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
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
Harold Calla on Improving Capital Access and Supporting Projects like Cedar LNG
Harold Calla discusses the critical importance of economic reconciliation and the role of Indigenous financial institutions. He shares a powerful testimonial from Crystal Smith of the Cedar LNG project, which benefited from the support of the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). He emphasises the need for improved access to capital, capacity development, and more institutions to support First Nations communities. He also reflects on the international interest in Canada's approach to Indigenous economic development, pointing to the global recognition of the progress made by First Nations.
How Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation Helped Transform The Nation’s Economy
Chief Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation shares his journey in driving economic growth and financial success for the community. As a key figure in the development of Casino Rama, he later took on the role of Vice President of Corporate Affairs, overseeing its rapid expansion. In its first year alone, the casino generated $590 million and created 3,400 jobs, far exceeding initial projections of $200 million and 1,000 jobs. Today, Rama First Nation is 75% self-sufficient, generating most of its own revenue. Join us as we explore how strategic investment, leadership, and financial planning have empowered the community.
Click here for the audio version
Matt Smith, CEO of SIIFC on Access To Capital, SMRs, and Critical Minerals in Saskatchewan
Matt Smith, a proud member of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan and CEO of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC), discusses how SIIFC is expanding Indigenous access to capital, the province’s $12 billion critical minerals industry, and the exciting opportunities in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), estimated to be at $150 billion per sector by 2040. Learn how Indigenous communities are leading the way in clean energy projects like the $100M loan guarantee for Six Nations.
Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital, On Advancing Indigenous Participation in Capital Markets
Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital Inc., is working to open doors for Indigenous people, businesses, and communities in capital markets. As the first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer in Canada, Cedar Leaf Capital is creating new financial opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
Clint has built a career in law, government, and finance. He led Indigenous banking at BMO and TD, served as CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and founded North35, an advisory firm focused on Indigenous infrastructure investment, before joining Scotiabank as an Advisor. His insights have been featured in APTN, CBC, BNN, and The Globe and Mail.
A recipient of Indspire Award, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award known as one of the highest honours given by the Indigenous community in Canada and also a Harvard graduate, Clint shares his journey, the challenges Indigenous businesses face, and how non-Indigenous investors can build real partnerships.
Chief Derek Epp on Economic Growth Empowered by Finance and Sovereignty
In this insightful podcast interview, Chief Derek Epp discusses how First Nations are driving economic growth through financial sovereignty. With over $2 billion in loans issued, a recent $650 million debenture, and a $1 billion deal in progress, Indigenous communities are taking control of decision-making. He highlights how financial empowerment enables First Nations to lead sustainable projects with a long-term vision, guided by the principle of thinking seven generations ahead.
Mark Sevestre on Indigenous Investment and Policy: Indigenous Investors in the Canadian Market
Mark Sevestre, Senior Advisor at Mokwateh and former Founding Member of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA), shares his experience in advancing Indigenous participation in the Canadian market. He discusses creating procurement opportunities for Indigenous communities, building partnerships based on shared values, and supporting non-Indigenous investors in building impactful portfolios.
Mark Podlasly, FNMPC CEO: Strategies for Accessing Affordable Capital
Mark Podlasly, the newly appointed CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), shares insights on supporting 14 projects with a total expenditure of $45 billion. Explore FNMPC's journey in empowering Indigenous Peoples to become key strategic partners in Canada, the $585 billion needed to meet co-investment goals, and innovative strategies to ensure continued access to affordably priced capital. Watch now to learn more about these strategies and initiatives.
Click here for the audio version
Kody Penner on how Nations Royalty Unlocks Value for Indigenous Communities through Capital Markets
Kody Penner, Vice President of Corporate Development for Nations Royalty, discusses how the company helps build capacity for Indigenous Peoples through public markets, enabling them to create wealth and unlock the maximum value of their benefit agreement royalty through a portfolio of diversified royalties – lowering the risk associated with holding a single asset. He also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities in this unique sector. Recently, he was chosen as one of five Canadian young leaders for the Kakehashi Project, further highlighting his role as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
Click here for the audio version
The Best of Drumbeats: A 2024 Year in Review
Welcome to 2025! As we look back, let’s revisit the standout moments that defined Drumbeats in 2024. From groundbreaking conversations to thought-provoking insights shared by Indigenous leaders, these episodes highlighted innovative ideas and impactful investment opportunities. This special episode celebrates the stories, lessons, and meaningful discussions that laid the foundation for transformative exchanges in the world of Indigenous investment. Join us as we reflect on the topics that mattered most and set the stage for more inspiring insights in the year ahead.
Harold Calla on Improving Capital Access and Supporting Projects like Cedar LNG
Harold Calla discusses the critical importance of economic reconciliation and the role of Indigenous financial institutions. He shares a powerful testimonial from Crystal Smith of the Cedar LNG project, which benefited from the support of the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB). He emphasises the need for improved access to capital, capacity development, and more institutions to support First Nations communities. He also reflects on the international interest in Canada's approach to Indigenous economic development, pointing to the global recognition of the progress made by First Nations.
How Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation Helped Transform The Nation’s Economy
Chief Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation shares his journey in driving economic growth and financial success for the community. As a key figure in the development of Casino Rama, he later took on the role of Vice President of Corporate Affairs, overseeing its rapid expansion. In its first year alone, the casino generated $590 million and created 3,400 jobs, far exceeding initial projections of $200 million and 1,000 jobs. Today, Rama First Nation is 75% self-sufficient, generating most of its own revenue. Join us as we explore how strategic investment, leadership, and financial planning have empowered the community.
Click here for the audio version
Matt Smith, CEO of SIIFC on Access To Capital, SMRs, and Critical Minerals in Saskatchewan
Matt Smith, a proud member of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan and CEO of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC), discusses how SIIFC is expanding Indigenous access to capital, the province’s $12 billion critical minerals industry, and the exciting opportunities in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), estimated to be at $150 billion per sector by 2040. Learn how Indigenous communities are leading the way in clean energy projects like the $100M loan guarantee for Six Nations.
Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital, On Advancing Indigenous Participation in Capital Markets
Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital Inc., is working to open doors for Indigenous people, businesses, and communities in capital markets. As the first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer in Canada, Cedar Leaf Capital is creating new financial opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
Clint has built a career in law, government, and finance. He led Indigenous banking at BMO and TD, served as CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and founded North35, an advisory firm focused on Indigenous infrastructure investment, before joining Scotiabank as an Advisor. His insights have been featured in APTN, CBC, BNN, and The Globe and Mail.
A recipient of Indspire Award, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award known as one of the highest honours given by the Indigenous community in Canada and also a Harvard graduate, Clint shares his journey, the challenges Indigenous businesses face, and how non-Indigenous investors can build real partnerships.
Chief Derek Epp on Economic Growth Empowered by Finance and Sovereignty
In this insightful podcast interview, Chief Derek Epp discusses how First Nations are driving economic growth through financial sovereignty. With over $2 billion in loans issued, a recent $650 million debenture, and a $1 billion deal in progress, Indigenous communities are taking control of decision-making. He highlights how financial empowerment enables First Nations to lead sustainable projects with a long-term vision, guided by the principle of thinking seven generations ahead.
Mark Sevestre on Indigenous Investment and Policy: Indigenous Investors in the Canadian Market
Mark Sevestre, Senior Advisor at Mokwateh and former Founding Member of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA), shares his experience in advancing Indigenous participation in the Canadian market. He discusses creating procurement opportunities for Indigenous communities, building partnerships based on shared values, and supporting non-Indigenous investors in building impactful portfolios.
Mark Podlasly, FNMPC CEO: Strategies for Accessing Affordable Capital
Mark Podlasly, the newly appointed CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), shares insights on supporting 14 projects with a total expenditure of $45 billion. Explore FNMPC's journey in empowering Indigenous Peoples to become key strategic partners in Canada, the $585 billion needed to meet co-investment goals, and innovative strategies to ensure continued access to affordably priced capital. Watch now to learn more about these strategies and initiatives.
Kody Penner on how Nations Royalty Unlocks Value for Indigenous Communities through Capital Markets
Kody Penner, Vice President of Corporate Development for Nations Royalty, discusses how the company helps build capacity for Indigenous Peoples through public markets, enabling them to create wealth and unlock the maximum value of their benefit agreement royalty through a portfolio of diversified royalties – lowering the risk associated with holding a single asset. He also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities in this unique sector. Recently, he was chosen as one of five Canadian young leaders for the Kakehashi Project, further highlighting his role as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
Click here for the audio version
The Best of Drumbeats: A 2024 Year in Review
Welcome to 2025! As we look back, let’s revisit the standout moments that defined Drumbeats in 2024. From groundbreaking conversations to thought-provoking insights shared by Indigenous leaders, these episodes highlighted innovative ideas and impactful investment opportunities. This special episode celebrates the stories, lessons, and meaningful discussions that laid the foundation for transformative exchanges in the world of Indigenous investment. Join us as we reflect on the topics that mattered most and set the stage for more inspiring insights in the year ahead.