It was a privilege to connect with so many new faces, hear diverse perspectives, and witness the powerful conversations that are shaping the future of resource development in Canada. At our Energy for a Secure Future booth, we had the chance to engage and share our research about the important role of Indigenous leadership in global energy markets.
The ESF alongside a number of our Advisory Council members had a lovely dinner and discussion with Shane Seibel, Executive Director of the Growth Fund of the Southern Ute Tribe and his wife Melanie Seibel. Both shared insights about the Nation’s experience in building to success and a great discussion was had about experiences in Canada and opportunities for collaboration.
A highlight of the event was the panel “Indigenous Leadership in Attracting Foreign Investment in Energy Infrastructure”, moderated by our Chair, Shannon Joseph and featuring H.E. Ambassador Woongsoon Lim of the Republic of Korea, President Eva Clayton of the Nisga’a Nation and Karl Pires, Partner with A&O Shearman. It was an opportunity to bring many aspects of our work together: dialogue with energy customers, building bridges between Indigenous nations involved in LNG, and showcasing the power of Indigenous-Industry partnerships in building Canada’s future global energy role. ESF is grateful for the powerful insights of all our panelists about the opportunities before Canada and Indigenous peoples in Canada in delivering energy and security to the world.
Key takeaways:
- Chief Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, about the role of Indigenous leadership in building relationships on the ground, including with neighbouring Indigenous nations, to support long-term project success. She also stressed the environmental value add that her nation and brings to projects, protecting the lands and the waters as well as global emissions reduction. Her words reminded us of the importance of Indigenous leadership in ensuring that energy development is done responsibly and in a way that benefits both local communities and the world.
“We want to be a part of the solution to provide energy to global markets. We saw the need for us to be involved headfirst because we know our land, and this is an opportunity to protect our land.”
- His Excellency, Woongsoon Lim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, spoke on the increasing demand for reliable energy in the Asia Pacific region and the close connection between energy and security. He emphasized the critical role Canada plays as a trusted energy partner in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and growing energy needs. He also emphasized the critical role Canadian LNG could play in helping Korea achieve its environmental goals.
“Korea is the world’s 8th largest energy consumer and the 4th largest importer of coal for power generation. We are committed to phasing out coal completely by 2050 and see natural gas – particularly LNG – as a vital part of that transition.”
His perspective emphasized the growing importance of reliable energy partners as countries worldwide attempt to secure energy supplies, while facing uncertain global dynamics.
- Karl Pires, Partner at A&O Shearman (Japan), added his perspective on energy security and the geopolitical challenges facing Asia. He explained how Asian countries are prioritizing energy diversification, with a particular focus on securing reliable energy partners in light of recent shifts in U.S. policy. He also emphasized that for Canada to become the preferred supplier his clients in Asia are looking for certainty. It is important for federal and provincial governments, Indigenous nations and industry to be aligned in their message that Canada can be counted on to deliver on LNG.
“Countries are looking to diversify their energy mix. Because of their heavy reliance on imports and the geopolitical situation in the region, energy security is certainly a priority.”
FNMPC2025 was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new people and exchange on the exciting work and opportunity ahead for Canada as a global energy player. Indigenous nations are playing a central role in this future, and it is unfolding in real-time. By continuing to engage with leaders and helping to build bridges with industry around the world, we hope to build a stronger, more secure energy future, one that supports reconciliation and fosters long-term prosperity for all Canadians.
If we missed you at the event, we’d still love to connect. Stay tuned for more from Energy for a Secure Future.
