The National Coalition of Chiefs says industry – not handouts – is the key to ending Indigenous poverty
The National Coalition of Chiefs (NCC) is ramping up efforts to bring economic prosperity to First Nations communities by forging stronger ties with Canada’s natural resource sector.
The coalition, made up of pro-development Indigenous leaders from across the country, is focused on defeating on-reserve poverty. It believes economic participation—not government dependency—is the key to long-term prosperity.
“Indigenous communities face persistent economic challenges,” Dale Swampy, president of the NCC, told me. “The best way to address them is through responsible development and full participation in Canada’s economy.”
Through events like the NCC Energy and Natural Resource Summit, the coalition connects First Nations leaders with industry executives from sectors including oilsands, conventional oil and gas, mining, forestry, clean energy, IT and carbon capture technology. It also supports LNG production and export, uranium mining, small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear energy development.
 The National Coalition of Chiefs is committed to breaking the cycle of on-reserve poverty. |
| Recommended |
| ESG is the enemy of Indigenous communities
|
| Report highlights growing importance of Indigenous equity in Canadian energy
|
| Why Hollywood shouldn’t speak for Canada’s Indigenous communities
|
By advocating for Indigenous involvement in these industries, the NCC aims to ensure First Nations are not just stakeholders, but active participants and decision-makers in Canada’s economic future.
“These gatherings are critical,” Swampy said. “They build relationships, identify opportunities and ensure First Nations are at the table when major decisions are made.”
Beyond advocating for resource development, the NCC encourages First Nations to lead major projects, rather than waiting for outside initiatives. The coalition argues that Indigenous leadership in resource development is not only possible, but necessary to break cycles of poverty.
In addition to launching its National First Nations Apprenticeship Program, National First Nations Employment Transitional Program and NCC Mentorship Program, the NCC recently introduced the National First Nations Water Authority, modeled partly after the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority.
This initiative aims to improve water and wastewater management in Indigenous communities while preparing for future economic opportunities tied to freshwater resources. With climate change driving global demand for clean water, the NCC believes that within the next decade, water could become North America’s principal economic driver.
The NCC maintains that economic self-sufficiency does not come at the cost of environmental responsibility. It supports sustainable First Nations community models and collaborates with industry on clean energy transition strategies.
However, some Indigenous leaders and environmental groups oppose the NCC’s strong support for oil and gas projects, arguing that resource extraction has historically harmed Indigenous lands and communities.
In response, the NCC insists First Nations must have the right to develop their own resources responsibly.
“We believe First Nations must lead the way in resource development, balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship,” Swampy said.
The NCC will continue advocating for Canada’s natural resource industry through public hearings and written submissions on federal legislation, including the government’s current UNDRIP Action Plan Implementation Process.
The coalition argues that federal policies, such as Bill C-48 (the tanker ban) and Bill C-69 (the “anti-pipeline” act), have created lengthy, costly regulatory delays for major projects—limiting economic opportunities for both First Nations and Canada as a whole.
Over the past eight years, the NCC has made several recommendations to federal agencies, including Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to streamline regulatory processes.
Among its key proposals is the establishment of clear procedures for obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) under UNDRIP legislation, ensuring that First Nations receive proper consultation and full economic participation in all resource projects.
One major recommendation is an automatic and guaranteed First Nations equity position in all natural resource projects, funded by the federal government.
“This is not a handout,” Swampy said. “Rather, it is full participation in project development, where a tri-party agreement between First Nations, government agencies and industry proponents determines the percentage of free First Nations equity for each project.”
Through this approach, First Nations would have board representation and direct influence over environmental protections, community investment, employment equity and contracting opportunities.
“They assume the same project risk as their two partners,” Swampy added. “In this way, First Nations profits and income will be earned through participation, not handed out like royalties or some form of gifted taxation.”
“Indigenous communities should be at the forefront of resource development, shaping projects that will benefit our people now and for future generations,” Swampy said.
Peter Kelly has spent nearly 40 years working in hydroseeding, habitat restoration, and erosion control, tackling everything from Olympic venues to national parks and high-wind zones. A Board Director of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Canadian Chapter, he’s passionate about sustainable land management and innovation. A University of Calgary alum, fundraiser for special needs education, and media pro, he’s always looking for ways to make a difference—whether in the environment or the community.
Explore more on Aboriginal Canadians, Aboriginal business, Energy sector, Poverty
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.
Troy Media is dedicated to empowering Canadian community news outlets by providing independent, insightful analysis and commentary. Our mission is to support local media in fostering an informed and engaged public by delivering reliable content that strengthens community connections, enriches national conversations, and helps Canadians better understand one another.
