9th NATION2NATION
ANNUAL FORUM
October 21-23, 2025
2025 Speaker Bios
Masters of Ceremonies
Dale Swampy
Founder and President of the National Coalition of Chiefs
Dale Swampy is a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta and a graduate of the University of Alberta with a B.A. degree majoring in Economics.
In 2006, after working for 22 years with his band, Mr. Swampy left his position as CEO with the Samson Cree Nation to start his own business as an Indigenous Relations consultant working on a variety of projects including the Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Pipeline projects. In 2009, after the completion of these projects, Mr. Swampy was honored by the Dakota Sioux Tribe of Manitoba with their highest honor, the Horse Medallion, for service to their communities.
In 2010, Mr. Swampy joined the Indigenous Relations team for the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project as Director of Indigenous Relations for the BC terrestrial region. Mr. Swampy was then appointed by Indigenous leaders as mediator for the newly formed Northern Gateway Aboriginal Equity Partners group, or AEP – a coalition comprised of 31 Indigenous leaders working as part of an unprecedented partnership with Northern Gateway.
In 2016, after the cancelation of Northern Gateway, Mr. Swampy started the National Coalition of Chiefs (NCC). Today, the NCC works with Chiefs from across Canada to advocate for the natural resource industry and the clean energy transition. The NCC is also committed to “Defeating On-Reserve Poverty” through positive dialogue and partnership with Canada’s Natural Resource Industry.
Mr. Swampy is a board member and provides advisory services to the following organizations and communities:
Emissions Reduction Alberta, Board Member
Aboriginal Skilled Workers Association, Board Member
Stoney Nakoda Nation, Advisor
Canadian Energy Regulator, Advisor
Business Council of Alberta, Advisor
Ambipar Canada, Advisor
Total Energy Services, Advisor
Kiwetinohk Energy Corp, Advisor
Lisa Mueller
Founder of Nation2Nation Events
Lisa Mueller from the Tsilhqot'in Nation is the founder and creator of the Nation2Nation Forum in Terrace, BC. She is a First Nation consultant, community builder and workshop facilitator recognized as a young, upcoming voice and connector in the First Nation Community in BC.
WEDNESDAY SPEAKERS
Opening Remarks
Haisla Dance Group | Spirit of the Kitlop Dancers
Haisla Nation Council | Deputy Chief Councillor Kimberly Robinson
District of Kitimat | District Councilor Michelle Martinswith
Skeena MLA | Claire Rattee
IRSSS | Tara William, Manager, Settlement Claims Support
Rio Tinto | Title Sponsor
KEYNOTE | Topic: First Nations Uniting for a Better Future
Stephen Buffalo
President, Indian Resource Council of Canada
Stephen Buffalo is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Resource Council of Canada. Mr. Buffalo is a proud member of the Samson Cree Nation. He graduated secondary school from Athol Murray College at Notre Dame, Saskatchewan. Mr. Buffalo holds a B.A. from Medicine Hat College and B.M. from University of Lethbridge. He worked for Peace Hills Trust for 15 years, most recently as the Regional Manager for Southern Alberta.
Mr. Buffalo sits on a numerous boards including being the first ever Indigenous Governor for the Canadian Energy Executive Association, Samson Management 2009 Ltd., University of Calgary ReDevelop Initiative, St. Mary’s University – Calgary, and is the Vice President of the Notre Dame Hounds – National Alumni. Mr. Buffalo is traditionally and culturally connected. He is an avid golfer and enjoys dedicating his free time to coaching hockey.
PANEL SESSION 1 | Topic: Shared Waters: Collaborative Approaches for Diverse Water Needs
Candice Wilson
Environment Manager, Haisla Nation Council
Proud member of the eagle clan originating from the Haisla Nation with roots also from the Nisga’a Nation. Culturally driven, experienced biologist with a demonstrated history of working for Indigenous government administration. Skilled in Environmental Compliance, Environmental Issues, Sustainability, Water Quality, and Mitigation. Strong operations professional with a Master of Science (MSc) focused in Environmental Protection from Royal Roads University. First cohort graduate of Royal Roads University Graduate Certificate in Science & Policy of Climate Change and Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Economic Development. Post-secondary education stemming from University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and certificate in Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Steve Sharron
Senior Fisheries Scientist, Ecofish Research
Andrew Czornohalan
Power Operations, Rio Tinto
Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Andrew held various leadership roles in iron ore, copper and gold sectors of mining as well as technical roles in power generation and automotive manufacturing. In 2008 Andrew joined Rio Tinto first in an operational readiness role at the Boyne smelter in Queensland, Australia. He was then appointed as Project Director of the ISAL Production Upgrade project in Iceland. In 2014 he and his family moved to Kitimat as the Site Manager for the Kitimat Modernization Project.
In his current role at BC Works, Andrew touches on every element of the operations and oversees activities at the aluminum smelter, in the power generation at Kemano and the environmental and economic management of the Nechako watershed, as well as establishing and strengthening relationships with First Nations, community partners and federal and provincial regulators.
In addition to his role with Rio Tinto Andrew sits on a number of volunteer boards, notably Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program and BC Chamber of Commerce, where he Is an enthusiastic advocate for ESG enhancement and de-carbonization, whilst simultaneously growing economic opportunities.
Building sustainable and respectable partnerships with Rio Tinto host communities, stakeholders, governments, First Nations and employees to deliver high value enhancements to the environment, health and safety of its employees and optimum business performance, is the top priority for Andrew in all his endeavors.
Andrew, his wife and two children have embraced his move to Kitimat and has rapidly become an active member of the community. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoys spending weekends, and vacations at his family ski cabin on Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers BC. What started as a 2-year expat assignment has turned into a 10 year love affair Canada which resulted Andrew and his family becoming Canadian citizens in early 2023.
Andy Lecuyer
Environmental Team Lead, Rio Tinto
Andy Lecuyer is the Senior Environmental Advisor for Rio Tinto BC Works. Andy has been working with BC Works since 2006 supporting environmental permitting, instream works, and fisheries projects in the Kemano and Kitimat rivers and other streams along the coast of BC. Andy’s responsibilities also include involvement in the Nechako watershed including the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program. In his time off Andy enjoys rock climbing in summers and skiing in the winter months.
PANEL SESSION 2 | Topic: Building Economic & Energy Corridors in Canada
MODERATOR
Shannon Joseph
Chair, Energy for Secure Future
Ms. Joseph is an accomplished sustainable development and public affairs professional, currently serving as Chair of Energy for a Secure Future (ESF) — a nonpartisan initiative of business, labour, municipal and Indigenous leaders, as well as industry organizations across various sectors, focused on building a secure energy future for Canada and its international allies.
She is motivated by the strong conviction that energy is about people and that abundant, affordable, low-emission energy is a pre-condition for growing the middle class, protecting the environment and in Canada, advancing reconciliation.
In addition to her role with ESF, Ms. Joseph is a member of the board of directors of Tamarack Valley Energy, a Canadian oil and gas company operating in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. She is also an Energy Forum Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a member of the Energy Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Previously, Ms. Joseph served as Vice-President, Government Relations and Indigenous Affairs with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and as the founding Director of the $75 million Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Over her career, she has served in senior roles focused on federal environmental policy, Indigenous and stakeholder relations and environmental program implementation. Ms. Joseph is a professional engineer with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University and a Master of Applied Science – Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Stephen Buffalo
President, Indian Resource Council of Canada
Stephen Buffalo is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Resource Council of Canada. Mr. Buffalo is a proud member of the Samson Cree Nation. He graduated secondary school from Athol Murray College at Notre Dame, Saskatchewan. Mr. Buffalo holds a B.A. from Medicine Hat College and B.M. from University of Lethbridge. He worked for Peace Hills Trust for 15 years, most recently as the Regional Manager for Southern Alberta.
Mr. Buffalo sits on a numerous boards including being the first ever Indigenous Governor for the Canadian Energy Executive Association, Samson Management 2009 Ltd., University of Calgary ReDevelop Initiative, St. Mary’s University – Calgary, and is the Vice President of the Notre Dame Hounds – National Alumni. Mr. Buffalo is traditionally and culturally connected. He is an avid golfer and enjoys dedicating his free time to coaching hockey.
Justin Bourque, PMP
President, Asokan, Generation Developments
Justin is an experienced and passionate leader with 27 years of diverse Industry and Indigenous Community development experience. Presently, he is Founder and President of Âsokan GenerationalDevelopments, a consulting firm providing strategic advisory services focused on bridging the gap between Industry and Indigenous Communities.
As a passionate Indigenous leader, Justin is deeply committed to enhancing the relationships between corporations and Indigenous Communities. With extensive experience in both, he sees the value in mutually beneficial relationships. Building Indigenous resilience, economic sovereignty and shareholder value through development and management of meaningful partnerships between Indigenous Communities and Industry. He has been at the forefront of ideating, developing and successfully executing a number of major projects, both greenfield and brownfield, representing Indigenous Communities as well as corporate clients. These projects included a number of complex Indigenous equity ownership transactions, where he has served in diverse roles, including as an advisor, management committee representative, project lead, lead negotiator, Indigenous Community leader, President and Director of the Board post-closing. Most recently, Justin has played an integral role in three major Indigenous equity transactions worth approximately $2.6 billion and involving more than 35 unique Indigenous Communities throughout Alberta. As part of executing these transactions, Justin supported the raise of nearly $0.5 billion in capital.
Former Chief Crystal Smith
Haisla Nation
Crystal Smith has served the Haisla people for 12 years through her work with Haisla Nation Council, starting as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council from 2009 to 2013, then being elected Chief Councillor in 2017.
She holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Coast Mountain College and a Business Skills Certificate from Thompson Rivers University.
In November, 2019, she was named Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a group committed to encouraging First Nations development of the LNG industry to provide employment and other sustainable benefits for BC’s aboriginal people. She advocates for Haisla Nation-owned joint venture partnerships which allows for participation in major projects in Haisla territory.
Using those opportunities provides a doorway for members to find rewarding work and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and improve social conditions in Haisla communities. Ultimately, she wants the work done today by her and all of the Council to benefit today’s 1700 Haisla people but future generations as well.
FNNGA Overview
Karen Ogen
Chief Executive Officer First Nations Natural Gas Alliance
Karen Ogen is the CEO of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, a society of First Nations in support of responsible LNG development in Canada – with a priority on the environment, and on First Nations consultation and engagement.
Karen brings extensive experience to her role, having served as elected chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation for six years, 2010-2016. She was also a council member for the Nation 1987-1990 and again 2019-2022.
She is familiar with the needs of Indigenous communities throughout B.C. and seeks to increase economic opportunities for First Nations through providing information and education regarding responsible resource development.
While Karen recognizes that not all projects will be appropriate for all nations, she hopes to help inspire more First Nations to consider and engage in discussions with industry and government around the possibility of resource opportunities.
Karen’s academic background is in social work. She achieved her Master’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2007, and graduated from the Indigenous Governance Certificate Program from the University of Victoria in 2010. August 2022, she successfully completed her the Masters in Business Administration program from Simon Fraser University in the Indigenous Business Leadership program. She is the first in her family and community to attain two Master’s degrees.
Karen was named one of the “35 Most Influential Women in BC: The power to disrupt” in March 2016, by BC Business Magazine. And she was elected in two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, as one of the Business in Vancouver BC 500: The most influential business leaders in British Columbia, in the Resources: Oil and Gas sector.
FIRESIDE CHAT 1 - WITH FNNGA | Topic: Trades & Training
MODERATOR
Karen Ogen
Chief Executive Officer First Nations Natural Gas Alliance
Karen Ogen is the CEO of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, a society of First Nations in support of responsible LNG development in Canada – with a priority on the environment, and on First Nations consultation and engagement.
Andrew George
Director of Truth and reconciliation for SkilledTrades BC
Andrew George Jr. was born in Smithers, British Columbia and was raised in Telkwa, British Columbia along with his 3 brothers and two sisters. They were raised off reserve and live a traditional life in the Wet’suwet’en territories. Andrew learned how to cook first on a wood stove and campfires while spending time with his family in seasonal rounds of hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering.
After graduating high school, Andrew attended Vancouver Vocational Institute (VVI) in 1984/1985 and received certification in:
Short Order Cooking Certification
Camp and Institutional Certification
A La Carte Certification
His first cooking jobs were at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center in 1984 and Qualicum Restaurant in 1985. During Expo 86 he worked with Indigenous menus and helped create the world famous Salmon and Bannock Burger.
After Expo 86 Andrew started his apprenticeship in restaurants in the Vancouver area and was the first person of Indigenous heritage to receive his Red Seal in 1989. Shortly after, he was part of the opening team at the Chateau Hotel in Whistler and eventually returned to Vancouver to work at the Four Seasons Hotel. He opened Toody-Ni Restaurant and Catering Company in Vancouver 1989/1990, introduced Wet’suwet’en cuisine and started introducing culinary training to youth at risk in East Vancouver.
Drew Sankey
TRICORP Employment, Skills & Training Services (TESTS) Program Officer
Karin Hunt
Executive Director PGNAETA
PANEL 3 - WITH FNNGA | Topic: The Indigenous Natural Gas Opportunity upstream and midstream
MODERATOR
Chief Clifford White
Gitxaala Nation
Clifford White (Nees Ma’Outa) is a hereditary leader and a former Chief Councillor of Gitxaała Nation, Clifford has dedicated his life to serving Indigenous people. As an Elder he has played an important role in BC’s First Nations/Indigenous Courts supporting holistic, traditional ways to restore balance and healing. In addition to his involvement as an Elder in the New Westminster First Nations Courts, Clifford is a BC Treaty Commissioner, elected by the First Nations Summit. He is also a Commissioner with BC Housing and a Commissioner with BC Infrastructure Benefits. Clifford brings a wealth of expertise and wisdom with him that will help guide BCFNJC’s implementation of the Justice Strategy.
Chief Valerie Askoty
Prophet River First Nation
Chief Valerie Askoty serves as the respected leader of the Prophet River First Nation, a vibrant Indigenous community located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. With a deep commitment to the cultural preservation, economic development, and social well-being of her people, Chief Askoty advocates for the rights and interests of the Prophet River Nation at regional and national levels.
Under her leadership, the community has focused on fostering sustainable resource management, strengthening governance, and enhancing educational opportunities for future generations. Chief Askoty is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with government entities, industry partners, and neighboring Indigenous communities to build partnerships that support long-term prosperity and cultural resilience.
Her dedication to upholding Indigenous traditions while embracing innovation marks her tenure as a pivotal period in the ongoing growth and empowerment of the Prophet River First Nation.
Charles Morven
Secretary-Treasurer Nisga’a Lisims Government
Charles Morven, Secretary – Treasurer of Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) is serving his second term for the Nisga’a Nation, 8500 strong. Charles is of the Raven/Frog clan (Ganada), comes from Wilps Axdii Wil Luugooda/ Ksim Xsaan, and strengthened by the Nisga’a name Daaxheet. He has strong roots from the Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamiks, 1 of 4 Nisga’a Villages along the Nass River.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven works high level with NLG Executive Committee and the House of Making Laws (Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisga’a) legislative decision tables. He holds the responsibility of chairing both Nisga’a Finance Committee, Nisga’a Capital Finance Committee, oversees and works with management of the Nisga’a Settlement Trust, supported by the 7 Nisga’a community memberships, and upholds tripartite agree ments with BC and Canada to further strengthen the Nisga’a Treaty, 25 years in the making.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven holds the responsibility as lead negotiator on behalf of NLG for benefit agreements with mining industries, Ksi Lisims LNG project, and devel oped partnership with the Fiore Group in the creation of Nations Royalty Corp. This was launched on June 20, 2024 and is the largest and first majority Indigenous owned public company trading on the TSX Venture.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in First Nations Studies through UNBC and a certificate in Advanced Management attained through the UBC Sauder’s School of Business.
Secretary - Treasurer Morven currently resides in the Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw, BC, home community of beautiful wife, Nicole Morven. Charles and Nicole have one daughter Peyton Azak-Morven, and are all deeply rooted to the land, resources, and historic culture.
PANEL 4 - WITH FNNGA | Topic: Developing LNG facilities on the Coast
MODERATOR
Former Chief Crystal Smith
Haisla Nation
Crystal Smith has served the Haisla people for 12 years through her work with Haisla Nation Council, starting as Executive Assistant to Chief and Council from 2009 to 2013, then being elected Chief Councillor in 2017.
She holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Coast Mountain College and a Business Skills Certificate from Thompson Rivers University.
In November, 2019, she was named Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a group committed to encouraging First Nations development of the LNG industry to provide employment and other sustainable benefits for BC’s aboriginal people. She advocates for Haisla Nation-owned joint venture partnerships which allows for participation in major projects in Haisla territory.
Using those opportunities provides a doorway for members to find rewarding work and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and improve social conditions in Haisla communities. Ultimately, she wants the work done today by her and all of the Council to benefit today’s 1700 Haisla people but future generations as well.
Selena Basi
VP Corporate Relations, Woodfibre LNG
Selena Basi is a seasoned government and corporate relations professional based in British Columbia, Canada. She currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Relations at Woodfibre LNG Limited, where she leads strategic engagement initiatives across government, community and Indigenous sectors.
In her role at Woodfibre LNG, she has been an advocate for Indigenous economic reconciliation, including her work as a founding member of Woodfibre LNG’s Gender Safety Committee and a driving force for the company’s groundbreaking Gender Safety initiatives.
Prior to Woodfibre LNG, Basi spent over 14 years in the BC public sector, holding senior roles including Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Development. Her work has spanned economic development, innovation, and economic policy across the natural resources sectors.
Selena holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria. Her leadership is marked by a passion for bridging industry and community, as well as fostering sustainable development to unlock British Columbia's potential
Andrew Robinson
Hapdii Laxha - Wilp Ni’isyuus ‘
CEO, Nisga’a Lisims Government
Andrew is a member of the Nisga’a Nation, People of the Nass River, 9000 strong. Andrew resides in his home community, the Nisga’a Village of Laxgalts’ap, he is Gisk’aast (Killerwhale tribe) and from the royal house of Ni’isyuus ‘.
Andrew served two decades as Chief Administrative Officer for the Laxgalts’ap Village Government, 1 of 4 united Nisga’a Village Governments that holds the overall authority for the Nisga’a communi ties. In 2022, Andrew served as Executive Industry Relations Manager for Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG). In October 2023, the NLG Executive appointed him to Office of the CEO for the NLG admin istration that oversees 11 departments and 180 employees.
In the Nisga’a Legislature, Andrew sits on both the Executive Committee and Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisga’a table bringing a wealth of knowledge, network contacts in all levels of government, and works along side all if there’s hard work to be done.
Andrew’s passion for Nisga’a governance and Nisga’a lands stems from the roots of his forebearers on the Nisga’a Land Committee, the Nisga’a Tribal Council, & predecessors of NLG knowing the im portance of traditional hunting & fishing grounds, cultural beliefs, and Nisga’a Authority over the land
Hope Regimbald
Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations Lead, LNG Canada
Hope’s career reflects her commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous community development and collaboration. Her experience has spanned the country as manager of national campaigns dedicated to addiction awareness, healing, and reconciliation. She has also supported Canada’s largest energy projects specializing in community engagement and influencing organizational inclusion of Indigenous world view. She is currently based in Kitimat as Stakeholder Relations Lead with LNG Canada. An ESG practitioner in energy development; Hope meaningfully delivers agreement implementation, builds strategic partnerships, and incorporates community priorities into project strategy.
Hope walks in two worlds, she deeply understands how to advance reconciliation into action and importantly, is a skilful facilitator on how to respectfully journey together.
An active volunteer, she is a co-founder of the Indigenous Leadership Circle; a hand selected group of Indigenous business leaders mentoring the next generation of Indigenous talent in Canada. She also sits as a Board Director with the United Way Alberta Capital Region.
Doug Arnell
CEO of Cedar LNG
Doug is the Chief Executive Officer for Cedar LNG.
He has over 30 years of senior management experience in the global energy sector.
Mr. Arnell is also the Chair of the Board for Methanex Corporation as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Helm Energy Advisors Inc. ("Helm Energy"), a private company founded in 2015 that provides advisory and project management services to the global energy sector.
Doug was formerly the CEO of Golar LNG where he successfully originated, developed, and closed on approximately $US 2.7 billion in floating LNG assets, including the world’s first commercially-operated floating LNG production vessel.
He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary.
N2N BUSINESS PITCHES
Pitcher
TBD
THURSDAY SPEAKERS
GUEST SPEAKER | Topic: Homegrown Hope: Creating Opportunities through Connection
Lynda Gray
Author of First Nations 101
Ts'msyen Nation
Lynda Gray is a member of the Gisbutwada (Killerwhale) Clan of the Ts'msyen Nation and the community of Lax Kw’alaams on the Northwest Coast of BC. She was born in Prince Rupert but she spent most of her life in East Vancouver until she bought a home in Prince Rupert in 2013 so that she and her children could return home more often to (re)connect to their Nation, family, friends, land, language, and culture. Lynda is the proud mother of two adult children: Northwest Coast artist Phil Gray and professor Dr. Robin Gray. She and her children have learned much about their Ts'msyen culture and community from their participation in the Vancouver-based Lax Xeen Ts'msyen Dance Group, from attending traditional feasts in their home community of Lax Kw'alaams, and from active learning of their ancestral language, Sm’algya̱x. In 2023, they started the Ts’msyen Revolution Fund to provide small grants to help strengthen Ts’msyen culture and language in their home territory. Recent investments include helping youth to create traditional regalia and a scholarship for a graduating student taking Sm’algya̱x classes.
Lynda’s work is grounded in a strong belief in community development, youth empowerment, and culture as therapy. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from UBC, served as the Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association for eight years, and serves on community Boards including the Indigenous Cultural Safety Advisory Circle. She focuses much of her time on community development, public education, family genealogy, and learning her ancestral language.
PANEL SESSION 5 | Topic: Economic Perspectives in BC and beyond
MODERATOR
Keerit Jutla
Chief Executive Officer, Jutla Strategies Inc.
Keerit Jutla is a nationally recognized leader in law, Indigenous governance, and resource development. A former CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), he now serves on the Board of CIM – Vancouver Branch and is President of Sikhs in Natural Resources Canada. With over a decade of experience, he champions a consent-based, ethical approach to mining rooted in trust and long-term value. Keerit holds a JD, MBA, and MPP, and began his career advising First Nations and governments on regulatory and governance matters. His work has shaped major policy reforms and Indigenous–industry partnerships. He is the author of Lessons from Legends, and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the DARPAN Award for Corporate Excellence. Connect with Keerit on LinkedIn.
Claire Rattee
MLA Skeena
Claire Rattée is a dedicated public servant with a remarkable 13-year track record as a successful business owner, embodying the values that resonate with British Columbians. Born and raised in Delta, B.C., Claire moved to Kitimat in 2011, establishing deep roots in the community and developing a profound understanding of the issues that matter most to its residents.
Bruce Cullen
Gitga'at Development Corporation
Bruce Cullen has been a leader in BC's energy management markets for the past 25 years. His firm, Cullen Energy, became the province's largest residential Power Smart contractor. In this capacity, Bruce started to work with First Nations communities. In his leadership role at the software company Pulse Energy, he co-created an innovative Micro Smart Grid in partnership with Hartley Bay. This successful technology effort delivered significant energy and financial savings to the Nation and played a significant role in supporting the community's goal to be the greenest First Nation in Canada.
Phil Germuth
Mayor of Kitmat
Mayor Phil Germuth was born and raised in Kitimat, where he has raised three sons of his own. He was first elected as a Kitimat Councillor in 2011, and is now in his third term as Mayor.
As a local business owner and licensed automotive technician by trade, Phil understands the work it takes to be successful in Kitimat and advocates for a community that is healthy and vibrant for families.
In his spare time Phil enjoys connecting with community members, trying to make a golf ball go where he wants, and vacations that include hot sun, beaches, and great snorkeling.
John Desjarlais
Executive Director, Indigenous Resource Network
John Desjarlais is Nehinaw (Cree)-Metis from Kaministikominahikoskak (Cumberland House), Saskatchewan. John has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and started his career in 2001 in the mining industry and worked in a variety of roles including E&S, maintenance and reliability engineering management until moving onto executive leadership in economic development and construction. John now serves as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network as well as Past President of APEGS. John also has extensive regulatory, volunteer, governance, and civil society experience serving on a variety of boards, committees, and other initiatives culminating into several awards over his career recognizing his civil service and servant leadership.
GUEST SPEAKER | Topic: Reawakening Canada to the Economic Contributions
Ken Coates, PhD
President of Coates Holroyd Consulting
Ken S. Coates is the President of Coates Holroyd Consulting, a research firm working primarily on Indigenous and rural development, Indigenous history and Indigenous rights. Ken is currently a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan and was the Director of the Indigenous Program at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. Dr. Coates was raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, and educated at the University of British Columbia (BC and PhD) and the University of Manitoba (MA). He has worked and studied across Canada and around the world, examining the history of Indigenous-newcomer relations, contemporary Indigenous rights and Indigenous economic re-empowerment. Among his publications is Treaty Peoples to Treaty Nations (with Greg Poelzer) with UBC Press. Ken appears regularly on national radio and television and writes regularly about Indigenous commercial and legal rights. He was appointed as a member of the Royal Society of Canada.
PANEL SESSION 6 | Topic: N2N Joint Venture – Acquisition of the Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal
Charles Morven
Secretary-Treasurer Nisga’a Lisims Government
Charles Morven, Secretary – Treasurer of Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) is serving his second term for the Nisga’a Nation, 8500 strong. Charles is of the Raven/Frog clan (Ganada), comes from Wilps Axdii Wil Luugooda/ Ksim Xsaan, and strengthened by the Nisga’a name Daaxheet. He has strong roots from the Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamiks, 1 of 4 Nisga’a Villages along the Nass River.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven works high level with NLG Executive Committee and the House of Making Laws (Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisga’a) legislative decision tables. He holds the responsibility of chairing both Nisga’a Finance Committee, Nisga’a Capital Finance Committee, oversees and works with management of the Nisga’a Settlement Trust, supported by the 7 Nisga’a community memberships, and upholds tripartite agree ments with BC and Canada to further strengthen the Nisga’a Treaty, 25 years in the making.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven holds the responsibility as lead negotiator on behalf of NLG for benefit agreements with mining industries, Ksi Lisims LNG project, and devel oped partnership with the Fiore Group in the creation of Nations Royalty Corp. This was launched on June 20, 2024 and is the largest and first majority Indigenous owned public company trading on the TSX Venture.
Secretary – Treasurer Morven has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in First Nations Studies through UNBC and a certificate in Advanced Management attained through the UBC Sauder’s School of Business.
Secretary - Treasurer Morven currently resides in the Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw, BC, home community of beautiful wife, Nicole Morven. Charles and Nicole have one daughter Peyton Azak-Morven, and are all deeply rooted to the land, resources, and historic culture.
Todd den Engelsen
CEO Tahltan Nation Development Corporation
Todd is a seasoned executive leader with a track record building leaders and organizations to reach their potential. He has led operations, sales, marketing, human resources and safety in diverse public, private and unionized organizations, from heavy civil construction, mine development, and oil and gas to industrial health, safety and environment to health.
Todd has garnered a reputation of guiding organizations through periods of transition, change in ownership, rapid growth, mergers and acquisitions as well as Indigenous partnership and engagement. Of proud Métis heritage, Todd is passionate about creating value for clients, partners and communities, building local capacity and growing talent, while ensuring excellence in quality, safety and sustainability.
Most recently, Todd was Director, Corporate Services with Morgan Group of Companies, a privately held heavy civil construction, mine development and environmental services company. Previously, he held President of Sales and Operations roles with industrial HSE services companies, and was Vice President, Organizational Development with a publicly traded oil and gas service company where he focussed on organizational performance and efficiency. His early career focussed on human resources, labour and employee relations.
Todd was included in the 2025 edition of Business In Vancouver’s (BIV) BC500, a definitive list profiling the 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Masters Business Administration - Executive Management from Royal Roads University and ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Todd is one of only a handful who have received the designation of Fellowship – as a Certified Human Resources Professional (FCPHR). He has additional training in Indigenous relations, governance, leadership, labour and employment law, and workforce management.
Committed to public service, Todd has served on several boards, including chair of the CPHR Board of Directors and its Appeals Committee, chair of Petroleum Services Association of Canada, and Director Employment Placement and Support Services.
Darrell Remple
Regional Manager, Arrow Transportation
PANEL SESSION 7 | Topic: TBC
MODERATOR
Ryan Bruce
Government Relations Director, CLAC
Ryan Bruce grew up on Vancouver Island on the traditional territory of the Penelakut and Halalt First Nations. He now lives on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. Inspired by The North American Indigenous games held in his hometown of Cowichan in 2008, Ryan established and co-chaired the “Walk of the Nations” an event focussed on building new levels of understanding, mutual respect, and trust between indigenous and non indigenous communities. Ryan is CLAC’s BC Manager of Government Relations. He is excited to be part of an organization that understands the importance of building meaningful relationship with the nations who’s territory our members are working on. CLAC recognizes the value of training to employment initiatives aimed at helping members of indigenous communities train for jobs of today while building careers for tomorrow.
Keivan Hirji
External Relations & Communications for Canada, Newmont
Keivan is an expert in corporate affairs and sustainable natural resource development. He has held senior political, public service, and private sector roles where he has worked to responsibly bring Canadian commodities to world markets while ensuring local communities were involved in decision-making and benefited from resource development. Keivan is currently Director, External Relations & Communications for Canada with Newmont. In this role, he leads government relations, Indigenous relations, and major strategic initiatives across North America and provides expert counsel to senior executives. Keivan also sits on the board of Mining Association of British Columbia, on the Public Affairs and Indigenous Relations Committees for Mining Association Canada, and serves as the Board Vice-Chair of YMCA BC.
Keivan holds a Masters in Global Business through a joint program between University of Victoria, University of Glasgow, and Chulalongkorn University of Thailand and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science through University of Victoria. He also holds a Certificate in Mining Law through Osgoode Law School and a Certificate in International Trade through the Forum for International Trade Training and Export Development Canada.
Ashley Jay
Project Engineer, Eskay Creek Skeena Gold & Silver
Calvin Carlick
Vice President of Partnerships at the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC)
Calvin Carlick is the Vice President of Partnerships at the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), a position he has held since May 2023. Raised in Iskut, one of the three communities within the Tahltan Nation, Calvin possesses deep-rooted ties to the 93,500 square kilometers of Tahltan territory (10.2% of British Columbia). He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration – Executive Management from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce – Entrepreneurial Management, also from Royal Roads University. In his current role, Calvin spearheads the development and implementation of partnership strategies, overseeing a portfolio that has generated up to $10 million in income with 33 partners. His leadership in Indigenous-led economic development is further underscored by his 12-year tenure on the TNDC board, including 6 years as Chairman. Calvin has served on several volunteer and for-profit boards, contributing his expertise to a range of organizations. Calvin's expertise lies in fostering sustainable economic growth and community empowerment within the natural resource sector. He is passionate about building collaborative partnerships that balance economic development with environmental stewardship and Indigenous participation. He was also instrumental in building a new partnership program that takes a systematic approach to ensuring mutual benefits for partners, data-driven decision-making, and keeping business excellence in mind, along with maximizing value to the Tahltan people. TNDC's vision is to be the most dynamic Indigenous corporation in Canada.
Fireside Chat | Topic: TBC
MODERATOR
Walsham Tenshak
Director of Economic Development, District of Kitimat
Owen Torgerson
Mayor of Valemount
Coming from a civil construction and mining background, Mayor Owen Torgerson is a life-long resident of Valemount. He has been actively involved with local government since 2011, volunteering at first with the Village of Valemount Advisory Planning Commission, Integrated Sustainable Community Planning Team, and the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Adjudication Committee. In 2014 he was elected municipal Councillor where much of his focus was on recreational development and tourism, forestry, municipal infrastructure management, and emergency planning. In 2018, Owen was elected Mayor of his hometown, where he and his wife Korie love where they live, work and play.
Mayor Owen Torgerson serves as Ex-officio on all committees of Council and represents the Village of Valemount on several boards and committees.
Trevor Bruintjes
Fractional Chief AI Officer, Peaks and Valleys AI Strategies
Trevor Bruintjes is a Certified Professional Business Coach turned AI strategist, trainer, and speaker. He leads Peaks and Valleys AI Strategies, helping small and medium-sized businesses adopt AI to save time, improve efficiency, and drive growth. Trevor has delivered more than 50 AI-focused workshops to nearly 1,000 participants across British Columbia in the last year, empowering leaders and teams to understand and use AI confidently and strategically. He also serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer, guiding organizations through digital transformation with measurable results. Trevor lives in Smithers, BC, where he combines his passion for community development with his love for the outdoors and family life. www.PVAIS.ca
Stewart Muir
President & CEO, Resource Works
Stewart Muir is the founder and executive director of Resource Works, a Vancouver-based organization focused on raising awareness about the importance of natural resources to personal well-being. As a writer and commentator, Muir specializes in exploring the connections between Canada's natural resource economy and the quality of life of Canadians.
With a background in journalism and history, Muir has dedicated his career to understanding and communicating the complex relationships between resource development, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
He is an award-winning journalist and has contributed to several publications, including co-authoring "The Sea Among Us: The Amazing Strait of Georgia".
In 2020, Muir founded the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase, an annual event that highlights successful collaborations between Indigenous communities and the business sector. This initiative has become an important platform for showcasing reconciliation in action and fostering economic partnerships. Most recently, Muir has expanded his reach as the host of the new podcast "Power Struggle," where he delves into pressing issues surrounding energy and resource development.
Through his work at Resource Works and various other initiatives, Muir continues to be a prominent voice in discussions about sustainable resource development and its impact on Canadian society.
PANEL SESSION 8 | Topic: Looking ahead - How are we going to get it done in 2026
MODERATOR
Stewart Muir
President & CEO, Resource Works
Stewart Muir is the founder and executive director of Resource Works, a Vancouver-based organization focused on raising awareness about the importance of natural resources to personal well-being. As a writer and commentator, Muir specializes in exploring the connections between Canada's natural resource economy and the quality of life of Canadians.
With a background in journalism and history, Muir has dedicated his career to understanding and communicating the complex relationships between resource development, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
He is an award-winning journalist and has contributed to several publications, including co-authoring "The Sea Among Us: The Amazing Strait of Georgia".
In 2020, Muir founded the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase, an annual event that highlights successful collaborations between Indigenous communities and the business sector. This initiative has become an important platform for showcasing reconciliation in action and fostering economic partnerships. Most recently, Muir has expanded his reach as the host of the new podcast "Power Struggle," where he delves into pressing issues surrounding energy and resource development.
Through his work at Resource Works and various other initiatives, Muir continues to be a prominent voice in discussions about sustainable resource development and its impact on Canadian society.
Barry Penner
Chair of the Energy Futures Institute
Barry Penner, KC is Chair of the Energy Futures Institute, which was launched in 2023 with the goal of refreshing the conversation on important energy issues.
Mr. Penner served as BC’s Minister of Environment, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Attorney General during his four terms as an elected member of the British Columbia legislature. A practicing lawyer, Mr. Penner represented the ridings of Chilliwack, Chilliwack-Kent and Chilliwack-Hope between 1996 to 2012. During this time, he also served as both President and Vice President for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) and chaired a number of Legislative Committees.
As Minister of Environment, Mr. Penner introduced BC’s first climate action plan which included North America’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax. Throughout his time in elected office, Mr. Penner was known as an advocate for responsible energy development.
Chris Sankey
Principal Owner and President, Blackfish Enterprises
Chris is Principal owner and President at Blackfish Enterprises. A company that provides strategic advice, direction and planning to Indigenous Communities and Industry Stakeholders, both domestically and internationally in the energy sector. And is a partner in Blackfish Industries, a heavy civil construction company. Chris is an advisor in a downstream energy project. He is a Senior Fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute, where he provides advice on Indigenous affairs, research and policy work. Chris is a committee member of the Canadian Gas Association and the International Gas Union. He is also a partner at Fort Capital Partners. A boutique investment firm with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Chris is also a part of the National Speakers Bureau, An international talent agency that represents North America’s best roster of news makers, thought leaders and icons on the speaking platform for conferences and events.
Chris is a member of the Coast Tsimshian community of Lax Kw’Alaams near Prince Rupert, British Columbia and a former Elected Councilor for the Lax Kw Alaams Band where he chaired the Economic Development committee. He was effective in starting and implementing the first ever emergency response and marine safety table on the North Coast. Chris sits on the board for the C2C2C Unity Corridor Foundation. An organization that collaborates and brings capacity expertise to indigenous communities that links stakeholder engagement and technical considerations when evaluating corridor opportunities.
Chris organized, implemented and co-facilitates the Tsimshian leadership table in Prince Rupert where he collaborates with indigenous leadership to look at traditional knowledge, political risk, common interest and a path forward through economic reconciliation.
Chris helped negotiate and facilitate the $36 billion-dollar Pacific Northwest LNG agreement and was one of two negotiators for Lax Kw’Alaams Band that reached the first-ever Environmental Monitoring Agreement between the Coast Tsimshian, the Government of British Columbia and Federal Government of Canada.
Chris is an extremely influential person who believes in strengthening communities, one person at a time to achieve communal prosperity.
Dale Swampy
Founder and President of the National Coalition of Chiefs
Dale Swampy is a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta and a graduate of the University of Alberta with a B.A. degree majoring in Economics.
In 2006, after working for 22 years with his band, Mr. Swampy left his position as CEO with the Samson Cree Nation to start his own business as an Indigenous Relations consultant working on a variety of projects including the Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Pipeline projects. In 2009, after the completion of these projects, Mr. Swampy was honored by the Dakota Sioux Tribe of Manitoba with their highest honor, the Horse Medallion, for service to their communities.
