Energy for a Secure Future (ESF) is proud to welcome Crystal Smith, former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, as Senior Fellow, Energy and Partnerships.
Crystal has been a member of the ESF Advisory Council since its founding in 2023. She is a nationally recognized voice for Indigenous leadership in Canada’s energy future. As Chief Councillor from 2017 to 2025, she played a pivotal role in advancing Cedar LNG, the first Indigenous-led LNG project in the world, while also strengthening housing, health care, and cultural revitalization in her Nation. She has served as Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, championing partnerships that give Indigenous communities ownership stakes in projects, creating opportunities for employment, skills development, and long-term prosperity.
In September 2025, Crystal was appointed by the Government of Canada to the Indigenous Advisory Council, a group of eleven representatives tasked with ensuring that major projects create opportunities for equity ownership and responsible resource management through meaningful participation with Indigenous Peoples. This appointment reflects her continued leadership in demonstrating how Canadian energy development, when built in partnership with Indigenous Nations, can deliver both local benefits and global impact.
In her new role with ESF, Crystal will help broaden the national conversation on energy, bringing forward her insights and experience in how projects can be successful. Moreover, at this time of debate around major projects in Canada her experiences can inspire other Indigenous nations with how to turn creative opportunities into success for their peoples, partners and all of Canada.
The ESF team is excited to work with Crystal in sharing how Canada’s energy sector can be a driver of prosperity at home, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and reliable, lower-emissions energy for our trading partners around the world.
Please join us in welcoming Crystal Smith to ESF.
“I’m excited to take on the role of Senior Fellow, Energy and Partnerships with Energy for a Secure Future. This is important time as the country seeks to diversify our trading partners for energy and natural resources, building on successful Indigenous-industry partnerships. I’m looking forward to working with ESF’s Advisory Council and Affiliate Organizations to shape the public conversation on energy in a positive way.” – Crystal Smith, Senior Fellow, Energy and Partnerships, ESF
“We are thrilled to welcome Crystal as Energy for a Secure Future’s first Senior Fellow, building from her incredible contributions on ESF’s Advisory Council. Her leadership in driving success for some of Canada’s most important energy projects is both inspiring and has made her as a critical voice at this time for our country.” – Shannon Joseph, Chair, ESF
