Canada’s Inaugural First Nations Investment Forum Unveils Final Program

Canada’s Inaugural First Nations Investment Forum Unveils Final Program

Leading Indigenous investors, national business and government leaders, and 12 First Nation investment opportunities confirmed for Vancouver conference.

Vancouver, BC, November 25, 2025 – The First Nations Investment Forum (FNIF) has released its final program, confirming an exceptional lineup of Indigenous leaders, investors, and industry experts who are shaping the future of First Nations economic ownership in Canada.

Co-presented by Horizon Seven and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, FNIF 2025 will unite First Nation governments, development corporations, investors, and private- and public-sector partners for three days of investment-focused dialogue and partnership-building. The conference will take place December 8–10, 2025, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, featuring keynote speakers, investment-ready project presentations, and expert panels across high-growth sectors.

Keynote & Featured Speakers

The main program features keynote addresses, investment presentations, and expert panels with leaders, including:

• JP Gladu, President, Mokwateh; Advisor, Major Projects Office (MPO)
• Chief Clarence Louie, Chief, Osoyoos Indian Band
• Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation & Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
• Carol-Anne Hilton, CEO & Founder, Indigenomics Institute
• Kim Baird, CAO and former Chief, Tsawwassen First Nation
• Stephen Lidington, Vice-President, Colliers Project Leaders
• Robert Brant, Partner, Indigenous Projects & Transactions Group, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
• Teara Fraser, CEO & Founder, Iskwew Air
• Andrew Hungerford, Founder & Partner, Seven Generations Capital
• Carl Marcotte, Senior Vice-President, CANDU
• Matthew Jackson, Vice-President, Indigenous Relations, Hydro One Networks Inc.
• Monika Bear Robe, Partner, Indigenous Equity Opportunities, MNP
• Hillary Thatcher, Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).

Investment-Ready Project Presentations

FNIF 2025 will feature 12 investment-ready projects spanning high-growth sectors, including energy, real estate, infrastructure, gaming, AI and digital technology, and critical minerals. These presentations will showcase current opportunities for First Nations investment and ownership.

Presentation highlights include:

• Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage & Hydrogen Hub – PwC, Cold Lake First Nation, Cache Power Corporation, and EllisDon
• Minto Copper-Gold Mine – Selkirk First Nation, Fiore Consultants, and Nations Royalty
• Acquisition & Partnership in Canada’s Gaming Industry – Sonco Gaming Inc.
• Nuclear Energy Investment & Ownership – CANDU Energy
• Mobilizing Capital and Equity Participation for First Nations in Transmission Infrastructure – Hydro One, Wabun Tribal Council, and Mattagami First Nation
• Real Estate Partnerships – Hungerford Properties and Seven Generations Capital
• Digital Infrastructure & AI Investment – SYMX.AI and Trycycle Data Systems
• Indigenous-Owned AI & Clean Energy Data Center – CyberCloud-AI
• Ontario & Nova Scotia Gold Mines – NexGold Mining Corp.
• Port of Marathon – Peninsula Harbour Port Authority Corporation and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation
• North Shore Gas Project – Town of Marathon and Town of Terrace Bay

Expert Panels on Capital, Co-Ownership & Major Projects

A core element of the FNIF 2025 program is a series of expert panels that bring together leading practitioners in Indigenous investment, co-ownership, and project financing:

• Access to Capital for Indigenous-Led Projects – Jody Anderson, First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA); Booker Cornea, First Nations Bank of Canada; Frank Richter, Indigenous Growth Fund
• Indigenous Investment & Ownership in Major Projects – Chief Joe Miskokomon, Chippewas of the Thames; Ken Thomas, Pisim Power; Tristan Jackson, Nikutik LP, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
• The Role of Loan Guarantees in Transformative Infrastructure Projects – Alena Thouin, Build Ontario Fund; Mark Podlasly, First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC); Steven Kroeker, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)
• Projects of National Interest & Opportunities for Indigenous Leadership – Candice Tourville, Taykwa Tagamou Nation; Pierre-Philippe Dupont, Canada Nickel Company; Hillary Thatcher, Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB); Katherine Koostachin, Sussex
• Implementing Co-Ownership on Major Energy Projects – Patrick Tomlinson, BC Hydro; Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Innergex Renewable Energy; Chad Norman Day, Thadu Consulting.
• Corporate Advantage through Indigenization – Scott Patles-Richardson, Indigenous Financial Solutions (IFS); Devon Krainer, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners; Alex Bishop, Concierge Group.

The Forum will be emceed by Michael Fox, President & CEO of Indigenous Community Engagement (ICE), and Geena Jackson, Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV.

The event will culminate with a Gala Reception featuring keynote remarks by Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, a four-course dinner, live music by Shawn Bullshields, and comedy by Sasha Mark.

“This event is about building bridges between Indigenous communities, industry, and the investment world—fostering economic sovereignty and advancing First Nations leadership in major projects,” says Anthony Maunula, CEO of Horizon Seven. “We’re proud to present a powerful final program that reflects the strength, innovation, and leadership of First Nations in Canada’s economic future.”

For the full program and registration details, visit firstnationsinvestmentforum.ca.

About the First Nations Investment Forum
The First Nations Investment Forum is Canada’s first Indigenous-led national conference dedicated to advancing investment readiness and economic growth in First Nation communities. The Forum connects Indigenous governments, development corporations, financial institutions, and private sector investors to explore opportunities, share expertise, and build collaborative partnerships rooted in respect and reconciliation.

Media Contact:
Kaylee Lambert
Firedog Communications
Tel: 807-767-4443 ext. 225
Email: kaylee@firedogpr.com