REGISTER NOW!

Drumbeats: Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast

Drumbeats is a must-listen Canadian investment podcast for investors interested in Indigenous investment in Canada. We cover newsworthy events and bring together the movers and shakers of Canadian Indigenous investment.


Tune in on your preferred platform

Spotify  Apple Podcast  Amazon Music  RSS  Podcast Index LinkedIn  Youtube 

2025

Summit Recordings

Explore the video recordings from the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit 2025, held at the London Stock Exchange on 10 April. From opening remarks to in-depth case studies and sector-focused sessions, this collection captures the voices and insights shaping the future of Indigenous-led investment and economic reconciliation in Canada — offering inspiration and strategic value to investors, leaders, and partners worldwide.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Rob Brant, Co-Chair

Rob Brant opens the summit by welcoming the largest-ever delegation of Canadian Indigenous leaders to the UK, reflecting on centuries of diplomatic ties and the growing economic leadership of Indigenous nations. He highlights major Indigenous-led projects, evolving investment partnerships, and the importance of trust, respect, and nation-to-nation collaboration in driving future prosperity.

Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Former Grand Chief of Kahnawà:ke

Former Mohawk Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer opens the summit with the traditional Hondo Gariwadeka, delivered in both Kanien’kéha and English. Her address offers gratitude to all elements of creation — from the earth and waters to the stars — and calls for partnership built on mutual respect, shared knowledge, and the principle of “two-eyed seeing.”

Mark Magnacca, Co-Chair

At the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit 2025, Mark Magnacca reflects on the summit’s origins and outlines its vision: connecting Indigenous communities in Canada with global capital. Speaking from the London Stock Exchange, he highlights the City’s potential as a hub for Indigenous finance, the $1 trillion infrastructure opportunity in Canada, and the vital role of economic reconciliation in driving both impact and investment.

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, City of London

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney welcomes delegates to the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit 2025, celebrating London’s legacy of financial innovation and its £11 trillion in assets under management. He highlights the City’s commitment to sustainable, ethical investing and growing ties with Canadian Indigenous nations, positioning London as a global partner in economic reconciliation and energy transition.

In Conversation With...

Indigenous Leadership in Canadian Business and Finance – Shaping the Future

This high-level panel brings together leaders from Canada’s foremost Indigenous business organisations to reflect on the transformation of Indigenous communities from economic exclusion to becoming pivotal partners in nation-building. With Indigenous capital pools projected to grow from $115B to $500B in the coming decades, the discussion explores constitutional rights, land ownership, financial innovation, and equity participation as the clearest expression of Indigenous consent — positioning Canada as a global model for inclusive, sustainable development.

Indigenous-Led Case Studies

Indigenous Economy Powering Canada's Energy Transition (Small Modular Reactors)

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Matt Vermette explore Indigenous leadership in Saskatchewan’s resource economy, including new opportunities in small modular reactors (SMRs). With 20% of the province’s population identifying as Indigenous — and Indigenous businesses growing nine times faster than non-Indigenous ones — the session highlights strong track records in uranium, diversified portfolios like Kitsaki’s 12 companies and 1,700 employees, and a shared focus on environmental protection, workforce development, and access to capital for sustainable growth.

 

Cedar LNG: Resource Development Through Indigenous Leadership & Financial Innovation

Chief Crystal Smith and Ernie Daniels discuss Cedar LNG, North America’s first Indigenous-majority-owned LNG project, led by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Pembina. This session highlights how strong leadership, sustainable design, and innovative financing through FNFA drive economic independence and long-term benefits for the Haisla community, setting a new precedent for Indigenous participation in major energy infrastructure.

Change Makers - English River First Nation & Denison Mines Leading Together in Northern Saskatchewan

This panel explores the landmark partnership between the English River First Nation and Denison Mines on the Wheeler River Project in Northern Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. Centred on the principle of “move us from no,” the discussion highlights how trust-based negotiation led to a shared prosperity agreement, setting a new standard for Indigenous-industry collaboration. With Des Nedhe Group managing a diversified portfolio of businesses and in-situ recovery technology reducing environmental impact, the project demonstrates how Indigenous leadership and authentic relationship-building can drive both sustainable development and long-term community wealth.

 

Clearwater Seafoods: A Game-Changer in Indigenous-Owned Global Business

Chief Terry Paul shares the story behind the historic $1 billion acquisition of Clearwater Seafoods by seven Mi’kmaq communities and Premium Brands. This landmark deal redefined Indigenous economic leadership in Canada. With financing from the FNFA and over four decades of vision from Membertou First Nation, the panel explores how this partnership became a model for future investments in seafood, energy, and beyond.

 

Investing in Canada

Cedar Leaf Capital: Transforming Indigenous Participation in Capital Markets

This session spotlights Cedar Leaf Capital, Canada’s first Indigenous majority-owned investment dealer, featuring insights from CEO Clint Davis, Chief Ted Williams, and Sean Willie. Together, they explore the growing role of Indigenous leaders in shaping Canada’s capital markets — from the success of Casino Rama and Desneti Group to the importance of education, community involvement, and corporate partnerships in building a more inclusive and prosperous economic future.

 

The Indigenous Economy Insights, Experiences and the Case for Growth

Moderated by the Hon. Lisa Raitt, this high-impact session features Indigenous business leaders and financial experts discussing the powerful shift taking place in Canada’s economic landscape. As First Nations increasingly leverage trust funds, land acquisition, and Indigenous-led financing to drive long-term prosperity, the panel makes a clear case: engaging with Indigenous communities is not a matter of goodwill — it is a business imperative. With institutions like the FMB, FNFA, and CCIB enabling access to capital and scalable partnerships, Indigenous nations are leading a transformation that is reshaping Canada’s economy and setting a new global standard for inclusive, rights-based growth.

Investing in Canada Indigenous-Led Investment Vehicles: Inside Access & Opportunities

Leaders from Metis Settlements Development Corporation, Seven Generations Capital, and Scotiabank discuss the rise of Indigenous-led investment vehicles aimed at closing the financing gap in Indigenous communities. From a $100M private equity impact fund to a $300M real estate initiative on reserve lands, the panel explores how these ventures combine strong returns with environmental and social impact, positioning the Indigenous economy as a $100B+ growth opportunity in the years ahead.

Ontario’s Vision for Economic Reconciliation

Ontario Minister Greg Rickford outlines the province’s approach to economic reconciliation, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and critical minerals. From legacy projects like road access to remote communities, to Indigenous equity participation in ventures such as the Ring of Fire and Wataynikaneyap Power, the session highlights new partnership models that move beyond impact benefit agreements, with tools like loan guarantees and procurement strategies designed to unlock long-term, Indigenous-led economic growth.

 

Closing Remarks

Partnership, Progress, and the Path Forward

Leaders from across government, Indigenous communities, and industry reflect on the summit’s key themes — from reconciliation and economic opportunity to cultural preservation and global investment. With candid insights and heartfelt moments, this session underscores the importance of relationship-building, responsible development, and Indigenous leadership in shaping Canada’s economic future on the world stage.

Page     1     2     3