Navigating the Future:
Energy Transition and Indigenous
Leadership in Canada
Navigating the Future:
Energy Transition and Indigenous
Leadership in Canada
The insightful panel discussion on "Navigating the Future: Energy Transition and Indigenous Leadership in Canada" at the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit provided a renewed sense of collaboration and partnership between Indigenous communities and the energy sector. With a focus on Indigenous leadership, the event has been instrumental in building strategic alliances that prioritise sustainable energy practices and uphold Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
As participants reflect on the discussions and insights shared during the summit, expect to see tangible outcomes such as increased investment in renewable energy projects led by Indigenous communities, strengthened relationships between industry stakeholders and Indigenous leaders, and a collective commitment towards a more inclusive and environmentally conscious energy future in Canada. This panel has not only sparked dialogue but has also set a precedent for meaningful action towards energy transition and Indigenous empowerment.
About the Speakers
Hon. Lisa Raitt
Managing Director & Vice Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets
Former Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Transport
Hon. Lisa Raitt, a former Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, Labour, and Transport, has a rich background in both public service and the private sector, notably in energy and natural resources. Currently, as Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets, she leverages her extensive experience to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth, particularly in sectors critical to Indigenous engagement and investment in Canada. Her commitment to public service and advocacy highlights her as a pivotal figure in Canada's economic landscape.
About the Speakers
Hon. Lisa Raitt
Managing Director & Vice Chair, Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets
Former Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Transport
Hon. Lisa Raitt, a former Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, Labour, and Transport, has a rich background in both public service and the private sector, notably in energy and natural resources. Currently, as Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets, she leverages her extensive experience to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth, particularly in sectors critical to Indigenous engagement and investment in Canada. Her commitment to public service and advocacy highlights her as a pivotal figure in Canada's economic landscape.
Bernd Christmas K.C.
Senior Counsel, JFK Law LLP
Bernd Christmas K.C., Senior Counsel to JFK LLP. Most recently, he was the Managing Partner at Bernd Christmas Law Group, which specialises in corporate, commercial, and Indigenous Peoples law. With a distinguished career, he currently sits on the investment committee for the $23B settlement related to Child Welfare in Canada and is a Partner in Longhouse Capital.
He has held roles as CEO and General Counsel of Gitpo Storms Corporation, CEO of Nch’Kay ( Squamish Nation’s business corporation), CEO of Oil Sands Development for Fort McKay First Nation, Partner at Cassels Brock LLP, and Senior Vice-President at Hill & Knowlton Canada. He is one of the newly appointed King's Counsel for being part of the 14 outstanding Nova Scotia lawyers. Christmas, the first Mi'kmaw lawyer in Canada, has a profound understanding of Aboriginal perspectives, bolstered by his experience as CEO of the Membertou Band and Corporate Division.
His career includes significant negotiations for the Membertou band and leadership roles on various national and international boards, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada Post and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, amongst many others.
Tabatha Bull
President and CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, is an Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation. Her leadership at CCIB focuses on supporting a prosperous Indigenous economy through reconciliation. As an electrical engineer, she advocates for Indigenous inclusion within Canada's energy sector. Recognized for her contributions, Tabatha received the 2022 CEO of the Year award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Furthermore, she was named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023 and also earned a spot as a Top 100 Lobbyist, highlighting her influence and advocacy for Indigenous interests. Her role extends to advising the federal government on Indigenous economic development and participating in various advisory boards and councils to enhance Indigenous business representation.
Tabatha Bull
President and CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, is an Anishinaabe from Nipissing First Nation. Her leadership at CCIB focuses on supporting a prosperous Indigenous economy through reconciliation. As an electrical engineer, she advocates for Indigenous inclusion within Canada's energy sector. Recognized for her contributions, Tabatha received the 2022 CEO of the Year award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Furthermore, she was named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023 and also earned a spot as a Top 100 Lobbyist, highlighting her influence and advocacy for Indigenous interests. Her role extends to advising the federal government on Indigenous economic development and participating in various advisory boards and councils to enhance Indigenous business representation.
Chief David Jimmie
Leader of Squiala First Nation, Ts'elxweyeqw Tribe and Sto:lo Nation Chiefs' Council
Chief David Jimmie is renowned for his contributions to community progress and intercommunity partnerships. As a collaborative leader, he lends his expertise to establish growth opportunities while serving his community and the organisations which sustain it. His initiatives have significantly benefited Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the Chilliwack area, earning him accolades such as the Business Award of Distinction, the Queen Diamond Jubilee Award, Chamber Director of the Year Award, and Community-Owned Business of the Year Award.
Chief Jimmie is a strong believer in education and leads by example with an MBA from Simon Fraser University and is a licensed residential builder. His leadership can be found in many organisations, such as Chair of the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, positioned to buy one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canada. Chief Jimmie’s dedication to community enhancement and cooperative efforts marks him as a pivotal figure in promoting the well-being and advancement of his community and Nations throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Chief David Jimmie
Leader of Squiala First Nation, Ts'elxweyeqw Tribe and Sto:lo Nation Chiefs' Council
Chief David Jimmie is renowned for his contributions to community progress and intercommunity partnerships. As a collaborative leader, he lends his expertise to establish growth opportunities while serving his community and the organisations which sustain it. His initiatives have significantly benefited Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the Chilliwack area, earning him accolades such as the Business Award of Distinction, the Queen Diamond Jubilee Award, Chamber Director of the Year Award, and Community-Owned Business of the Year Award.
Chief Jimmie is a strong believer in education and leads by example with an MBA from Simon Fraser University and is a licensed residential builder. His leadership can be found in many organisations, such as Chair of the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, positioned to buy one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canada. Chief Jimmie’s dedication to community enhancement and cooperative efforts marks him as a pivotal figure in promoting the well-being and advancement of his community and Nations throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Terri Lynn Morrison
Indigenous Engagement Consultant, Creative Fire
Terri Lynn Morrison is a distinguished Mi'gmaq executive from Listuguj, Quebec, known for her expertise in facilitating discussions across Indigenous communities, government, and industries, fostering consensus and collaboration.
Recognised with awards like the Rising Star from Techno Centre Eolienne Quebec in 2016, she has significantly contributed to projects like the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm and has been honoured for her excellence in Human Resource Management.
An influential panellist and speaker, Morrison has shared her insights on Indigenous partnerships through various platforms, including the Globe, Vanity Community Investment Bank, and CCAB. A leader in clean energy, she has mentored over 120 Catalysts with Indigenous Clean Energy.
Emily Black
Director Strategic Projects & Partnerships, Enbridge
In her role as Director, Strategic Projects & Partnerships, Emily is accountable for the successful execution of the Westcoast Pipeline expansion projects and Indigenous partnerships in BC. Emily has been with Enbridge for over 11 years and has held various commercial roles in Enbridge’s western Canada gas business. Before being named to her current role, Emily was Director of Business Development and was responsible for securing new growth opportunities related to natural gas, LNG and low carbon fuels.
Prior to joining Enbridge in 2012, Emily worked for the federal government at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Emily has a Master of Arts from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick.
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