IRN February Updates - Podcast, Funding, & Indigenous Leadership
Indigenous Resource Network
We Are The Voice Of Indigenous Resource Workers
This month at IRN, we’re featuring new stories, opportunities, and discussions in the resource sector. In the latest episode of the Indigenous Voices in Resource Development Podcast, Rob Martell shares his perspective on Indigenous representation in STEM. We’re also highlighting a funding opportunity to support Indigenous participation in project assessments. Our Member Spotlight features Roger Lewis, a leader in Indigenous forestry focused on sustainability and mentorship. Plus, you can rewatch a webinar on eco-colonialism and check out IRN’s feature in Engineer Australia’s Create Magazine. Finally, we’re looking for inspiring Indigenous leaders to share their stories- could that be you? Keep reading for details!
Share Your Story!
Do you know an inspiring Indigenous leader in the natural resource industry with a powerful story? Or maybe that leader is you?
We’re looking for guests for our Indigenous Voices in Resource Development Podcast and IRN members to feature on our social media and newsletter. If someone comes to mind, we’d love to hear from you!
?? Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more and help amplify Indigenous voices in resource development.
Episode 11: Indigenous Voices in Resource Development Podcast
In this episode, John Desjarlais sits down with Rob Martell, Lead Mechanical Engineer at BHP, proud Waterhen Lake First Nation member, and Saskatoon local. With a career spanning maintenance, design, construction, and project management, Rob shares his insights on innovation and efficiency in the resource sector.
Their conversation explores the importance of Indigenous representation in STEM in resource development, the challenges Indigenous professionals face, and the need for greater visibility and inclusion. They also discuss the value of dedicated Indigenous spaces and supportive workplace communities in ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and empowered.
?? Listen now:
Member Spotlight: Roger Lewis–Championing Indigenous Leadership in Forestry
This month, we’re proud to highlight Roger Lewis, a leader in Indigenous forestry from the S?wx?wú7mesh úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). With nearly 25 years in sustainable forestry, he has worked his way from a boots-on-the-ground worker to the Superintendent of Special Projects at Sqomish Forestry. He and his team are fully committed to managing and protecting the S?wx?wú7mesh temíxw (Squamish land), its ecosystems, and cultural resources, now and into the future.?
Roger is committed to increasing Indigenous participation in resource development, advocating for Nation-owned enterprises and the hiring of Indigenous professionals to lead and implement projects. He also aims to inspire the next generation of Indigenous leaders in forestry, attending career fairs, representing Sqomish Forestry at local events, and leading youth tours of the S?wx?wú7mesh temíxw (Squamish land).
We’re excited to recognize Roger’s contributions to Indigenous leadership in forestry!
Webinar: Eco-colonialism & Indigenous involvement in the natural resource sector
Rewatch the MLI Webinar where John Desjarlais, Dakota Kochie, Isaiah Robinson, and Ken Coates explored how environmental groups have often imposed their views on Indigenous communities, obstructing resource development and overlooking local priorities. They examined the effects of these interventions from an Indigenous perspective. Don’t miss this important discussion!
IRN in Engineer Australia’s Create Magazine
“It includes Indigenous value systems, encompassing ceremony and spirituality, as well as simply being a good person and living a good life. When we talk about Indigenous engineering, we’re talking about that and more.”
Our ED, John Desjarlais, was featured in Engineer Australia's Create magazine, emphasizing the significance of Indigenous knowledge in modern engineering practices.
Funding Opportunity: Indigenous Capacity Support for Impact Assessments
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) offers an Indigenous Capacity Fund to support Indigenous participation in project assessments. This funding helps communities and organizations engage meaningfully in consultations on resource development projects.
Who Can Apply? ?? Indigenous communities ?? Indigenous-led organizations involved in natural resource development
Eligible Activities Include: ? Strengthening capacity to participate in impact assessments ? Conducting research and studies for regional and strategic assessments ? Raising awareness of impact assessment (IA) issues through outreach ? Developing and delivering workshops, training, and materials on IA, including: ?? Documenting land use and Indigenous knowledge ?? Assessing environmental, health, social, and economic impacts ?? Leading or participating in project IA processes ?? Organizing community engagement initiatives
Updates on Indigenous Leadership, Resource & Energy Development, and More