b"RESOURCE PARTNERSHIPSparticipate in and/or capitalize onThere is an understanding economic development opportuni-ties in the natural resource sectors.in society that this is a larger The INRP is also designed to increaseeconomic inclusion question, the investment and/or collabora-tion between Indigenous Peoplesand it's not just including and other natural resource devel- these people, it's improving opmentstakeholders,including governments,industryandthe economy for the entire non-governmental organizations.Canadian population.Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Project Coalition (FNMPC) andMark Podlasly, FNMPCmember of the Nlakapamux Nation in B.C., says programs like these are an important part of economic recon-ciliation, and represent a key step in enabling Indigenous People to shareto invest in projects. Since the AIOCexpertise they need to invest wisely in the prosperity of the regions inlaunched in 2019, it has helped unlockand manage those investments effec-which they live. They're desperatelyover $1.6 billion in Indigenous invest- tively, Martineau says.needed, Podlasly says. We need toment, demonstrating whats possible find a way to have Indigenous Peoplewhen barriers like access to capitalWhile there are a variety of training incorporated into the economy, and often rooted in theIndian Actcourses available, they are often not that means being involved in projectsare systematically dismantled, sayslocated in places that are easily acces-in our traditional territories.Martineau. More importantly, she adds,sible for Indigenous Peoples, especially Its proven that Indigenous ownershipfor those living in remote Northern Podlasly adds that programs like theis economically viable and foundationalregions. [The education] is just not in INRP are vital to help First Nationsto true reconciliation. the right places most of the time, or it's obtain access to the capital, talent anddifficult to access, Podlasly says. It's resources needed to become investedOtherprovinceshavealsobeena matter of: How is it deployed, how in natural resource projects. Givenbuilding up their programs. In Ontario,can people access it, and can people the way the country is moving nowthe provincial government recentlyafford to access it? It's not easy to know towards the pursuit of new buildingexpanded its Indigenous Opportunitieswhere to go to get that training or to projects in terms of infrastructure andFinancing Program to $3 billion. B.C.be able to access it if you're living away export facilities, its absolutely vital,and Manitoba have also launchedfrom an urban centre.he says. Otherwise, First Nations willtheirownversionsofIndigenous not have the ability to participate. So,loan guarantee programs, as has theWhile remote training options are these programs are needed. federal government.becoming more commonplace, the effectivenessofremotetraining ChanaMartineau,CEOoftheThe federal government has intro- depends on the project, the costs Alberta Indigenous Opportunitiesduced a $10-billion Indigenous Loaninvolved, and access to high-speed Corporation (AIOC) and member ofGuarantee Program, inspired in partinternet. There are still resources Frog Lake First Nation on Treaty 6by Albertas model, Martineau says.needed to access that training in terms Territory, says that Indigenous naturalThese exciting moves signal a broadof cost or capability. Not all First Nations resource partnerships are more impor- commitment to including Indigenousin this country have decent Internet to tant now than ever. We're witnessingcommunities as full economic partners.be able to connect, Podlasly says.a shift from historically contentiousAIOC has played a supportive role in relationships to ones rooted in mutualadvising these governments by sharingMartineau adds it is important for respect and collaboration, she says.business practices and lessons learnedthe federal government to address Thesepartnershipshelpunlockto ensure success across jurisdictions. Canadas productivity challenges in significant economic potential andthe very short term. Economic oppor-reshape the way industry and govern- GAPStunities, which are already challenging ment approach Indigenous inclusionWhile this push across the country tofor Indigenous Peoples, are made and ownership. promote the economic participationworse when the broader economic of Indigenous communities is substan- climate is not strong, she says. For The AIOC helps Indigenous groupstial, there are still gaps that remainlarge infrastructure projects that span looking for financing and partnershipsand need to be addressed. Capacitymultiple jurisdictions, this disconnect for major projects. It can provide upfunding and training opportunitiescan cause delays, inefficiencies, and to $3 billion in loan guarantees soare two key areas that need to bemissed opportunities for Indigenous Indigenous groups and communi- improved upon. Indigenous Nationsinclusion. We need a coordinated ties can raise the capital they needand communities need access to theapproach that recognizes and supports Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT41"