Canadian Indigenous Investment

    Navigating the Future:
    Energy Transition and Indigenous Perspectives

    View all Insights and Perspectives

    Navigating the Future:
    Energy Transition and
    Indigenous Perspectives

    View all Insights and Perspectives

    Bernd Christmas K.C., Fred Di Blasio and Terri Lyn Morrison explored how integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern energy solutions leads to sustainable development. This roundtable highlighted innovative approaches to energy transition respecting Indigenous heritage. The discussion also delved into Reconciliation and showcased successful partnerships that propel its advancement, promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles nationwide.

    The discussion demonstrated how the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary energy practices offered a path towards more holistic and culturally sensitive sustainability efforts. It explored how initiatives embracing Indigenous knowledge not only promoted environmental stewardship but also promoted economic reconciliation within Indigenous communities.

    Core Benefits

    20240318 - Brand Asset 17 - gigCMO
    Gain Insightful Perspectives: Bernd Christmas K.C., Fred Di Blasio and Terri Lyn Morrison offered unique insights into the integration of traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern energy solutions, providing a holistic view of sustainable development.
    20240318 - Brand Asset 4 - gigCMO
    Foster Collaboration: The discussion explored collaborative approaches that honoured Indigenous heritage while advancing energy transition goals, fostering partnerships that respect and elevate Indigenous communities' contributions to sustainable development.
    20240318 - Brand Asset 15 - gigCMO-1
    Drive Innovation: The discussion emphasised how innovative strategies and practices bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous wisdom and modern energy technologies, driving forward-thinking solutions for sustainable energy development.

    About the Speakers

    About the Speakers

    Bernd Christmas

    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

    Tabatha Bull

    President and CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

    Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. Recognised as CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Tabatha, in her role as CCAB’s President and CEO, is dedicated to rebuilding and fortifying the path towards reconciliation and a thriving Indigenous economy for the betterment of all Canadians. With a background in electrical engineering, Tabatha is steadfast in her commitment to fostering Indigenous inclusion and diversity within Canada’s energy sector.
     
    Through her leadership at CCAB, Tabatha serves the Indigenous community by spearheading initiatives that support the Indigenous economy. She holds board appointments with esteemed organisations such as the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Catalyst CEO Advisory Board in Canada, among others.
     
    Tabatha is deeply committed to promoting diversity and dismantling systemic barriers to enhance opportunities for Indigenous businesses and women across all industry sectors. Her dedication to advancing Indigenous economic prosperity and fostering inclusive growth reflects her unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous future for all Canadians.

    Fred Di Blasio

    Fred Di Blasio

    Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Longhouse Capital Partners

    Fred is a proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Longhouse Capital Partners. He also serves as a Trustee of the Huron-Wendat Rockmont Reserve Trust ($149M) and is an Economic Advisor to the Assembly of First Nations on Closing the Infrastructure Gap.

    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 INVIDI Technologies ($300M exit) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (over $100B of deals), corporate development and marketing.

    A respected media commentator and speaker, Fred’s insights have been sought by BNN, The Globe & Mail - Report on Business, Report on Business Magazine, the Toronto Star, and the National Post.

    Terri Lyn Morrison

    Terri Lyn 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.

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