ESF contributed to two sessions on October 22: the panel “The Power of Partnerships” and the workshop “Building Economic and Energy Corridors in Canada.”
Together, these discussions reinforced that strong partnerships with Indigenous Nations are essential to Canada’s energy and national security, supporting prosperity at home and reliability abroad.
The Power of Partnerships
Shannon Joseph, Chair of ESF, moderated ‘The Power of Partnerships’ panel featuring Crystal Smith, Senior Fellow, Energy for a Secure Future; Stephen Buffalo, President and CEO, Indian Resource Council; and Justin Bourque, President, Asokan Generational Developments.
In remarks prior to the panel, Shannon shared research showing broad agreement that Indigenous ownership and participation are reshaping Canada’s energy landscape. She noted that partnership-led projects move forward with stronger foundations and that Indigenous involvement enhances both local opportunity and investor confidence.
She also emphasized that energy security is national security and that Canada’s ability to be a reliable energy partner to the world depends on partnerships built at home.
Building Economy and Energy Corridors in Canada
ESF hosted the workshop ‘Building Economy and Energy Corridors in Canada’, facilitated by Shannon Joseph. Crystal Smith discussed key factors that contributed to successful partnerships in resource development, Justin Bourque outlined ownership models that align community interests with long-term project success and Karla Graf, Indigenous Relations, CN Western Region, shared the example of CN’s capacity to provide safe and environmentally sustainable delivery of goods in the course of building energy corridors that connect regions and markets.
Stephen Buffalo: Economic Strength Through Partnership
In his keynote address, Stephen Buffalo spoke about how Indigenous participation and ownership in resource development are driving economic growth and building stronger communities.
He emphasized that self-determination and economic independence are achieved through active involvement in the energy sector, noting that these partnerships bring tangible benefits; from clean water and job creation to stronger local governance.
Buffalo highlighted that moving beyond government dependence requires a focus on opportunity and ownership. He called for continued collaboration that ensures Indigenous Nations remain partners in projects that deliver benefits across Canada.
“We have to build our own economies and make our own communities stronger. The opportunity now, with First Nations participating in deals, gives investors confidence. When First Nations do well, municipalities do well, and provinces do well.”
Energy for a Secure Future continues to highlight how partnership-led development contributes to reliable, affordable, and secure energy for Canadians, and how these partnerships strengthen the country’s role as a trusted energy supplier to the world.
