Indigenous economic participation in major infrastructure projects across Canada not only helps get projects built, but also advances reconciliation.
Earlier this year, 38 First Nations became minority owners in a major natural gas pipeline system in B.C.—the largest Indigenous equity partnership in Canadian history. This landmark transaction of $736 million was made possible by a $400-million loan guarantee from the Government of Canada through the Canada Development Investment Corporation. It marked the first time the federal government issued such a guarantee to support Indigenous equity participation in a major operating natural gas pipeline system.
Join Canadian Club Toronto on October 22 to hear directly from those who helped bring this complex agreement to life. The discussion will explore how a major Canadian energy company, 38 First Nations, and the Government of Canada came together to make it happen—and what lessons can guide future projects that advance Indigenous economic reconciliation and enable Indigenous Peoples to have a greater stake in Canada’s economic growth.
The conversation will be moderated by Cherie Brant, Partner & National Leader of Indigenous Law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, with panelists:
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:40 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Cynthia Hansen
Executive Vice President & President, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Enbridge
In this role, she has responsibility for Enbridge’s natural gas pipeline and midstream business across North America.
Ms. Hansen, based in Houston, has a wealth of experience in the natural gas industry and a long track record of accomplishments at Enbridge. She has more than 25 years of experience working in leadership roles within Enbridge, most recently as Executive Vice President and President, Gas Distribution and Storage. Cynthia is also Executive Sponsor for the Asset and Work Management Transformation across Enbridge, and co-chair of the Inclusion Sponsor Council. Prior to joining Enbridge, she worked as a Principal for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Ms. Hansen currently serves on the board of FuelCell Energy Inc. and will soon join the DCP Midstream, LLC board, American Gas Association (AGA) and Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA). In the past, she has served on the boards of Energir Inc., Ontario Energy Association, Canadian Gas Association, Canadian Energy Council, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and University of Alberta School of Business Advisory Council, among others.
Ms. Hansen was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network and is a current Hall of Fame member. She was also recognized as a Canadian Business Leader by Catalyst Canada.
Justin Napoleon
Board Director, Stonalsec8
Justin Napoleon is a distinguished leader, entrepreneur, and former Chief Councillor from Saulteau First Nation, located in Moberly Lake, British Columbia. Justin is a committed advocate for community prosperity, helping Sedgwick’s clients navigate complex government, Indigenous, and procurement challenges with expertise and lived experience.
Under Justin’s leadership, the Saulteau First Nation achieved significant milestones. Notably, in March 2022, Justin negotiated on behalf of the Treaty 8 Nations to secure a 10% equity stake in the Coastal GasLink pipeline. This historic agreement marked one of the first instances where Indigenous communities were included as owners in a major natural resource project crossing their territories. In April 2023, Justin led Saulteau to reach a historic settlement with the federal and provincial governments regarding Treaty Land Entitlement claims. This agreement addressed longstanding issues related to lands owed under Treaty 8, signed in 1899. The settlement not only provided monetary compensation but also allocated approximately 44,266 hectares (109,385 acres) of Crown land to the involved First Nations, marking a pivotal step toward reconciliation.
Before his tenure as Chief, Napoleon spent over a decade working as an Operator with Spectra Energy. This role provided him with valuable insights into the industry’s operations and its potential impacts on Indigenous lands and communities.
Justin is also the founder of Nap-how Contracting, a civil construction and logging company. Through this venture, he has contributed to local economic development by creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable resource management practices. Justin’s commitment to his community extends beyond political and economic realms. He is a father to two sons and spends his time cheering them on at their respective competitive hockey games around western Canada.
Elizabeth Wademan
President & CEO, CDEV
Ms. Wademan is the CEO of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV) and is recognized as a mobilizing leader with a strong strategic focus and action-oriented, ambitious vision. Appointed in February 2022 as President and CEO, Ms. Wademan brings deep private sector expertise from an established career in financial services and natural resources. Ms. Wademan is driven to continue to position CDEV as a results-oriented organization that is a key resource supporting Canada’s Department of Finance. She is focused on multiple initiatives across CDEV that will enable the organization to increase its impact and contribute to creating value for Canadians from the Government’s most complex commercial interests.
Prior to joining CDEV, Ms. Wademan was a senior investment banker and capital markets executive, including a long career in investment banking, as Managing Director for BMO Capital Markets, one of Canada’s largest investment banks. She was one of the firm’s most senior professionals and was Head, Global Metals & Mining Equity Capital Markets, where she advised on many of the most formative and transformational transactions in the resource sector on the continent.
Ms. Wademan is also an experienced corporate director with extensive public company board experience. She has also been deeply involved in her community and with various not-for-profit organizations.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & International Business) from McGill University and CFA & ICD.D designations.
Cherie Brant
Partner & National Leader of Indigenous Law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Cherie Brant is a partner and national leader for the Indigenous law group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. Ms. Brant has a commercial practice across a wide variety of sectors, including energy and transmission, land development and financing on First Nations lands, franchising, cannabis and economic development. She also provides strategic policy and governance counsel to Indigenous groups. Prior to joining Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ms. Brant was a partner at another major Canadian law firm, and she been practicing law since her call to the Ontario Bar in 2003.
Ms. Brant is both Mohawk and Ojibway from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Territory. She serves on the boards of the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and participates on the advisory committees for the Aboriginal Energy Working Group of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the Aboriginal Education Council for Centennial College and Advisory Council for Nationhood Council House. Her previous directorships include Women’s College Hospital, Trillium Gift of Life and Anduhyaun Inc., a women’s shelter and transitional housing for Indigenous women and their families.
In August, 2018, Cherie Brant was appointed to the board of directors of Hydro One Limited, making her one of five Indigenous persons to sit as an independent director on a Canadian public company. In 2017, Ms. Brant received the Lexpert Zenith Award, a national award recognizing women’s contributions in the law and in 2012, she was named one of Lexpert’s “Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40”.
Ms. Brant holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Planning Program from the University of Waterloo and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto.
