b'Tch Government signs MOU with Fortescue at the Association for Mineral Exploration in January 2025. (Credit: Sarah Pruys Photo.)FIRST NATIONSLEADERSHIPin theCritical Minerals SectorFirst Nations are assessing opportunities on their own terms By Rick GarrickA s Canada moves towardsThis presents both a challenge andNations can make informed decisions cleaner energy and a net-zeroan opportunity: a challenge to ensureabout whether and how to participate emissions target, the demanddevelopment is done responsibly and inin critical minerals projects. In late 2022 for critical minerals like nickel,ways that protect the land and waters,and early 2023, FNMPC hosted two copper, lithium, and iron ore is increasing.and an opportunity to create long-termroundtables with First Nation leaders, These resources are essential to electricbenefits rooted in Indigenous values,government, and industry to identify what vehicles, wind turbines, batteries, andleadership, and self-determination. would be needed to make space for other low-carbon technologies. And many of them are found on the traditionalThe First Nations Major Projects CoalitionIndigenous Rights, interests, and priorities territories of First Nations. (FNMPC) has been working to ensure Firstin the sector.28NATIONS FORWARDIssue 12025'