Regenerating Land
and Community:
Energy and Land Use

Successful investments in the energy sector require responsible investment and a deep commitment to understanding reconciliation. Advancing reconciliation is a fundamental requirement for operating in Canada. Our roundtable discussion establishes a comprehensive framework to ensure that investors in the energy sector adhere to the highest standards, principles, and norms set by the corporate sector. In alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), any operational activities involving the use of Indigenous lands or resources will undergo thorough evaluation. This discussion emphasizes the critical importance of building respectful relationships and ensuring meaningful consultation as essential components of the energy and resources sector.

Achieving project certainty requires securing access to capital. As Indigenous communities increasingly benefit from settlement agreements and engage in active business and major project ventures, these significant developments have influenced many investors to form partnerships that promote business growth. Despite these advancements, there is still a considerable way to go in investing in major industrial projects, including those in the energy and natural resources sectors. The role of this roundtable discussion is to help investors tap into channels where they can build strong connections with Indigenous communities, seizing opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relationships. Through these partnerships, investors can grow alongside Indigenous businesses.

The roundtable discussion serves as a starting point for ongoing engagement with Indigenous peoples. Its objective is to ensure equity participation by bringing together Indigenous communities and their financial partners to develop projects that foster growth. Revenue sharing is a critical topic, particularly the distribution of revenue from renewable energy projects, which can significantly impact communities and enable all parties involved to reap sustainable benefits. This discussion highlights that Indigenous investment is nation investment. It aims to address pressing issues and highlight the importance of providing financial support to address these challenges. Through this dialogue, participants gain a deeper understanding of the integral role Indigenous investments play in the broader economic landscape.