b'SUPPORTING NATIONSonTheir Own TermsHelping members secure a seat at the table By Ashley AlbertF or First Nations, taking part inlegal, financial and environmental tools,estate, mining, and other industries.major projects is about havingattend capacity-building workshops, andThe type of support varies baseddecision-making power, protectingparticipate in roundtables focused onon the project, whether it involves the land and waters, and ensuringemerging sectors. financial analysis, governance advice,long-term community well-being. The FirstSUPPORT WHERE IT IS NEEDED or facilitation with government or Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC)Barry Vickers, senior vice president ofcorporate partners.was created to support Nations as theyproject development, has been involvedFNMPC does not charge for its services navigate complex projects, developsince the Coalitions beginnings. He saysand is primarily funded by the federal capacity, and take a seat at the table asthe work is always member-led. government, with additional support from full partners. provincial and private sources.With a portfolio of projects valued at moreWe want Nations to lead in negotiations than $45 billion, the Coalition works withand engagement with industry andWe operate a conference annually that First Nations across the country to ensureproponents, Vickers explains. We dontgenerates considerable revenue,they can make informed decisions aboutwant to be seen as coming in and takingVickers adds. We also follow a cost-development on their lands. Membershipover their rolewe want to support themrecovery model, encouraging Nations to in that role. secure capacity funding from proponents is open to Nations under the Indian Act,He emphasizes FNMPCs commitment toto bring on external technical and hereditary governments, tribal councils,tailoring support to each members uniqueprofessional resources.and development corporations. needs. While there is a strong focus onThe Coalition does not take a financial The value, members say, lies in receivingthe energy sector, including natural gasinterest in projects or engage in political support and access to a growingpipelines, electrical transmission lines,matters. It focuses its work on major network of Nations, industry partners,and renewable energy projects, thedevelopments valued at $100 millionand governments. Members can accessCoalition also supports initiatives in realor more.34NATIONS FORWARDIssue 12025'