Canada is entering a moment of enormous opportunity in energy, minerals and infrastructure — and much of that opportunity is taking place on Indigenous lands. Global instability has

reshaped energy and commodity markets

, creating unprecedented demand for the resources this country holds in abundance. Trade relationships that once seemed permanent are fracturing. The wars in Ukraine and Iran have proven that the world is far too reliant on global dictators for access to energy. Canada’s allies are competing to secure

critical minerals

,

LNG

and clean

energy infrastructure

.

At the same time, there is growing domestic appetite across party lines to accelerate the “nation-building” projects that will define Canada’s competitiveness for decades to come. Demand for what this country holds in abundance has never been higher.

Indigenous Peoples

are not waiting for permission to move ahead with this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Across the country, we are stepping into leadership roles, securing equity ownership, shaping project governance and setting the terms on how development should proceed on our territories. This is our moment to be bold. This is our moment to lead and advance the terms of engagement for major projects.

Contrary to how we’ve been treated in the past,

Indigenous Peoples are not obstacles to development

. We are owners, investors and decision-makers. A brief survey of projects across the country provides ample evidence of this leadership.

In the Yukon, Selkirk First Nation initiated a process to secure full ownership of the Minto Mine, including equity stakes and royalties. In British Columbia, Tahltan First Nation concluded a consent agreement for the Eskay Mine and Haisla First Nation is advancing Cedar LNG as a landmark Indigenous-led energy project. Nisga’a Nation is also a partner in Ksi Lisims LNG. In Ontario, Taykwa Tagamou Nation invested $20 million in Canada Nickel’s Crawford project, securing a 7.9 per cent equity stake and a seat on the board. In Manitoba, Norway House Cree Nation purchased the Minago mine outright.

These are not isolated examples. They reflect a fundamental shift in how Indigenous Peoples engage with resource development. More and more, we are moving from consultation to co-ownership and making concrete decisions about projects that

impact our land and our communities

.

The expectation among Indigenous advocates is clear: Projects on our territories must include real ownership and governance, not just employment targets or benefit-sharing agreements negotiated after decisions have already been made. This model has been proven to work not only for Indigenous communities, but for everyone involved.

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Authentic Indigenous leadership de-risks major projects in ways that benefit our communities as well as investors, governments and natural resource proponents. When Indigenous Peoples hold equity, we become co-owners with a direct stake in project success, aligning interests for capital markets and creating clearer pathways for responsible development. Indigenous leadership also brings critical expertise that strengthens outcomes. Our people have watched over these lands since time immemorial.

Our knowledge of local ecosystems and long-term environmental stewardship strengthens project planning and reduces unforeseen risks.

New economic tools are accelerating the transformation: access to emerging instruments such as Indigenous bonds and sovereign wealth-like funds are enabling communities to access the financing required for major equity investments. Major financial institutions like RBC and Scotiabank are already backing Indigenous-led investment groups to support co-ownership in major projects. The federal government has also wisely expanded the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program.

While these mechanisms do work, they remain undersized relative to the opportunity.

Unlocking the full potential of Indigenous leadership will require significantly scaling these programs and integrating public and private capital in ways that lower borrowing costs for Indigenous investors, while attracting institutional partners.

The reality is that if Canada wants to move major projects to market quickly, Indigenous Peoples must be at the table. We are not looking to slow things down.

In fact, when Indigenous communities are partners and owners from the beginning, projects are stronger, communities benefit and Canada is better positioned to meet the challenges ahead.

When projects move forward through collaboration, economic reconciliation and national competitiveness can have a mutually reinforcing effect. When Indigenous Peoples share in the prosperity generated by projects on our territories, we can generate own-source revenue that builds our capacity for self-determination and cultivates the intergenerational resources that safeguard the well-being of future generations.

The global window for this opportunity will not stay open indefinitely. Competition for critical minerals, energy and infrastructure investment is intensifying. The jurisdictions that can deliver results — with credible partnerships, clear governance and durable community support — will secure the capital and trading relationships that others will struggle to attract.

Indigenous advocates are ready to lead. We are ready to forge new partnerships with those who recognize the strategic advantage we can offer. Industry and government would be wise to meet this moment with us — moving beyond the realm of duty and obligation, into a new framework that treats Indigenous Peoples as equal partners shaping a shared future.

Mark Podlasly is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation and the chief executive officer of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition. FNMPC will hold its Annual Conference in Toronto from April 29th-May 1st, exploring the theme of creating prosperity for The Next Seven Generations.