Building Tomorrow:
Indigenous Partnerships in
Canadian Infrastructure
Building Tomorrow:
Indigenous Partnerships in
Canadian Infrastructure
The engaging panel discussion on "Building Tomorrow: Indigenous Partnerships in Canadian Infrastructure" at the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit is a prelude to greater investment opportunities awaiting Indigenous communities. With collaborative efforts coming from various sectors, a surge of initiatives prioritising inclusion and stewardship is expected to come to fruition. Through this thought-provoking discussion, a shift towards more equitable and sustainable infrastructure development is shaping the future of Canadian infrastructure.
Valuable insights shared during the summit will help increase investment in infrastructure projects that respect Indigenous rights, create economic growth within Indigenous communities, and promote long-term environmental stewardship. This panel has not only highlighted the importance of Indigenous partnerships in infrastructure development but has also laid the groundwork for meaningful collaboration that will benefit both Indigenous peoples and the broader Canadian society for generations to come.
About the Speakers
About the Speakers
Lynn Parsons
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault Financial Services Group in Toronto
Lynn Parsons, a distinguished partner at McCarthy Tétrault’s Toronto office, will chair a panel at our forthcoming event. Excelling in project finance and secured lending, her expertise shines in advising financial institutions and borrowers in the energy, infrastructure, and mining sectors. Acknowledged by leading legal directories for her contributions to project finance, energy (electricity), infrastructure law, and banking & financial institutions, Lynn's role in high-profile transactions and her leadership within the legal community mark her as a pivotal contributor to our discussion.
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Chief Derek Epp
Chief of Tzeachten First Nation
Chief Derek Epp, known by his Xwelmexw name Weli’leq, is deeply rooted in his heritage as a descendant of the Wealick family. Raised in Ch'íyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation from a young age, Derek developed a profound connection to the land and community, fueling his dedication to serve and positively impact the Ch'íyáqtel community. With a background in Social Work and Business Administration, Derek brings a balance of pursuing economic development while balancing the holistic needs of his community. Increasing economic development opportunities while securing sustainable revenue streams for Ch'íyáqtel and First Nations across Canada is something that has become a passion of Derek’s as he continues to plan for the next 7 generations.
Hillary Thatcher
Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Hillary Thatcher is Managing Director of Investments, leading the CIB’s Indigenous Infrastructure team. In her role, Hillary is responsible for the CIB’s engagement with Indigenous communities, advancing investments in Indigenous infrastructure projects consistent with key priority areas.
Previously Director General of Innovation and Services at Indigenous Services Canada, Hillary spent 15 years with the Ontario government in senior roles across Indigenous Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources. Hillary has a proven track record of building linkages among Indigenous, government and industry interests.
Hillary is Métis and has been an active member of the urban Indigenous community of Toronto through her volunteer roles at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Red Sky Performance and the Downie Wenjak Fund.
Hillary graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and the University of Victoria.
Hillary Thatcher
Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
Hillary Thatcher is Managing Director of Investments, leading the CIB’s Indigenous Infrastructure team. In her role, Hillary is responsible for the CIB’s engagement with Indigenous communities, advancing investments in Indigenous infrastructure projects consistent with key priority areas.
Previously Director General of Innovation and Services at Indigenous Services Canada, Hillary spent 15 years with the Ontario government in senior roles across Indigenous Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources. Hillary has a proven track record of building linkages among Indigenous, government and industry interests.
Hillary is Métis and has been an active member of the urban Indigenous community of Toronto through her volunteer roles at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Red Sky Performance and the Downie Wenjak Fund.
Hillary graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and the University of Victoria.
Scott Munro
FCPA, FCA, CAFM
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
First Nations Financial Management Board
As the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the FMB, Scott fosters relationships with Indigenous governments, partners, and organisations nationwide, overseeing Standards and Certification, Capacity Development, and Corporate Services. Collaborating closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, he advances FMB’s mission and strategic goals. Since joining in 2011, Scott has cultivated strong ties with First Nations governments, federal departments, institutions, and Indigenous organisations. Currently Chair of the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Board’s Indigenous Advisory Group, he actively builds partnerships to promote reconciliation and elevates Indigenous leadership in sustainability standards. With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University and extensive finance and leadership experience spanning over 20 years, including designations as FCPA, FCA, and CAFM, Scott brings invaluable expertise to his role.
Fred Di Blasio
Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive
Officer Of Longhouse Capital Partners
Prior to co-founding Longhouse, Fred served as Executive Vice President for Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation ($1.4B Sen̓áḵw Development). Fred is an experienced executive with a proven track record at AT&T, TELUS and IVIDI Technologies ($300M exit) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (over $100B of deals), corporate development and marketing.
Chief Don Maracle
Chief of the Mohawks at Tyendinaga
In addition to his role as Chief, he chairs the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure and contributes as a member of the AFN Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure. He also serves as a member of the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health and has previously served as a Director at the First Nations Technical Institute.
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