Over two days in Canada’s financial hub, over 1,800 leaders from Indigenous nations, business, and government gathered for the 8th Annual FNMPC Conference: Valuing Reconciliation in Global Markets.
This conference wasn’t just about dialogue. It was about execution. Delegates came to build relationships, close deals, and advance major projects. With capital markets watching and global investors present, the message was unmistakable: Indigenous inclusion accelerates certainty, reduces risk, and unlocks new markets.
Below are some of the key insights and outcomes that emerged.
Indigenous Governance and Ownership: Proving that Economic Sovereignty Drives Resiliant, Globally Competitive, and Culturally Grounded Development
Under the theme of Indigenous Peoples in World Markets, it was demonstrated that Indigenous governance and ownership models are not aspirational — they are delivering measurable results. From BHP’s emphasis on integrating Indigenous partnership into project design to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s blueprint for wealth creation through self-governance, the outcome is clear: Indigenous economic sovereignty strengthens long-term project viability and business resilience. The success of Alaska Native Corporations provided concrete proof that Indigenous-led enterprises can operate globally and profitably while maintaining cultural and community priorities. Infrastructure leaders like CN underscored that reconciliation must be operationalized across industries to meet both sustainability goals and market expectations.
Indigenous-Led Infrastructure and Energy Projects are Expanding Canada’s Global Market Access and Attracting International Investment Through Values-Based Development
The focus on Getting Canada to International Markets translated into tangible lessons: Canada’s ability to diversify its export economy will increasingly depend on Indigenous-owned trade infrastructure. The Arctic Gateway and Tshiuetin Rail projects demonstrated that Indigenous investment in transportation is expanding Canada’s access to global markets, particularly as demand grows for responsibly sourced resources. Indigenous leadership in LNG development, as seen with the Ksi Lisims project, is creating new pathways for international capital investment, built on values of environmental stewardship, community consent, and shared prosperity.
Indigenous Nations are Gaining the Capital and Financial Tools Needed to Own and Lead Major Projects
Under the theme of Unlocking Capital for Indigenous Equity Investment, several real advances were evident. The TMX Market Open during the conference symbolized growing visibility for Indigenous businesses in the capital markets. Concrete financial commitments, such as the expansion of Ontario’s Indigenous Opportunities Fund from $1 billion to $3 billion, and Indigenous-run capital market firms are breaking down historic barriers to capital access. Energy sector leaders like Hydro-Québec reinforced that Indigenous equity participation is becoming a baseline requirement for major project success.
Indigenous Partnerships are Redefining Canada’s Economy Through Shared Leadership, Stronger Governance, and Investment Environments that Attract Global Capital
Finally, Forging Canada’s Economic Future with Indigenous Partnerships made clear that Indigenous inclusion is no longer about participation — it is about shared leadership. Across discussions on corporate governance, investment attraction, and major project development, the case was made that Indigenous representation strengthens governance, improves sustainable performance, and unlocks competitive advantage. Laurel Broten’s keynote on foreign investment confirmed that future investors will prioritize jurisdictions where Indigenous rights, leadership, and partnerships are embedded at the core of major developments.
The two days of #FNMPC2025 confirmed an unmistakable shift: Indigenous nations are delivering the projects, investments, and economic strategies that are shaping Canada’s competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come.
Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for helping move the national conversation from principles to performance.