First Nations can be partners in major projects

Economic reconciliation is about First Nations charting their own paths to self-determination, says Niilo Edwards.

Niilo Edwards, executive director of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition.

The First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) is joining Resource Works as a Program Partner and champion sponsor of our coming Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase. For the FNMPC, the word 'partner' has a special meaning.

"Our members have discussed this a lot," says Niilo Edwards, executive director, "and we've heard from them that economic reconciliation includes the meaningful inclusion of their communities as partners in project development. 

Economic reconciliation requires partners "right from the start, even before the project concept is conceived," said Edwards. It means partnerships "all the way along, to make sure that the important aspects of the environment, the Indigenous knowledge, the cultural values, are at the forefront of the project. 

"That makes a good foundation to negotiate a business deal, at the end of the day, that can be focused on true partnership, which is equity participation, ultimately, where you have co-ownership of the development between Indigenous communities and proponents."

The FNMPC is a not-for-profit organization led by First Nations, providing services, coordination, tools, and support to members to help them make informed business decisions about participation in major resource projects.

Over four and a half years, the Coalition has grown from 11 members to over 70 across six provinces and territories.

Edwards said: "We have environmental tools, economic tools, and we support our members by directly providing capacity support . . . for project opportunities."

Our May 2022 event responds to the growing demand for practical and effective guidance in how Indigenous communities and enterprise partners can work together for joint success. We'll hear and learn from success stories of innovation in this area.

Edwards says the FNMPC's members say economic reconciliation is about charting their own path to self-determination: "Everybody recognizes that you can't do that without . . . economic activity and partnerships."

Perhaps there is room for the government to help.

"The largest blind spot that we see, and we've been very vocal about this recently, is there is no national strategy on affordable access to equity-style capital to really ignite mainstream participation by Indigenous communities across Canada, as partners in development projects.", said Edwards. 

"This is an area that I think that the federal government needs to focus on for a number of reasons. It's in line with the fiscal articles of UNDRIP, particularly Article IV. If the federal government is looking for some tangible results of their implementation, they need to work with Indigenous communities to design a scenario where access to capital is made available for these participation projects. 

"It is also about creating certainty in the investment marketplace, where Indigenous communities and their interests have influence on the investment decisions that investors make in Canada."

Edwards continues: "What we're seeing right now is a lot of time directed at the courts because Indigenous communities have no place else to go. What I've heard our members say is that they want to have a chance to have influence at the project negotiation table. And that's where it should be. So, the governments, both federally and provincially, have a lot of work to do here to correct these gaps."

According to Edwards, there is no access-to-capital program in BC for First Nations, despite the substantial economic activity around natural resources. Meanwhile, Alberta has made a start with the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.

"We need a similar-style program here to free up access to capital," said Edwards.

Partnership, economic reconciliation, and access to capital will be among the many topics discussed at our Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase. Edwards says he hopes to see much sharing of success stories, knowledge and best practices.

"You're communing with Indigenous communities, and industry and government, over a series of important discussion topics. Let's face it; there's a lot of learning that government and industries still need to do to fully understand the unique dynamics that our members face. 

"Education, and sharing of knowledge and best practices, can't happen too often." 

The event runs from May 26 to 27, 2022.