“It doesn’t matter who wins the next election — Aboriginal rights are not a partisan issue.”

Harold Calla
Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board

“You can’t argue that consent hasn’t been given if you’re a co-owner.”

Mark Podlasly
CEO, First Nations Major Projects Coalition

“When you take direction from the community, the community actually gets behind it to make it happen.”

Chief Ted Williams
Chippewas of Rama First Nation

“We had a good return profile, a sound plan, and a non-political approach — which matters in our world.”

Sean Willy
CEO, Des Nedhe Group Deninu Kųę́ First Nation

“We wanted to be at the forefront, supporting that new technology from the beginning.”

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band

“We’re involved right from the start — it’s our traditional territory, and we’re part of the project, not just consulted on it.”

Matthew Vermette
Chief Operating Officer, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Métis Nation

“Our people find so much pride in saying we now have a share and a say.”

Chief Crystal Smith
Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation

“This is private capital — leveraged in the markets. Not government funding.”

Ernie Daniels
President and CEO, The First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), Salt River First Nation, Northwest Territories

“We’re targeting 15% returns — and we believe we can exceed that while staying aligned with our values.”

Barbara McKenzie
CEO, Métis Settlement Development Corporation

“Reserve land is federal — communities control their own zoning. That’s powerful.”

Andrew Hungerford
Founder and Partner, Seven Generation Capital, Gwich’in Northwest Territories and Yukon

“We’re here. We have capacity. We’ve been setting the business standard in northern Saskatchewan. ”

Cheyenna Hunt
Director of Lands & Consultation, English River First Nation (ERFN)

“One of our most important mining tools is an ear.”

David Cates
President & CEO, Denison Mines

“Working with Indigenous partners isn’t a social strategy — it’s a business decision.”

Mark Sevestre
Senior Advisor, Mokwateh Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation

“It’s 22% cheaper to do business with another Commonwealth country. Canada tops that list.”

Scott Munro
CEO, FNFMB Kaska Dena Yukon Territory

“Don’t arrive with a deal sheet — arrive with questions and respect.”

Tabatha Bull
President & CEO, CCIB Nipissing First Nation

“Troy, your model’s nice — but you have to remember, we think in millennia, not decades.”

Chief Terry Paul
Membertou First Nation

“Why would you expect an Indigenous community to accept terms you wouldn’t take yourself?”

Troy MacDonald
Partner, Advisory, Doane Grant Thornton LLP

“Premium Brands didn’t come with answers. They came with curiosity, and that made all the difference.”

Jim Gogan
Board Member and Partner, McInnes Cooper

“They came to both levels of government — proactively offering support and partnership.”

Hon. Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations, Economic Reconciliation & Minister Responsible
for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, Ontario Government Gouvernement de l’Ontario