Convening First Nations’ perspectives into the Canada Energy Regulator’s (CER) Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations.
 
February 27-28, 2025        
Wanuskewin, Saskatoon
 
This two-day in-person session for lands and resources portfolio holders and staff provide an opportunity for all 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan to shape these two important regulatory initiatives.  The Federal regulatory initiatives are a key feature of the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation in a manner that is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
 
Hosted in partnership with the Federated Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), Lands and Resources Secretariat and with support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), the session is intended to support greater alignment between First Nations, the federal Government and its national regulator (the CER) through facilitated discussion on:

1. The Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs) which propose to delegate certain powers, duties and functions, currently vested in the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) related to the oversight of interprovincial pipeline and transmission lines to Indigenous governing bodies (February 27), and
2. The Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) which propose to enhance First Nations involvement in pipeline oversight through the creation of new mandatory requirements on how regulated companies advance and support reconciliation with First Nations during the operation and construction of their pipeline infrastructure (February 28).

 
First Nations are invited to send up to two delegates to attend the 2-day event. Costs associated with their participation in the session will be covered. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be served each day.
 
To register, please visit here

May 27-29, 2025    
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
​
The Forum, Leadership Summit and Youth Plenary will celebrate First Nations culture and history while
fostering strong foundations for collaboration to drive the future sustainability and success of
Saskatchewan’s resource and energy sectors. The three-day event will encourage dialogue and action
that recognizes First Nations as strategic partners in successfully positioning the province, and Canada as
a whole, as a hub within emergent North American critical mineral and nuclear supply chains.

This unique event gathers thought leaders to share insights and explore approaches that braid First
Nations’ Inherent and Treaty Rights with the development of future energy and natural resources via
four key themes:
1. Major project equity and ownership,
2. Workforce development,
3. Leadership in continental value chains, and
4. Environmental sustainability and stewardship.

A Youth Summit and Charity Golf Tournament supporting on-reserve K-12 STEM education will kick off
the event on May 27th . On May 28-29, Forum participants will hear from keynote speakers and expert panels while taking part in networking opportunities and cultural & educational experiences, featuring a
gala event the evening of May 28th.  A by-invite-only Leadership Summit for First Nations, federal,
provincial, and corporate decision-makers will take place on the 28th and lay the groundwork for future
economic partnerships

For more information about the Tradeshow, Sponsorship or Delegate registration, please view the
conference package by clicking here.

Session dates and locations to be announced in early 2025

The Forum is being delivered in partnership with SaskPower and will build on the inaugural Information Exchange Forums which were hosted in early 2024.

See attached document for summary report.  See attached document for round table summary report.

More information on the sessions and how to participate will be shared on this site in early 2025. Stay tuned!

Session dates and locations to be announced in early 2025

Building on the success of the inaugural March 2023 Kêhtê-ayak (Elders) Forum, hosted in partnership with the FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat, this event will bring together our knowledge keepers to share perspectives and to provide guidance in relation to First Nations’ participation in future major energy and natural resource development projects.  The Forum seeks to empower our Elders, their knowledge and life experiences in promoting sustainable development and shaping positive outcomes for future generations.

More information on the Forum and how to participate will be shared on this site in early 2025. Stay tuned!

Session dates and locations to be announced in early 2025

In the context of the proposed deployment of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and the development of critical minerals and other natural resources within our Treaty lands and traditional territories, these one-day sessions are designed to provide a range of tools, resources, and strategies for effective participation in Federal and provincial impact and environmental assessment processes.  The sessions will cover a range of topics, including:

• Duty to Consult and Impact Assessment.
• Effective navigation through each phase of the impact and environmental process
• Knowing when and how to apply leverage in negotiations to protect your Rights and Interests, influence project design and maximize economic opportunities.
• Effective deployment of your Nation’s Indigenous knowledge and land use data.
• Regional Assessments - What they are, how they are used, and when are they triggered.
• Use of Valued Components and how they relate to Indigenous Nations and consultation.

More information on the sessions and how to participate will be shared on this site in early 2025. Stay tuned!

This Centre-facilitated panel discussion and Q&A with business, legal and political leadership from both sides of the US-Canada border will explore the unique opportunities First Nations and Native American Tribes can advance in partnership to support North America’s future energy and security needs, with a focus on critical minerals and nuclear supply chains.

The session’s premise is that First Nations and Native American Tribes are uniquely positioned to play a leadership role in the development of cross border critical mineral and nuclear supply chains by leveraging 1) our relationships and kinship bonds, 2) our unique geographical strengths (land base, natural resources, access to markets, manufacturing hubs, Tribal Free Trade zones, etc.), and 3) the promise of historic diplomatic instruments that support Tribal/First Nation cross border trade and economic development (i.e.: the Jay Treaty of 1794).  The panel will also explore opportunities to advocate for greater First Nations and Native American Tribal economic sovereignty in the upcoming 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Through this session, the Centre hopes to create momentum on both sides of the border to strategically engage our respective federal governments to cultivate a greater First Nations and Native American Tribal presence in cross border trade as both an act of economic reconciliation and in the interests of continental energy security and sustaining domestic world-leading value chains associated with advanced manufacturing and technology.  

RES 2025 is hosted by the National Centre for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). For information on how to register and participate, please visit: https://res.ncaied.org/Summit-Info/About.