A roundtable session held in Calgary on May 13 highlighted Indigenous leadership in the energy industry. Moderated by Shannon Joseph, the panel included Chief Kesley Jacko of Cold Lake First Nations, Alberta government advisor Melissa Mbarki, and Linette Hodges of Worley Canada. The discussion centered on the role of Indigenous communities in shaping the future of energy development in Alberta and beyond.
Key Panelists and Perspectives
Chief Kesley Jacko emphasized the importance of Indigenous participation in energy projects, noting that collaboration with industry and government can lead to economic benefits while respecting traditional lands. Melissa Mbarki, an advisor to the Alberta government, discussed policy frameworks that support Indigenous involvement. Linette Hodges of Worley Canada shared insights on how engineering and consulting firms can partner with Indigenous groups to create sustainable energy solutions.
Moderator's Role
Shannon Joseph, a well-known figure in energy policy, guided the conversation toward actionable steps for increasing Indigenous leadership. She highlighted successful examples of Indigenous-led initiatives and called for continued dialogue between stakeholders.
The roundtable took place amid broader discussions on energy transition and reconciliation in Canada. Participants expressed optimism about the potential for Indigenous communities to drive innovation in the energy sector while preserving cultural values.
