b'INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTIndigenous equity participation in majorprojectsisacentralfocus POSITIVE OUTCOMES of this initiative, Cuguen explains. Backed by the federal governments It is possible to move fast on projects without sacrificing the benefits ofexpansion of the Indigenous Loan strong Indigenous trust and partnership. Today, there are several projectsGuarantee Program from $5 billion underway across Canada that exemplify how major infrastructure projectsto $10 billion, this commitment will can be fast-tracked without compromising Indigenous consultation.helpcreatelong-termeconomic opportunitiesandbuildlasting Two cases in point are the Woodfibre LNG Project, supported by theprosperity for Indigenous Peoples Squamish First Nation, and the Cedar LNG Project, which is 51 per centacross Canada.owned by the Haisla Nation. In both, Indigenous communities wereFurther to this, Ottawa has committed meaningfully included through co-governance and co-regulation, grantingto establishing an Indigenous Advisory them real authority and jurisdiction over the projects.Council with First Nation, Inuit and Mtis representation that will support This deep engagement has fostered trust among all parties andthe work of the federal Major Projects streamlined regulatory approvals, enabling these projects to move forwardOffice. Additionally, it will allocate quickly and with all stakeholders on the same side.$40 million in funding to strengthen Indigenous Peoples capacity to partic-The Woodfibre LNG Project and the Cedar LNG Project show that majoripate in implementing theBuilding developments can move forward quickly when Indigenous communitiesCanada Act.are meaningfully included, says John Desjarlais, executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network. The Government of Canadas goal is that First Nations, Inuit and Mtis rights holders are meaningfully consulted throughout the implementation of the Building Canada Act and participate to the fullest extent possible to support economic reconciliation, Cuguen says. That said, we are acting with urgency. Provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples want to see critical projects such as mines, pipelines, ports and other infrastructure move forward in support of their priorities, and we are working quickly to meet the moment.Canadas future depends on its ability to build and develop at a competi-tive pace. Doing so benefits all who share the land. But Indigenous consul-We buildtation and consent cannot be sacrificed for speed. As the government races forward, Indigenous Peoples need to trusting, equitable,be partners and catalysts for success, not obstacles. Their wisdom, insights and lastingand experiences must be part of the plan, not sidenotes.partnerships. "Rightnow,wehaveawindowof opportunity to come together, get on the same page, and sit at the same The relationships formed across our many projectstable to figure out how to do this well create employment opportunities and driveand do it quickly, without compro-economic growth. Valard is proud to workmisinganything,saysDesjarlais. alongside Indigenous Communities across Canada. Its about moving forward in a way that delivers equitable benefits for valard.com everyone involved."Note: Interviews for this article were conducted in July 2025.38A CCIB PUBLICATIONFall 2025'