Economic Reconciliation: What Does it Mean? 

Economic reconciliation. It’s a term I hear a lot when I travel, especially in Ottawa. 

As Chief of Fort McKay First Nation, a small but enterprising Nation in Northern Alberta, I’ve put some time into thinking about this term. I want us to get beyond the words to focus on action—concrete changes that will benefit my people and, more broadly, all the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. 

That’s particularly important now, as Canada enters uncertain times, not just in terms of our federal political leadership, but in our economic relationship with the United States—where energy exports, including from Northern Alberta, play a central role. For the time being, turbulence is the rule, not the exception. In this climate, solid Indigenous-owned businesses can be leaders and sources of good jobs, stability and growth. 

I’m confident Fort McKay can play such a leadership role if our government and industry partners meet us halfway. But it will take more than words. We’ve many words at this stage. We’ve had apologies, which were welcome, important and foundational. Now, what about the next steps? Words are a road map. Where is the road? 

Acknowledging the Past and Claiming a Fair Future

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented how residential schools decimated our families and communities. That system was a deliberate attempt to wipe out Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions, and it very nearly succeeded. The country of Canada has now formally acknowledged that dark past. But more is needed. We need a seat at the table of economic prosperity. 

Fixing this, of course, costs money. In northern Canada, in practical terms, money comes from resource wealth. So Indigenous Peoples need and absolutely deserve a share of that wealth, extracted from our own lands, providing employment, prosperity and a future for our people living in our own traditional territories. 

Fort McKay’s Proven Model of Economic Success

Fort McKay, as I have been saying for some time now, has a road-tested model for economic growth. We began with a single janitorial services company. We developed opportunities and a client base focused on the oil services businesses. And we now have clients in energy, mining, forestry and the public sector. This year, with our industry partners, we have taken the first steps towards developing an oilsands resource on our own lands. We fully intend to be an energy leader. 

None of this is easy. We have challenges, of course. But we are making steady progress. In the process we are fostering hope for our kids and pride among our elders. Our young people have opportunities they didn’t have 30 years ago or even 20. And even as we build our businesses and create jobs, we are environmental innovators, protecting our air, land and water. 

Turning Promises into Policy

This is still a rare approach to resource extraction. It is fundamentally different from the one taken by most non-Indigenous-owned resource businesses historically. It’s an approach they can and should emulate, I believe. If they did, I think we would all be better off. 

That’s why I have long urged federal leaders to move strongly to uphold treaty rights. 

I will also repeat here my call for all the federal parties to get behind concrete measures that propel actual economic reconciliation—including the First Nations Resource Charge and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Policies like these move us past the nice words. They represent concrete action and progress. 

Last but certainly not least, we all understand that the basic necessities of life—safe housing, clean water, infrastructure—must be in place before a community can thrive. That requires long-term investment in First Nations housing and infrastructure. This funding cannot be a one-off: It must be long-term, stable, and accessible to all First Nations in Canada. 

Leading by Example

Leading Fort McKay First Nation continues to be the single greatest honour and highest commitment of my life. Among my primary goals is to demonstrate, through action, what economic reconciliation really looks like: creating opportunity for our people and prosperity for Albertans and Canadians alike. 

At Fort McKay, we have built an economic model that works. We are succeeding. Because of our innovative ideas, spirit of free enterprise, determination and hard work, not just among the current generation but past ones as well, we have a seat at the table. We are taking control of our destiny for the benefit of our people. 

Every Indigenous person in Canada deserves nothing less.