Pathways to Partnership: Ontario’s Vision for Economic Reconciliation

Overview

Ontario is at a pivotal juncture in building a generational prosperity through Indigenous partnership. In this session, the Honourable Greg Rickford will outline how the Government of Ontario is supporting economic growth through infrastructure, natural resources, and policy reform—while centring Indigenous leadership in these opportunities.

From the Watay Power Transmission Project to the Ring of Fire, the province’s commitment to co-developing major legacy infrastructure and energy projects with First Nations is reshaping how industry, government, and Indigenous communities can create shared prosperity.

Join us for a candid and compelling conversation on how public policy, community partnerships, and economic reconciliation intersect—and how global investors and partners can play a meaningful role.

Overview

Denison Mines Corp. is advancing the Wheeler River Project, the largest undeveloped uranium project in the eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Comprising two high-grade uranium deposits, Phoenix and Gryphon, the project stands as a pioneering case in balancing technical innovation, financial robustness, and Indigenous partnership.

A Shared Prosperity Agreement (SPA) with English River First Nation (ERFN) underpins the project, securing social licence and increasing certainty for its development. This Agreement, coupled with in-situ recovery (ISR) mining at Phoenix, positions Wheeler River as a benchmark for sustainable and commercially competitive uranium production.

ERFN’s business development efforts are led by the Des Nëdhë Group of Companies (Des Nëdhë), which has direct or indirect investments in 23 companies with annual revenue of over $100M Canadian. ERFN and Des Nëdhë have become leaders when working with industry, through both their lands and resources department, and Des Nedhe. Impressively, ERFN’s vision for sustainable economic development within their Ancestral Lands and strong advocacy for the protection of the environment and the Nation’s interests has been consistently applied over a period of nearly 50-years, representing the collective will of the people of ERFN.

Speakers

Infrastructure for Generational Prosperity

Ontario is investing in infrastructure projects that are more than just major construction projects —they build nation-to-nation relationships. From the Berens River Bridge to the Ring of Fire corridor, these initiatives are examples of government working directly with First Nations peoples to co-develop critical infrastructure that supports community growth opportunities, enhances accessibility, and unlocks economic potential for decades to come.

Economic Reconciliation Through Policy

Economic reconciliation isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle in Ontario’s policymaking. Minister Rickford will explore how legislation and strategic investment frameworks are being aligned to ensure First Nations communities are not just part of the discussion, but leading the discussions that drive the province’s economic future.

Strategic Growth Sectors: Transmission, EVs, Mining, Forestry

Ontario’s economic trajectory is tied to global demand for clean energy, critical minerals, and sustainable resource opportunities. Investors will gain insights into how the province is supporting sectoral growth—particularly in transmission infrastructure, the electric vehicle supply chain, and sustainable forestry—through Indigenous joint ventures and long-term investment strategies.

Indigenous Leadership in Economic Development

The success of Ontario’s growth strategy hinges on the leadership and participation of Indigenous governments, businesses, and entrepreneurs. This theme explores how governance structures, consultation processes, and community-driven economic development are shaping a new model of partnership in Canada.

Project Spotlights: Ring of Fire, Greenstone Gold, Treaty Tables

Minister Rickford will highlight active and emerging projects as case studies—each showcasing how partnerships between First Nations, government, and industry are translating policy into action. These examples will also provide practical insights into timelines, procurement, permitting, and partnership models relevant to investors.

Enabling Investment Through Certainty and Collaboration

Investors are increasingly seeking environments where strong partnerships, transparency, and clear regulatory pathways support long-term growth. This theme will explore how Ontario is working alongside Indigenous peoples to establish stable, collaborative frameworks that provide confidence for investment while upholding First Nations rights, values, and priorities.

Access to Opportunity

Ontario’s strategic sectors—clean energy, critical minerals, and infrastructure—offer immense potential for investment. This session highlights how First Nations partnerships are essential to accessing these opportunities responsibly and effectively.

Clear Policy Direction

Hear directly from the Minister on Ontario’s roadmap for meaningful economic reconciliation, including current and future regulatory frameworks that affect project delivery, financing, and partnership models.

Trust-Based Collaboration

Understand how to approach investment and engagement in Indigenous-led initiatives and co-developed projects with shared, long-term economic growth.

Alignment with ESG Priorities

For partners focused on environmental, social, and governance commitments, this session will show how investment aligned with Indigenous partnerships is both ethically grounded and economically sound.

Cedar LNG: One of the largest Indigenous-Infrastruture Projects in Canada. Source: Canadian Energy Centre & Mining.com

Energy Projects with Indigenous Equity in Canada. Source: Fasken

Distribution of Canadian Energy Projects with an Indigenous Equity Component

Distribution of Canadian Energy Projects. Source: Fasken

This session is a must-attend for those seeking a deeper understanding of how reconciliation, investment, and long-term infrastructure planning are converging in Canada’s largest and most populous province, Ontario. It offers both a strategic lens and practical insight into how Indigenous partnership is becoming not only a policy priority—but a powerful driver of shared economic prosperity. Whether you’re an institutional investor, policymaker, or corporate leader, this conversation sets the tone for how to engage meaningfully in Canada’s evolving investment landscape.

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