Drumbeats - Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast

In this episode, Mark Magnacca and co-host Robert Brant are joined by Catherine Pennington, Director of Indigenous Advisory Services at KPMG. Catherine shares her path from social work to the energy sector and explains how Indigenous relations are shaping the success of major corporate projects. She highlights KPMG’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, and KPGM's services specializing in Indigen...

In this episode of Drumbeats, hosts Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Bernd Christmas, KC, Principal at Bernd Christmas Law Group (BCLG). The conversation explores the historical and legal importance of Mi’kmaq treaty rights, beginning with the 1725 peace and friendship treaty with the British. Bernd reflects on the landmark Donald Marshall Jr. case, which affirmed Mi’kmaq commercial fishi...

In this episode, hosts Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant are joined by Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, Board Member of the Indigenous Advisory Council and Principal of Mokwateh. JP shares his journey from his Anishinaabe roots in Thunder Bay to serving as President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, where he advanced programmes that support Indigenous entrepreneurs. He speaks about his ro...

In this episode, Mark Magnacca and co-host Robert Brant are joined by Bernd Christmas, KC, Principal at Bernd Christmas Law Group (BCLG). With nearly 30 years of experience as a practising Mi’kmaw lawyer, Bernd has represented First Nations in groundbreaking projects that are reshaping Canada’s economy. He shares insights from his recent and ongoing work, including billion-dollar negotiations in O...

Our conversation explores Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of five nation-building projects generating $60 billion for the Canadian economy, supported by eleven Indigenous leaders with exceptional credentials appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council. Rob details how these transformative initiatives, from LNG Canada's Phase Two expansion doubling liquefied natural gas production in Kit...

Our conversation explores specific multi-billion dollar projects, including the Grays Bay Road and Port development and the Kivalliq Hydrofibre Link, designed to open mineral corridors and transform energy infrastructure. President Obed details how these nation-building initiatives create launching pads for natural resource extraction whilst maintaining environmental standards and Indigenous right...

Michael Bonshor, CPA, CMA, and newly appointed board chair of the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC), discussed the organisation's role in providing enabling affordable capital for Indigenous Nations. The CILGC, initially funded at $5 billion, was expanded to $10 billion by Prime Minister Mark Carney. With one deal completed and a number of applications received, the CILGC aims...

Thomas Benjoe, CEO of Flowing River Capital, discusses how Canada’s first Indigenous-led private equity fund fuels investment. In this interview, he outlines the firm’s strategy to acquire and Indigenise strong businesses aligned with procurement commitments, unlocking billions in opportunities. Learn how Flowing River Capital combines Indigenous and non-Indigenous expertise, has already secured $...

CWEIC drives trade across Commonwealth nations, linking rich countries like Australia and the UK with global markets and Indigenous innovation. In this episode of Drumbeats podcast, co-chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Samantha Cohen, CVO, OBE, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. Cohen reveals the 21% Commonwealth trade advantage and why Canada is...

Preview the priorities, themes, and strategic direction of Summit 2026, from critical minerals to Arctic defence, energy, and infrastructure. In this episode of the Drumbeats podcast, Co-Chair Mark Magnacca offers a preview of what’s ahead at the 2026 Summit, a platform where Indigenous leadership and institutional capital converge. Building on our previous episode’s examination of Bill C-5, which...

Indigenous-led finance meets institutional capital: FNFA's Jody Anderson reveals how First Nations are reshaping Canada's investment landscape. In this episode of the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit podcast, co-chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Jody Anderson, Vice President of Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs at the First Nations Finance Authority. A proud Anishinaa...

Mark Carney's policy influence meets Bill C-5: How regulatory shifts are reshaping Indigenous-corporate investment partnerships in Canada. In this episode of the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit podcast, co-chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant examine Prime Minister Mark Carney's The Building Canada Act Bill C-5 and Canada's changing investment landscape. The legislation allows federal fast-...

Chana Martineau, CEO of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, joins Co-Chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant to discuss how Indigenous communities are leading major investments in Alberta’s key sectors. With over 30 years in finance, Chana shares her insights on economic reconciliation, inclusive leadership, and building long-term partnerships across industries.

Matt Jamieson, CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, shares how Canada’s largest First Nation is generating transformational economic returns through Indigenous-led enterprise. Since its founding in 2015, the corporation has delivered $295 million in direct community benefits and led landmark projects like the Ontario Oneida Energy Storage Project, a $700 million, 250 MW f...

Join Brendan Bell, CEO of West Kitikmeot Resources Corp, as he outlines the strategic vision behind the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, a $1 billion infrastructure development in Nunavut designed to transform Canada’s Arctic frontier. Spanning 230 km and featuring a deep-water port, the project aims to reduce the high cost of living in the North, generate employment, and stimulate economic develo...

The First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) is helping Indigenous communities unlock economic opportunity through strategic capacity development and financial empowerment. In this discussion, Scott Munro reveals how FMB supports First Nations in building strong governance, accessing capital, and forming transformative partnerships, like the groundbreaking 50% acquisition of Clearwater Seafo...

Learn how Chief Sky-Deer led her community to a historic energy agreement with Hydro-Québec during a time of restructuring. From navigating regulatory hurdles with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to addressing environmental justice concerns, her leadership has built a historic path to Indigenous equity. This unprecedented deal grants her Nation a 10% equity s...

Marissa Nobauer, Director of Reconciliation, Community Engagement & External Relations at TELUS, and Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of the Indigenomics Institute and a distinguished member of TELUS’ Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) explore how corporate Canada is rethinking reconciliation through action. The IAC was established to embed reconciliation into TELUS’ corporate strategy, guide...

Barbara McKenzie, CEO of the Métis Settlements Development Corporation (MSDC), shares how Indigenous-led investment is reshaping capital markets. With a focus on growth-stage, cash-positive ventures, MSDC is advancing long-term economic sustainability across all eight Métis settlements, while creating majority-Indigenous partnerships with non-Indigenous firms. For institutional investors seeking i...

Tabatha Bull, President & CEO at Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), discusses how community involvement in projects, particularly through revenue-sharing and capacity-building, enables communities to reinvest in both local and broader initiatives while participating as business stakeholders. She highlights renewable energy projects in Ontario as a key example, where policy incent...

Senator PJ Prosper, a Mi’kmaw Senator representing Nova Scotia, shares insights from his first 100 days in Parliament and his national listening tour across Mi’kma’ki. Guided by his ReconciliACTION Report, Senator Prosper outlines seven clear priorities that align with Canada’s economic and housing goals while centring Indigenous voices in national policy. This was the outcome of his recent Listen...

Chief Derek Epp, Chairperson of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) outlines how the organisation issued a $650 million debenture in January 2025 and raised over $1.3 billion within just 15 months. The FNFA model is opening new doors for Indigenous communities to access large-scale capital, take ownership of resource and renewable energy projects, and build long-term economic strength. UK i...

Hon. Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, highlights the province’s rising importance in Canada’s energy and mining future. While Ontario already produces around 50% of the country’s gold, the focus is now shifting to its vast potential in critical minerals, key to global electrification and clean technology. With the Ring of Fire emerg...

Sean Willy, President & CEO of Des Nedhe Group shares his insights into how First Nations like English River are driving economic growth through strategic diversification. In this discussion, he explores Des Nedhe Group’s bold initiatives, from acquiring majority stakes in key industries to building a strong portfolio of construction, mining, and energy partnerships. With operations that inclu...

Jaimie Lickers, CIBC’s Senior Vice President of Indigenous Markets shares how her work is helping Indigenous communities build lasting economic strength. With over $27 billion in trust assets now under management, CIBC holds the largest Indigenous trust portfolio in Canada. She also opens up about a brand-new partnership with Longhouse Capital, and how this collaboration is changing the game.