Navigating the Future: Energy Transition and Indigenous Perspectives
Bernd Christmas K.C., Fred Di Blasio and Terri Lyn Morrison explored how integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern energy solutions leads to sustainable development. This roundtable highlighted innovative approaches to energy transition respecting Indigenous heritage. The discussion also delved into Reconciliation and showcased successful partnerships that propel its advancement, promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles nationwide.
The discussion demonstrated how the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary energy practices offered a path towards more holistic and culturally sensitive sustainability efforts. It explored how initiatives embracing Indigenous knowledge not only promoted environmental stewardship but also promoted economic reconciliation within Indigenous communities.
Lead Partner
Core Benefits
- Gain Insightful Perspectives: Bernd Christmas K.C., Fred Di Blasio and Terri Lyn Morrison offered unique insights into the integration of traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern energy solutions, providing a holistic view of sustainable development.
- Foster Collaboration: The discussion explored collaborative approaches that honoured Indigenous heritage while advancing energy transition goals, fostering partnerships that respect and elevate Indigenous communities' contributions to sustainable development.
- Drive Innovation: The discussion emphasised how innovative strategies and practices bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous wisdom and modern energy technologies, driving forward-thinking solutions for sustainable energy development.
- Promote Cultural Respect: It showed how integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge into energy transition initiatives creates cultural respect and preservation, ensuring that sustainable development efforts are rooted in cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Empower Indigenous Communities: It demonstrated how initiatives that respect and incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge empower Indigenous communities, promoting economic growth, self-determination, and community resilience in the energy sector.
About the Speakers
Bernd Christmas K.C.
Senior Counsel, JFK Law LLP
Bernd Christmas K.C., Senior Counsel to JFK LLP. Most recently, he was the Managing Partner at Bernd Christmas Law Group, which specialises in corporate, commercial, and Indigenous Peoples law. With a distinguished career, he currently sits on the investment committee for the $23B settlement related to Child Welfare in Canada and is a Partner in Longhouse Capital.
He has held roles as CEO and General Counsel of Gitpo Storms Corporation, CEO of Nch’Kay ( Squamish Nation’s business corporation), CEO of Oil Sands Development for Fort McKay First Nation, Partner at Cassels Brock LLP, and Senior Vice-President at Hill & Knowlton Canada. He is one of the newly appointed King's Counsel for being part of the 14 outstanding Nova Scotia lawyers. Christmas, the first Mi'kmaw lawyer in Canada, has a profound understanding of Aboriginal perspectives, bolstered by his experience as CEO of the Membertou Band and Corporate Division.
His career includes significant negotiations for the Membertou band and leadership roles on various national and international boards, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Canada Post and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, amongst many others.
Fred Di Blasio
Co-Founder, Managing Partner And Chief Executive Officer Of Longhouse Capital PartnersFred is a proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Longhouse Capital Partners. He also serves as a Trustee of the Huron-Wendat Rockmont Reserve Trust ($149M) and is an Economic Advisor to the Assembly of First Nations on Closing the Infrastructure Gap.
Prior to co-founding Longhouse, Fred served as Executive Vice President for Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation ($1.4B Sen̓áḵw Development). Fred is an experienced executive with a proven track record at AT&T, TELUS and INVIDI Technologies ($300M exit) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (over $100B of deals), corporate development and marketing.
A respected media commentator and speaker, Fred’s insights have been sought by BNN, The Globe & Mail - Report on Business, Report on Business Magazine, the Toronto Star, and the National Post.
Terri Lyn Morrison
Indigenous Engagement Consultant, Creative FireTerri Lynn Morrison is a distinguished Mi'gmaq executive from Listuguj, Quebec, known for her expertise in facilitating discussions across Indigenous communities, government, and industries, fostering consensus and collaboration.
Recognised with awards like the Rising Star from Techno Centre Eolienne Quebec in 2016, she has significantly contributed to projects like the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm and has been honoured for her excellence in Human Resource Management.
An influential panellist and speaker, Morrison has shared her insights on Indigenous partnerships through various platforms, including the Globe, Vanity Community Investment Bank, and CCAB. A leader in clean energy, she has mentored over 120 Catalysts with Indigenous Clean Energy.
CONTACT US
Connect with us to explore latest updates on the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit.
Our dedicated team is here to assist you so you stay informed and connected.
Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit
Mansion House, City of London. Click here to view on google maps.
Tuesday, 7th May 2024, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
