation for federal workers; leading Canada’s efforts through the Covid-19 pandemic; and most recently, reaching an historic agreement-in-principle for the compensation of Indigenous children harmed by the inequities in the child welfare system. Before entering politics, Minister Hajdu was the Executive Director of Shelter House Thunder Bay, launching the SOS Street Outreach Service during her tenure and was the author of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. She also worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development, and homelessness. Her core values centre around compassion, equity, and the conviction that Canada is stronger when everyone has a fair chance to succeed. She is known for her honest and direct advocacy on behalf of her constituents and stakeholders. Focused on improving opportunities, strengthening relationships, and healing systemic issues at a grassroots level, Patty will tell you that each and every one of us has the power to make our communities stronger, fairer and kinder.
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  Hillary Thatcher

  Managing Director, Indigenous and Northern Investments, CIB

  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.
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  Fred Di Blasio

  Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO, Longhouse Capital Partners

  Biography

  Fred Di Blasio

  Fred is a proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Longhouse Capital Partners. Prior to co-founding Longhouse, Fred served as Executive Vice President for Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation ($1.4 billion Sen̓áḵw Development). Fred is an experienced executive with a proven track record at AT&T, TELUS and INVIDI Technologies ($300M exit) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (over $100 billion of deals), corporate development and marketing.
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  Hon. Mary Ng

  Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

  Biography

  Hon. Mary Ng

  The Honourable Mary Ng was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill in 2017. She has previously served as Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development and as Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. Minister Ng is a devoted community leader who has always believed in the power of public service. She has 20 years of experience in the areas of education, women’s leadership, job creation, and entrepreneurship. Minister Ng immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong with her family, and grew up learning about the struggle and eventual success that many new immigrants experience in Canada. Her years working for the Ontario Public Service, Ryerson University, and the Ontario Ministry of Education led to her being recognized as one of Canada’s top-performing public sector leaders. She later served as Director of Appointments for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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  Heidi Todacheene

  Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Office of the Secretary, US Department of the Interior

  Biography

  Heidi Todacheene

  Heidi Todacheene is a citizen of Navajo Nation who previously served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Heidi served as Legislative Counsel for Congresswoman Deb Haaland and Democratic Director of the Congressional Native American Caucus in the United States Congress. Previously, Heidi worked on intergovernmental affairs, economic development, and public safety issues on behalf of her Nation, served at the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, and as a civil litigation attorney. Heidi is the first in her family to attend law school and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law. She is licensed in New Mexico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. District Court for New Mexico.
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  Ernie Daniels

  President & CEO, FNFA; Member of the Bank of Canada’s Board of Directors

  Biography

  Ernie Daniels

  As President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernie Daniels manages the business affairs of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA). He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager. From Salt River First Nation, Ernie moved from Ottawa to Kelowna in 2011 to work with the FNFA as Director of Finance and was subsequently appointed as President and CEO in June 2012. Prior to FNFA, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) of Canada for seven years and the Director of Assessment and Finance Operations at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) for five years. Ernie has worked for Indigenous non-profit organizations in various leadership and management positions. He has served on numerous boards and committees and was recently appointed as the inaugural First Nations director to the Bank of Canada Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Research Study Group looking at financial reporting by First Nations; Chair of the NWT Legislative Assembly Society; Vice-Chair of the NWT Development Corporation; Board member of the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) and Chair of the Audit Committee and was a member of the Standards, Approvals, and Certification Committee. He was also a Board member of the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO).
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  Cassidy Caron

  President, Métis National Council

  Biography

  Cassidy Caron

  Cassidy Caron is a Métis woman with roots in the historic Métis communities of Batoche and St. Louis, Saskatchewan. She grew up closely connected to her Métis traditions, heritage and culture and is driven by her family and community values of respect, honesty, collaboration and responsibility. Cassidy is the first elected woman to hold the office of President of the Métis National Council. Cassidy is a Nation-builder. Utilizing the knowledge, skills and perspectives acquired through her formal education, professional and political experiences, as well as through her deep community involvement, Cassidy’s goal is to explore and utilize innovative approaches to community development and Nation-building, which promote effective collaboration and deeper understanding between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. As an entrepreneur, Cassidy has advised and evaluated both provincially and nationally administered programs that aim to serve and support Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada. She has also supported the implementation of initiatives in, by and for Indigenous communities throughout Canada in a variety of sectors—all of which sought to achieve an overarching goal of restoring balance and wellness to Indigenous communities.
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  Chief Dylan Whiteduck

  Chief, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg

  Biography

  Chief Dylan Whiteduck

  Dylan Whiteduck is a respected leader within the Algonquin Nation, currently serving as Chief for the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Assuming the role in 2020, he embarked on a journey of transformational leadership. Throughout his tenure, Chief Whiteduck has demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience, and innovative approaches in guiding his community through diverse challenges and opportunities. He takes pride in the community's achievements, notably advancements in the community’s infrastructure development, governance framework, and territorial oversight. Outside of his demanding role as Chief, Dylan Whiteduck finds solace during the summer months on the golf course, exercising his inherent rights of fishing, camping and hunting. Additionally, he enjoys traveling to traditional powwows, sharing these experiences with his beloved wife Suzanne and daughter Charlotte.
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  Hon. Dan Vandal

  Minister of Northern Affairs

  Biography

  Hon. Dan Vandal

  The Honourable Dan Vandal was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital in 2015. He became Minister of Northern Affairs in 2019. Minister Vandal is a firm believer in giving back to his community. He has a long record of service in Saint Boniface, where he served five terms as a Winnipeg City Councillor. At City Hall, he served as Deputy Mayor and was a tireless advocate for urban renewal and for better public spaces and vibrant neighbourhoods across the city. He also helped develop Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada. Minister Vandal previously worked as a social worker at Winnipeg’s Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, an Indigenous family resource centre that delivers community-based programs and services. He was also the Chair of the Old St. Boniface Residents’ Association. From 2010 to 2013, he was Chair of the Board of Directors for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. In 2013, he led the Board through the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s licence renewal process, culminating in a five-year renewal for the network. Minister Vandal is married to Brigitte. Together, they have four children and one granddaughter.
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  Tiara Folkes

  Manager, Indigenous Relations Public Policy, TC Energy

  Biography

  Tiara Folkes

  Tiara’s life story is as colourful and culturally diverse as the land she calls home. A member of Piikani Nation in Treaty 7, she was raised on the rugged coast of Newfoundland. Tiara uses her lived experience on and off reserve to bridge the gap between First Nations people and Canada. Tiara has a wealth of experience in Indigenous Relations, consultation and policy. As a policy advisor to the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations Tiara oversaw the signing of the Western Inter Lake District Water project, bringing clean drinking water to Alexis Nakota Sioux and Alexander First Nations and the Lubicon Lake settlement agreement. Tiara is mother to a very active three year old and an 8 month old.
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  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.
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  Katherine Koostachin

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

  Biography

  Katherine Koostachin

  Katherine is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in policy and legal matters, particularly focused on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. She is committed to providing insights into political and policy decision-making processes that shape the laws and regulations impacting Indigenous communities, with a special emphasis on lands and resources, energy, environment, and infrastructure. Most recently, Katherine served as a Senior Advisor of Indigenous Policy and Litigation in the Prime Minister’s Office. She played a key part in the policy team and advanced the government’s reconciliation initiatives by influencing Cabinet decisions and financial processes. She also helped secure historic federal investments for Indigenous communities, addressing critical issues such as the resolution of historic grievances and major litigation related to land claims, Indian Residential Schools, water, and First Nations child welfare. Prior to her role in the Prime Minister’s Office, Katherine served as a senior Indigenous policy, regulatory, and legal affairs advisor to the Federal Ministers of Environment Climate Change and Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. She actively contributed to the development and enactment of legislation such as the Impact Assessment Act and Canadian Energy Regulator Act (2019), as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021).  Before her career in political advisory roles, Katherine practiced law, specializing in environment, energy, and Aboriginal law. Katherine strongly advocates for a balanced approach where environment and economy can coexist, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and stressing the need to work collaboratively to build a prosperous Canadian economy while respecting the environment, Indigenous rights, and knowledge. Katherine holds an LLB from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (called to the bar in 2008), an Aboriginal Intensive Certificate in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Katherine is Mushkegowuk Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation. Currently, residing in Ottawa with her husband, two boys, and loyal German Shepherd. Outside of work, she is an avid lover of the outdoors, cherishing opportunities to travel to her traditional territory with her family and fostering a strong bond with her culture and traditions.