Drumbeats: Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast

Marissa Nobauer, Director of Reconciliation, Community Engagement & External Relations at TELUS, and Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of the Indigenomics Institute and a distinguished member of TELUS’ Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) explore how corporate Canada is rethinking reconciliation through action.

The IAC was established to embed reconciliation into TELUS’ corporate strategy, guided by ongoing input from Indigenous leaders and subject matter experts. Recognising the diverse needs of Indigenous communities, this council ensures TELUS’ commitments are both principled and actionable, creating a framework of community-driven accountability.

This discussion offers critical insight into how Indigenous partnership models are reshaping priorities, corporate governance, and long-term investment value in Canada.

Barbara McKenzie, CEO of the Métis Settlements Development Corporation (MSDC), shares how Indigenous-led investment is reshaping capital markets. With a focus on growth-stage, cash-positive ventures, MSDC is advancing long-term economic sustainability across all eight Métis settlements, while creating majority-Indigenous partnerships with non-Indigenous firms. For institutional investors seeking impact-aligned returns with commercial fundamentals, this conversation offers a rare window into an evolving frontier.

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Tabatha Bull,  President & CEO at Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), discusses how community involvement in projects, particularly through revenue-sharing and capacity-building, enables communities to reinvest in both local and broader initiatives while participating as business stakeholders. She highlights renewable energy projects in Ontario as a key example, where policy incentives promote Indigenous participation by offering higher payments per kilowatt under power purchase agreements, encouraging First Nations partnerships and investment in sustainable development.

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Senator PJ Prosper, a Mi’kmaw Senator representing Nova Scotia, shares insights from his first 100 days in Parliament and his national listening tour across Mi’kma’ki. Guided by his ReconciliACTION Report, Senator Prosper outlines seven clear priorities that align with Canada’s economic and housing goals while centring Indigenous voices in national policy. This was the outcome of his recent Listening Tour, where he met with over 1,700 individuals across Mi’kmaw territory known as Mi’kma’ki. This vast region stretches from Newfoundland to the Gaspé region of Québec, encompassing all of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, as well as parts of New Brunswick and Québec.

For global investors, including asset managers, corporates, and sovereign wealth funds, this conversation provides valuable insights into how capital can be aligned with Indigenous-led priorities in Canada. As Indigenous Nations play an increasingly strategic role in economic development, understanding these dynamics is key to building responsible, long-term partnerships in one of the world’s most stable and resource-rich markets.

Chief Derek Epp, Chairperson of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) outlines how the organisation issued a $650 million debenture in January 2025 and raised over $1.3 billion within just 15 months. The FNFA model is opening new doors for Indigenous communities to access large-scale capital, take ownership of resource and renewable energy projects, and build long-term economic strength.

UK investors can take note of how FNFA reduces risk through pooled borrowing and stable revenue streams rather than relying on traditional collateral. This approach offers a practical framework for supporting infrastructure and community-led projects while maintaining financial discipline.

The FNFA story offers a clear example of how rethinking access to capital can lead to resilient investments and lasting economic impact.

Hon. Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, highlights the province’s rising importance in Canada’s energy and mining future. While Ontario already produces around 50% of the country’s gold, focus is now shifting to its vast potential in critical minerals, key to global electrification and clean technology. With the Ring of Fire emerging as a major strategic resource, Ontario is poised to play a significant role in Canada’s and the world's energy transition and economic diversification.

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Sean Willy, President & CEO of Des Nedhe Group shares his insights into how First Nations like English River are driving economic growth through strategic diversification. In this discussion, he explores Des Nedhe Group’s bold initiatives, from acquiring majority stakes in key industries to building a strong portfolio of construction, mining, and energy partnerships. With operations that include potash mines, nuclear facilities like Bruce Power and Port Hope, and even 200,000 acres of mineral rights in West Virginia, Des Nedhe is redefining Indigenous-led business success on a global scale.

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CIBC’s Vice President of Indigenous Markets shares how her work is helping Indigenous communities build lasting economic strength. With over $27 billion in trust assets now under management, CIBC holds the largest Indigenous trust portfolio in Canada. She also opens up about a brand-new partnership with Longhouse Capital, and how this collaboration is changing the game.

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In this episode, we explore how key decisions, strong community leadership, and impactful partnerships have reshaped the region’s economy. From Selkirk First Nation’s control of the Minto Mine to Kwanlin Dün’s growing ventures, this is a story of reclaiming control, forging new futures, and demonstrating the power of Indigenous leadership.

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Co-Chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant discuss the highlights of the 2025 Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit, the largest gathering of Indigenous Business leaders in the UK in modern times if not ever.. They reflect on this Summit's impactful sessions covering a broad range of topics demonstrating the benefits of working with Indigenous Peoples who are rights holders, investors and equity partners and the key sectors they are involved with.

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