Indigenous Voices in Resource Development Podcast

Indigenous Resource Network

Welcome to the "Indigenous Voices in Resource Development" podcast, where we dive deep into the overlooked stories of Indigenous workers in the resource development industry. This groundbreaking podcast is your window into the real, unfiltered experiences of Indigenous individuals working in a sector often misunderstood by the broader public. Join us on a journey that goes beyond the stereotypes and clichés to showcase the diverse and inspiring narratives of Indigenous people who have chosen careers in resource development.

  1. May 27

    Episode 19: Brittany Jones, Greg Plain, and Sara Loft

    This episode of Indigenous Voices and ResourceDevelopment brings together three Indigenous professionals working in and alongside the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to talk about theirroles in the nuclear sector and how they engage with communities on nuclear. Through their personal journeys, Greg Plain, SeniorEngagement Officer at NWMO; Brittany Jones, Manager of Indigenous Assessment at NWMO; and Sara Loft, Owner of Tawi:ne Consulting, share how they entered thesector—often without technical backgrounds—and emphasize that their core role is not to promote projects, but to build relationships, share knowledge, and support Indigenous communities in making informed, self-determined decisions. A central theme throughout the conversation is trust. Theguests describe how meaningful engagement requires time, presence, and authenticity. This means showing up in communities, having honest conversations, and recognizing that many people approach the industry with skepticism due to historical harms. They stress that Indigenous values, including stewardship, protecting land and water, and thinking in terms of seven generations, shape how communities assess projects, often prioritizingenvironmental protection over economic benefits. The conversation also underscores the balance betweenprofessional roles and cultural identity. The guests speak candidly about the criticism they can sometimes face, while reaffirming their commitment to their communities and to ensuring decisions are informed and community-driven. Theyalso encourage Indigenous youth to consider careers in the sector, noting that there is space for many different skills and perspectives—and that representation and authenticity are key to changing how industries engage withIndigenous peoples.

    52 min

  2. Jan 29

    18. Guy Lonechild

    What does it take for Indigenous Nations to move from beingconsulted on energy projects to actually owning the power system - and the benefits that come with it? Guy Lonechild, member of White Bear First Nation andPresident and CEO of the First Nations Power Authority (FNPA), joins the podcast to unpack the path to Indigenous energy sovereignty and the policy barriers that continue to slow progress. He shares how FNPA grew from addressing underrepresentation in the electricity sector into a nationalorganization supporting Indigenous-led energy development across Canada. The conversation explores why meaningful engagement mustinclude real economic participation, how Indigenous Nations can lead projects across the full lifecycle from development to operations, and why solar and battery storage offer practical cost-saving opportunities for communities. Guy also discusses the realities of new nuclear development, workforce pathways for Indigenous youth and the growing concerns around fast-tracked major projects legislation.

    43 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    17. Crystal Smith

    In this episode of Indigenous Voices in Resource Development, host John Desjarlais sits down with Crystal Smith, former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation. They talk about Crystal’s leadership journey, her role in transformative projects like Cedar LNG, and her advocacy for responsible resource development. Crystal shares personal stories about overcoming challenges,building consensus, and the real socio-economic benefits that major projects have brought to her community. The conversation also explores how to balance cultural heritage with economic opportunity, and why collaboration betweenNations is essential for long-term success. It’s an honest, grounded discussion with a leader whocontinues to champion Indigenous participation, strong governance, and a future where communities can shape their own prosperity.

    43 min

  4. 10/17/2025

    16. Chana Martineau

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chana Martineau, CEO of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, Board Director at Cenovus Energy, and proud member of Frog Lake First Nation. Chana leads a groundbreaking organization that's transforming Indigenous economic participation in resource development through loan guarantees and capacityfunding. With 30 years of experience in financial services, Chanashares her journey to leadership and discusses how Indigenous communities are seizing unprecedented opportunities in natural resources. She reveals howeconomic empowerment is creating hope and optimism across Indigenous nations, the importance of representation in leadership roles, and the power of collaboration within the Indigenous financial ecosystem. Throughout our conversation, Chana reflects on the valuesthat guide her work- kinship, community responsibility, and finding joy in everyday life. This is a story of economic reconciliation and the exciting potential for Indigenous communities to thrive.

    44 min

  5. 08/07/2025

    15. JP Gladu

    John Desjarlais sits down with JP Gladu—principal of Mokwateh and former President of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business—for a wide-ranging conversation recorded in JP’s home territory of Sand Point First Nation. They discuss the impact of displacement and the long path back to the land, the role of Indigenous governance in economic development, and the importance of informed consent in major projects. With nearly 35 years in the resource sector, JP reflects on his experience as a forester, the value of strong partnerships, and why Indigenous-led development must be at the heart of Canada’s energy and infrastructure future.

    48 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    14: Kaella-Marie Earle

    In this episode of Indigenous Voices in Resource Development, host John Desjarlais sits down with Kaella-Marie Earle, a professional engineer at Enbridge, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Aroland First Nation. Kaella shares how her upbringing in Sudbury — a region shaped by mining and environmental challenges — informed her path into engineering and energy. She reflects on her family's resilience, the influence of her father’s career, and the lasting impacts of residential schools. This conversation explores the barriers Indigenous professionals, particularly women, face in the energy sector. Kaella speaks to the power of mentorship, setting boundaries, and building confidence — and how cultural values like humility, environmental stewardship, and community trust can reshape leadership and technical work. Kaella also shares how she’s created internal programming at Enbridge to raise awareness about Indigenous history and is driving methane emissions reduction through her current work. This episode offers insight into how integrating Indigenous knowledge into engineering and leadership can lead to stronger, more sustainable energy systems in Canada. 🔗 Listen now + don’t forget to subscribe and share!

    54 min

  7. 05/13/2025

    13. Jeff Gaulin

    In this episode, John Desjarlais sits down with Jeff Gaulinfrom Toronto and is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. He serves as the Global Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Vale Base Metals— a Canadian-based global critical minerals company working to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen national energy security, and as a Board Member of the Mining Association of Canada. With decades of experience in natural resources and public policy, Jeffshares his perspective on how the industry is evolving and why Indigenous inclusion is key to its long-term success. Together, they explore the role of technology in drivingmore efficient and responsible development, the need for trust and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, and how representation in leadershipcan shape a more inclusive and resilient sector. Jeff also reflects on his Métis heritage, the importance of partnerships, and the growing opportunitiesfor Indigenous communities, especially the next generation of leaders, to play a central role in shaping the future of Canada’s natural resource sector. A grounded, forward-looking conversation at the crossroadsof resource development, reconciliation, and real progress. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your network!

    44 min

  8. 03/07/2025

    12. Shawn McDonald

    In Episode 12 of the Indigenous Voices in Resource Development podcast, host John Desjarlais speaks with Shawn McDonald, a proud Métis from the Kikino Métis Settlement near Lac la Biche, Alberta. Shawn is the Chairman of the IRN board, a founding member of the IRN, the President and founding member of the Resource One Aboriginal Business Association (ROABA), and the sole owner of Black Scorpion Contracting Ltd., which has served the oil & gas industry in Northern Alberta since 1996. Rooted in the traditional ways of life passed down by his late father and grandfather, Shawn shares his journey and the significance of Indigenous voices in resource development. He discusses the importance of kinship, community connections, and economic empowerment, while highlighting the need for respectful relationships between Indigenous communities and industry. Shawn reflects on the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the resource sector and envisions a future where Indigenous communities thrive through ownership and participation in resource development.

    53 min
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About

Welcome to the "Indigenous Voices in Resource Development" podcast, where we dive deep into the overlooked stories of Indigenous workers in the resource development industry. This groundbreaking podcast is your window into the real, unfiltered experiences of Indigenous individuals working in a sector often misunderstood by the broader public. Join us on a journey that goes beyond the stereotypes and clichés to showcase the diverse and inspiring narratives of Indigenous people who have chosen careers in resource development.

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