Indigenous and industry leaders gathered on Nov. 13 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West for the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase 2025, a full day focused on equity, investment, and practical reconciliation.
The program ran in two streams, the Summit for senior decision-makers and the Indigenous-led Gathering, and featured sessions on project financing, workforce partnerships, and community outcomes.
The Summit opened with remarks from Event Chair Malcolm Macpherson and Founder Stewart Muir, followed by an opening ceremony led by Squamish Nation councillor Deanna Lewis.
A morning panel on unlocking British Columbia’s economy examined innovative First Nations partnerships, with Musqueam Capital Corporation chief executive Stephen Lee joining leaders from rennie Intelligence, West Fraser, and KPMG. A fireside conversation later explored Canadian liquefied natural gas on the global stage through the Squamish Nation–Woodfibre LNG experience, moderated by Resource Works’ Stewart Muir with Woodfibre LNG chief executive Luke Schauerte and Squamish Nation Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell.
Crystal Smith, former Haisla Nation chief councillor, delivered a keynote highlighting the economic and cultural dividends of LNG participation for her community, consistent with her emphasis on shared ownership and stewardship.
An Indigenous equity panel then detailed co-ownership models in major projects, with contributions from Enbridge’s Emily Black, McMillan partner Sharon Singh, and KPMG’s Catherine Pennington. Afternoon sessions reviewed lessons learned on major projects and the role Indigenous employees play in strengthening partnerships, before turning to capital formation in a discussion on financing shared prosperity.
From policy talk to practical equity partnerships
The Summit closed with a conversation on certainty and growth featuring former British Columbia premier Christy Clark and Sashia Leung of the BC Treaty Commission.
Across the hall, the Gathering centred community leadership and youth engagement. Crystal Smith again set the tone in a keynote, followed by guest speaker Elaine Alec. Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á’a líya Warbus, a Stó:lō leader with a background in film and education, spoke to representation, mentorship, and the value of Indigenous voices in public life.
Building futures where enterprise and culture move together
Sessions with Isaiah Robinson of Kitasoo Xai’xais and other Nation leaders underscored how enterprise and culture can move in step to build futures.
The day concluded with a networking reception, where attendees compared takeaways and outlined next steps. The 2025 edition shifted the conversation from talk to action, with Indigenous voices at the centre of Canada’s natural resource economy and major projects.
