b'Cover photo credit: Angel Ransom CONTENTSISSUE 1, 2025COVER14I Origin Story: Building theFirst Nations Major Projects CoalitionA reflection on our journey and the path aheadBy Ashley Albert and Nickita LongmanFEATURES24I In MemoriamRemembering Niilo Edwards (19862024)By Andrew St. Germain and Sue von der Porten28I First Nations Leadershipin the Critical Minerals SectorFirst Nations are assessing opportunities on their own terms By Rick Garrick34I Supporting Nations on Their Own Terms14 How we help our membership secure a seat at the table By Ashley Albert36I Opening DoorsCapital access is changing the game for First NationsBy Rick Garrick38I Spirit of the LandThe Indigenous Cultural Rights and Interests ToolkitBy Bryan Hansen, Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith and Angel Ransom44I Member Profile:Cheslatta Carrier Nation By Rick GarrickSECTIONS8I Message from the ChairWelcome to Nations Forward!By Sharleen Gale38 10I Message from the CEOHonouring Our Legacy, Advancing Our VisionBy Mark Podlasly46I Professional Services DirectoryNATIONS FORWARD Published by: National Director of PublishingPresidentPublication Mailis published for Maurice P. LaBorde Kevin Brown Agreement #40787580First Nations Major Senior EditorSenior Vice PresidentPlease return undeliverable copies to:Projects Coalition mediaedgepublishing.com Justyne Essery Robert Thompson 100 Park Royal South, Suite 200 West Vancouver, BCV7T 1A2 100 Park Royal South, Suite 20033 South Station StreetNational Sales ExecutivesSales / Branch Managerwww.fnmpc.caNorth York, ONM9N 2B2Derek de Weerdt, Ashley Huston, Nancie PrivWest Vancouver, BCV7T 1A2Toll Free: 866-480-4717Pat Johnston, Veronica Johnston,www.fnmpc.ca robertt@mediaedge.ca Dawn Stokes All rights reserved. The contents of thisNATIONS FORWARD is printedpublication may not be reproduced by anyon 10% post-consumer FSC certified 531 Marion StreetSenior Design Specialistmeans, in whole or in part, without the priorpaper using soya based inks. When Winnipeg, MBR2J 0J9Krista Zimmermann written consent of the association. necessary to mail an issue in an Toll Free: 866-201-3096 Design SpecialistPublished November 2025 enclosure, we use an environmentally-Bethany Giesbrecht friendly, 100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap. First Nations Major Projects Coalition7'