The First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) announced the launch of its Sustaining Partners Program.
The program furthers FNMPC’s ability to advance relationships between its members and the private sector on issues of mutual interest. The initial program partners, Colliers Project Leaders, COWI, Gowling WLG and New Gold Inc. will benefit from an exclusive relationship with FNMPC that will be focused on advancing progressive Indigenous business initiatives between the partners and FNMPC members.
This group of companies’ powers FNMPC to increase strategies that promote meaningful Indigenous inclusion in major developments and articulate Indigenous perspectives concerning ESG investment standards and sustainable business practices generally.
“The commitments made by Colliers Project Leaders, COWI, Gowling WLG and New Gold Inc. supports our most important work,” says Chief Sharleen Gale, Chair of FNMPC. “It allows FNMPC to create pathways to reconciliation by working closely with a select group of private sector partners who share our vision for meaningful Indigenous inclusion in the economic mainstream of Canada.”
“Colliers Project Leaders is committed to advancing infrastructure projects and partnerships that respect Indigenous rights and traditions, and improve economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples,” said Franklin Holtforster, President and CEO, Colliers Project Leaders. “We are proud to be a Sustaining Partner and we will continue to build meaningful relationships with the FNMPC and its members based on honesty, integrity and respect. We look forward to positively contributing to reconciliation alongside the FNMPC.”
“COWI is excited to be one of the founding partners of the Sustaining Partners Program,” said Jesse Unke, Vice President, Operations Canada of COWI. “COWI is committed to economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples via meaningful Indigenous inclusion, policies and processes, and engagement strategies focused on advancing progressive Indigenous business initiatives.”
“Gowling WLG welcomes the opportunity to partner with the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and supports its advocacy for Indigenous ownership of major projects across Canada,” said Peter Lukasiewicz, CEO of Gowling WLG Canada. “Our firm is committed to working together with the Coalition to ensure Indigenous communities have the business tools and advice required to play a substantial role in economic reconciliation and broadly participate in this key aspect of the Canadian economy.”
“At New Gold we believe that mining projects require authentic and mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous Nations,” said Beth Borody, Director, Sustainability at New Gold Inc. “We believe in greater economic inclusion for Nations and look forward to partnering with FNMPC to further our understanding of the opportunities and challenges Indigenous Nations face with natural resource projects.”
Sustaining Partners will be featured at FNMPC’s annual conference and will bene‑ t from an exclusive working relationship with FNMPC specifically designed to advance stronger business relationships with Indigenous communities outside of a project-specific environment. For more information on the program, please contact Niilo Edwards, FNMPC’s executive director at [email protected]
Featured image: (FNMPC)
