b"RESOURCE PARTNERSHIPSalso be found in AIOCs most recent transactioninvolvingColdLake First Nations and Elemental EnergyKEY AGENCIESfortheDuchessSolarProject,a 19.8 MW solar facility being developedAl Balisky, president and CEO of MLTC Industrial Investments LP, says in Duchess, Alberta, by Elemental Energy in partnership with Cold Lakethere are several federal agencies that are important in building good First Nations. partnerships in the resource sector, including:What makes this project particularly BDCessential services with respect to term loanssignificant is that it was Indigenous-led from the outset, says Martineau. ColdExport Development Canada (EDC)essential services with respect toLake First Nations approached theproviding added security for loansopportunity with a clear vision and guided the process forward to set the ndigenous Services Canada (ISC)provides essential seed funding for tone for how Nation-led developmentIcan and should look. Their leadershipIndigenous business developmentwas instrumental in shaping a renew- NRCanprovides grant funding to Indigenous business in the natural able energy project that reflects strong economic potential and alignmentresource sectorwith community priorities and envi-ronmental stewardship. Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)facilitates Indigenous business entryinto major project developmentAnother important example flagged by Martineau is the evolving partner-ship between Wapiscanis Waseskwan Nipiy (WWN) and Tamarack Valley Energya unique collaboration thatdeeply engaged in the due diligenceearly and partnerships need to revolve brought 12 First Nations and Mtisprocess from start to finish. Theyrearound more than just the bottom line. settlements together in a unifiedattending meetings, going on siteThey need to be about shared values.energy investment. tours, and learning the full lifecycle of a transaction. This experiential knowl- If a partnership is built solely around Whats truly inspiring is how that part- edge empowers Indigenous leaders tomoneywithout the groundwork of nership expanded to include a 13thengage with industry on equal footing,relationship-building, shared values, First Nation, a move that required theMartineau says. and cultural understandingits likely reopening of the original agreement,to falter, says Martineau. When you Martineau says. That kind of flexi- Cold Lake First Nations learned aseek to understand, you build trust bility and commitment to inclusion wasgreat deal from their participationand sustainable success.unprecedented, and it speaks volumesin the Duchess Solar Project. The about the shared values of the part- capacity grant truly helped the NationIndigenousequityownershipis ners involved. It's a clear demon- build capacity and financial acumen,workingeconomically, socially and stration that Indigenous prosperityMartineau explains. Theyve said thatculturally. Its benefiting Indigenous isn't a zero-sum gameit's aboutthe project affirms their capacity to leadcommunities,yes,andalsothe building opportunities that benefitcomplex infrastructure deals and setsCanadian economy. With new oppor-the collective. a precedent for Indigenous economictunities emerging, the future is full of self-determination.promiseprovided we keep moving When it comes to building partner- forward in partnership.ships, equity ownership is where theMartineau adds that the shift from trans-conversation has shifted, Martineauactional to transformational is what trueWhile there are still many gaps and says, stressing the importance ofeconomic reconciliation looks like: Itschallenges that need to be addressed, this. Indigenous communities are nonot about dependency or one-timegovernments are starting to move in longer being approached simply forbenefits. Its about building genera- the right direction. There's a realiza-consultation. They are being invitedtional wealth, reinvesting in communi- tion in Canadian society now that First to the table as equity partners, sheties, and driving outcomes that matter:Nations are willing and wanting to be says. Thats a powerful transforma- clean water, housing, education andpart of the decisions of the economy, tion, and one that reflects growingeconomic opportunity.especially since they're based on First trust between Indigenous groupsNations lands, Podlasly says. There is and industry.LESSONS LEARNED an understanding in society that this is One critical lesson that is being learneda larger economic inclusion question. By utilizing tools such as capacityby governments and companies whenIt's not just including these people, it's grantfunding,communitiesareforging partnerships with Indigenousimproving the economy for the entire investing in projects and becomingcommunities is that trust must be builtCanadian population.Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT43"