Rez Dog Walkers

Empowering Indigenous Voices: The Eskay Creek Success Story

In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Dallas Smith welcomes Nalaine Morin, the Senior Vice President of Environment & Social Affairs at Skeena Gold & Silver, and a board member of BC Hydro. The conversation delves into the transformative journey of Indigenous leadership in the mining industry, highlighting the success of the Eskay Creek project as a model for collaboration between Indigenous nations and corporate entities.  Nalaine shares her experiences navigating the complexities of environmental assessments and the importance of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes. The discussion also touches on the evolving political landscape surrounding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the potential it holds for fostering meaningful partnerships.  Listeners will gain insights into the significance of cultural knowledge in resource management, the challenges faced by Indigenous leaders, and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of decision-makers. With a focus on empowerment and accountability, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of the progress being made and the work still to be done in the pursuit of reconciliation and self-determination for Indigenous communities.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Building Relationships: Doug Caul on Reconciliation and Leadership in Government

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Doug Caul, former Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Government of B.C., for a thoughtful conversation on Indigenous economic development, leadership, and the evolving role of government-to-government partnerships and reconciliation in British Columbia’s resource sector.  Drawing on his experience working in various capacities as a negotiator and Deputy Minister in the B.C. government, Doug reflects on the importance of strong leadership and the need to create conditions for innovation. He emphasizes the commonalities between Indigenous communities and other levels of government as an essential starting point for understanding the needs of communities and stresses the importance of addressing the assumptions and biases that challenge economic development.  Dallas and Doug explore the changing landscape of reconciliation in B.C., highlighting the need for clear expectations between governments, and the risks of misinformation and fear-driven narratives. They reflect on some of the prominent mentors and role models that have helped shape relations between Indigenous communities and the provincial government, as well as some major developments in the history of reconciliation in B.C.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Rethinking Forest Management: A Conversation on the Future of Forestry in B.C. with Shannon Janzen

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Shannon Janzen, former Vice President at Western Forest Products and a key contributor to the recent independent report, From Conflict to Care: BC’s Forest Future, for an honest and candid conversation on the evolution and current state of B.C.’s forestry sector.  Drawing on her wide range of experience in forestry, from her time working in logging camps to executive leadership, Shannon reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and shifting contexts of the forestry industry today. She also shares some lessons learned from her time with Iskum Investments and as a consultant working with Indigenous communities in business development, emphasizing the massive potential for collaboration between Indigenous communities to overcome barriers in the sector and to and bring life to previously neglected opportunities.  Dallas and Shannon also discuss the recent report, identifying some of the key conflicts and challenges impacting the forestry sector. They emphasize the growing role of Indigenous-led business development and the importance of including affected communities in economic decision-making. The discussion also examines the limitations of outdated legislation and the need to incorporate modern technology and values into management approaches.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

BC Natural Resources Forum Rez Dog Walkers Luncheon: Indigenous Leaders Discuss Collaboration and Sustainable Development

In this special episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith moderates a panel discussion with Indigenous leaders President Kerry Carlick of Tahltan Central Government, Chief Councillor John Jack of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and Chief Dolleen Logan of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. Recorded live as part of the 23rd Annual BC Natural Resources Forum, this discussion explores how Indigenous communities are navigating a polarized political environment, emphasizing the importance of countering misinformation and fearmongering surrounding Indigenous rights and governance. Together these Indigenous leaders examine the role of legislation such as DRIPA as a framework for engagement with Indigenous communities and the importance of bringing government, industry and Indigenous communities together to collaborate on the most pressing issues facing the resource sector and to identify areas of mutual interest. Panelists share firsthand insight into the nature of collective rights and the importance of trust and friendship in building successful partnerships. Drawing on examples from their own communities, they highlight the steps Indigenous communities are taking to advance the priorities of their communities while keeping the principles of sustainable development and land conservation at the centre of economic growth. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Chief John Jack: A Discussion on Indigenous Rights and Governance in B.C.’s Resource Sector

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Chief John Jack, Chief Councillor of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on Indigenous governance, resource development, and reconciliation.    They discuss the balance between activism, economic development, and Indigenous land stewardship in the context of an ongoing forestry strike. Chief John Jack shares how revenue from natural resource projects is benefiting Indigenous communities as it is reinvested directly into community programs, services, and infrastructure to support the needs of communities, from health care to administrative capacity-building. He emphasizes the importance of having open conversations about balancing environmental and cultural heritage concerns with the economic imperative and letting community values such as respect, unity, and responsibility to future generations guide economic decision-making.  The discussion also explores the evolving relationship between elected and hereditary leadership and the need for Indigenous nations to define their own systems of governance. They also delve into the ongoing struggles posed by political polarization and misinformation in the aftermath of the Cowichan ruling. Chief John Jack underscores the importance of building a more inclusive, resilient society that respects the rights of Indigenous people.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.