In this episode of Drumbeats, hosts Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Bernd Christmas, KC, Principal at Bernd Christmas Law Group (BCLG). The conversation explores the historical and legal importance of Mi’kmaq treaty rights, beginning with the 1725 peace and friendship treaty with the British. Bernd reflects on the landmark Donald Marshall Jr. case, which affirmed Mi’kmaq commercial fishing rights and reshaped Indigenous–government relations in Canada.

The discussion also highlights modern examples of Indigenous economic development, including the Squamish Nation’s $1.2–$1.5 billion Sen̓áḵw project in Vancouver, designed to address both growth and affordable housing for its members.

In this episode, hosts Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant are joined by Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, Board Member of the Indigenous Advisory Council and Principal of Mokwateh. JP shares his journey from his Anishinaabe roots in Thunder Bay to serving as President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, where he advanced programmes that support Indigenous entrepreneurs.

He speaks about his role on the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Major Projects Office, where he promotes Indigenous participation at the outset of major projects. JP highlights examples of effective collaboration, including Enbridge’s partnerships with First Nations in Alberta, and encourages international investors to work directly with Indigenous leaders to gain insight into local perspectives.

This discussion provides a clear view of how Indigenous leadership continues to shape Canada’s business and resource development sectors.

In this episode, Mark Magnacca and co-host Robert Brant are joined by Bernd Christmas, KC, Principal at Bernd Christmas Law Group (BCLG). With nearly 30 years of experience as a practising Mi’kmaw lawyer, Bernd has represented First Nations in groundbreaking projects that are reshaping Canada’s economy.

He shares insights from his recent and ongoing work, including billion-dollar negotiations in Ontario and major projects such as the Ring of Fire and the Port of Churchill. Bernd’s story reflects the growing influence of Indigenous nations in deal-making and the future of development across the country.

Our conversation explores Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of five nation-building projects generating $60 billion for the Canadian economy, supported by eleven Indigenous leaders with exceptional credentials appointed to the Indigenous Advisory Council. Rob details how these transformative initiatives, from LNG Canada's Phase Two expansion doubling liquefied natural gas production in Kitimat to the Darlington New Nuclear Project's small modular reactor development, create launching pads for equity ownership and responsible resource management through meaningful Indigenous participation.

The five designated projects include LNG Canada's Phase Two in Kitimat, British Columbia, doubling production capacity; the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Clarington, Ontario, pioneering small modular reactor technology; the Contrecoeur Terminal Container Project expanding Montreal's port infrastructure; the McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine Project in Saskatchewan; and the Red Chris Mine expansion in northwestern British Columbia. Each project embeds Indigenous economic participation as fundamental to approval and development processes.

Our conversation explores specific multi-billion dollar projects, including the Grays Bay Road and Port development and the Kivalliq Hydrofibre Link, designed to open mineral corridors and transform energy infrastructure. President Obed details how these nation-building initiatives create launching pads for natural resource extraction whilst maintaining environmental standards and Indigenous rights protection.Key insights include the strategic importance of Arctic sovereignty investments, the role of development corporations in facilitating partnerships, and how efficiency improvements in environmental assessments are accelerating project timelines without compromising standards. This conversation reveals why going "through the front door" with Indigenous partners isn't just ethical, it's the pathway to successful returns in Canada's emerging Arctic economy.

Michael Bonshor, CPA, CMA, and newly appointed board chair of the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC), discussed the organisation's role in providing enabling affordable capital for Indigenous Nations. The CILGC, initially funded at $5 billion, was expanded to $10 billion by Prime Minister Mark Carney. With one deal completed and a number of applications received, the CILGC aims to support Indigenous economic opportunities across sectors. The CILGC's mandate now includes all sectors except gaming, and it plans to collaborate with other loan guarantee programmes to maximise funding utilisation.

Thomas Benjoe, CEO of Flowing River Capital, discusses how Canada’s first Indigenous-led private equity fund fuels investment.

In this interview, he outlines the firm’s strategy to acquire and Indigenise strong businesses aligned with procurement commitments, unlocking billions in opportunities. Learn how Flowing River Capital combines Indigenous and non-Indigenous expertise, has already secured $35 million with a target of $100 million, and is trailblazing a new model for growth.

Discover insights on building sustainable Indigenous-owned enterprises, leveraging procurement policies, and why economic reconciliation is central to investment success.

CWEIC drives trade across Commonwealth nations, linking rich countries like Australia and the UK with global markets and Indigenous innovation.In this episode of Drumbeats podcast, co-chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Samantha Cohen, CVO, OBE, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.Cohen reveals the 21% Commonwealth trade advantage and why Canada is missing out on the world's fastest-growing economic network. Go behind the scenes of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) as Samantha Cohen reveals how this remarkable self-funded organisation facilitates trade and investment. As the practical business arm of the Commonwealth, CWEIC operates independently from government policy, maintaining 13 global hubs from United Kingdom to Malta to Cyprus.

Preview the priorities, themes, and strategic direction of Summit 2026, from critical minerals to Arctic defence, energy, and infrastructure.

In this episode of the Drumbeats podcast, Co-Chair Mark Magnacca offers a preview of what’s ahead at the 2026 Summit, a platform where Indigenous leadership and institutional capital converge.

Building on our previous episode’s examination of Bill C-5, which strengthens the recognition of Indigenous rights and governance, this episode shows how these shifts are actively reshaping investment priorities, project design, and capital flows across Canada.

Indigenous-led finance meets institutional capital: FNFA's Jody Anderson reveals how First Nations are reshaping Canada's investment landscape.

In this episode of the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit podcast, co-chairs Mark Magnacca and Robert Brant speak with Jody Anderson, Vice President of Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs at the First Nations Finance Authority. A proud Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3 and member of Couchiching First Nation, Jody leads transformative work in advancing Indigenous-led economic growth across Canada. Jody shares insights from her leadership role designing high-impact initiatives and establishing trust-based relationships with First Nations committed to infrastructure development and financial self-determination.