Rez Dog Walkers

Host Dallas Smith sits down with George Abbott, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission and best selling author, for a compelling conversation on Indigenous rights and reconciliation in British Columbia.  George reflects on decades of change in Indigenous relations, sharing insights from his widely praised new book on the complexities of treaties and land rights in the province. Togeth...

In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Dallas Smith welcomes Nalaine Morin, the Senior Vice President of Environment & Social Affairs at Skeena Gold & Silver, and a board member of BC Hydro. The conversation delves into the transformative journey of Indigenous leadership in the mining industry, highlighting the success of the Eskay Creek project as a mo...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Doug Caul, former Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Government of B.C., for a thoughtful conversation on Indigenous economic development, leadership, and the evolving role of government-to-government partnerships and reconciliation in British Columbia’s reso...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Shannon Janzen, former Vice President at Western Forest Products and a key contributor to the recent independent report,  From Conflict to Care: BC’s Forest Future , for an honest and candid conversation on the evolution and current state of B.C.’s forestry sector.&nbs...

In this special episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith moderates a panel discussion with Indigenous leaders President Kerry Carlick of Tahltan Central Government, Chief Councillor John Jack of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and Chief Dolleen Logan of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. Recorded live as part of the 23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum, this discussion explores how Indigen...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Chief John Jack, Chief Councillor of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on Indigenous governance, resource development, and reconciliation.    They discuss the balance between activism, economic development, and Indigenous land stewardship...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, Host Dallas Smith leads an engaging discussion on Indigenous participation in forestry and wildlife management with Chief Ronnie Chickite, Chief Councillor of We Wai Kai Nation. Chief Ronnie shares some of the exciting economic and administrative opportunities emerging in We Wai Kai Nation and some of the unique solutions required to ensure the neces...

In this thought-provoking episode of Rez Dog Walkers, our host Dallas Smith delves into the complex and sensitive topic of residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous communities in Canada. Drawing from personal experiences and the stories of loved ones, Dallas expresses frustration over the resurgence of debates questioning the reality of residential schools and the traumas they in...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Makenzie Leine, Deputy Minister of Forests in B.C., for a dynamic conversation on the future of forestry and the evolving role of Indigenous stewardship and engagement in B.C.’s resource industries.  Makenzie has a wealth of experience in the private sector of forestry. With a unique perspective and insight into...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are honoured to welcome Hon. Christy Clark, former Premier of British Columbia for a powerful and heartfelt conversation on resource development in B.C.  Christy reflects on her time as Premier and her efforts to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of investing in Indigenous communities as a f...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith is joined by Garry Wouters, a policy consultant for Coastal First Nations in B.C. Garry has a wealth of experience working in various capacities as Deputy Minister at both the provincial and federal level and has worked closely with Indigenous communities on the bureaucratic side of landmark negotiations such as the protection of th...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are excited to welcome back Stewart Muir, President and CEO of Resource Works and founder of the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS). As a former journalist and editor, Stewart knows the value of listening and learning from the stories of Indigenous communities.  Join host Dallas Smith and Stewart as they discuss recent developmen...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are excited to welcome Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. With a  background in marine biology, Brian has accumulated almost forty years of experience in aquaculture as a biologist and consultant, collaborating closely with Indigenous communities to advance sustainable aquaculture in B.C.  Join Dalla...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith is joined by Art Wilson, a Councillor of We Wai Kai Nation, and the Referrals Office Manager at the Nanwakolas Council in Cambell River. Art has more than two decades of experience in the forestry sector and received a Natural Resource Technology Diploma and Forestry Certificate from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in 2003.&nb...

In the exciting launch of Season 3 of "Rez Dog Walkers," host Dallas Smith welcomes back returning guest Isaiah Robinson for a thought-provoking discussion on pressing issues surrounding First Nations rights, reconciliation, and the impact of historical injustices. The episode dives deep into the ongoing conversations about residential schools, the importance of education, and the need for respect...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are pleased to welcome back Isaiah Robinson, Deputy Chief Councillor for Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and General Manager of Kitasoo Development Corporation.  When he last came onto the podcast, Isaiah shared his experience and insight into navigating complex relationships between activists, government, and communities in the aquaculture industry....

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are honored to welcome former Member of the Legislative Assembly, George Abbott. In his 17 years as an MLA in the Shuswap riding, George took on a plethora of responsibilities, from Minister of Health to Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Since leaving government in 2013, George has utilized his experience in various capacities,...

Join us in the studio as we welcome Linda Coady, former President and CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries, for a compelling conversation about the development of reconciliation and joint solutions programs in British Columbia’s forestry industry. Linda brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge Inc., Vice-President of Sustainability f...

Join us live from Penticton as we welcome the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, for an engaging conversation about the current state of forestry in British Columbia. Minister Parmer shares his journey from a young political enthusiast to a key player in the government, discussing the challenges and opportunities he faces in his role.  He dives into the complexities of timber review...

In this episode of Rez Dog Walkers host Dallas Smith engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Stewart Muir, Founder and CEO of Resource Works, at the 22nd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, BC. They delve into the complexities of aquaculture in British Columbia, exploring its significance for food security, job creation, and Indigenous self-determination. The conversation hi...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast, host Dallas Smith welcomes Larry Johnson, the president of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation. They discuss the importance of collaboration between First Nations, resource developers, and governments in British Columbia and across Canada. Larry shares his background, including his upbringing in Bamfield and his journey into leadership rol...

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast, host Dallas Smith welcomes his longtime friend and esteemed leader, Robert J. Dennis Sr. (Emchayiik), to discuss the collaborative efforts between First Nations, resource developers, and governments in British Columbia and across Canada. The conversation delves into the importance of healthy First Nations communities and the benefits of strategic par...

In this special remote episode of Rez Dog Walkers, Dallas Smith has the opportunity to engage in a critical discussion about the ongoing challenges and opportunities surrounding salmon aquaculture and its transition towards sustainability. Joined by Isaiah Robinson, the CEO of the Kitasoo Development Corporation and Tim Kennedy, President and CEO of the Canadian Agriculture Industry Alliance, the...

In this mini episode of Rez Dog Walkers, Dallas Smith reflects on the upcoming British Columbia election happening on October 19th, which also marks his 50th birthday. He discusses the recent shifts in the political landscape and highlights the crucial role of First Nations communities in this context. Dallas emphasizes the importance of looking beyond political rhetoric and focusing on the indivi...

In the first episode of Season 2 of "Rez Dog Walkers," host Dallas Smith welcomes John Allen Jack, Chief Councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. They discuss the vital collaboration between First Nations resource developers and government entities in Canada, emphasizing the benefits of thriving Indigenous communities. Dallas and John reflect on their journeys as young leaders, tackling the cha...