Emily Black: Why Indigenous Partnerships Are Now Core Corporate Strategy

Emily Black: Why Indigenous Partnerships Are Now Core Corporate Strategy

Author: Canadian Indigenous Investment Forum January 8, 2026 Duration: 38:09

Canada's largest Indigenous equity partnerships aren't happening by accident - they're the result of deliberate corporate strategy, government support, and Indigenous communities' increasing interest in owning infrastructure that operate in their territories. Enbridge has been at the centre of this important work, having completed multiple transaction since 2022.

Until December 2025, Emily Black served as Director of Strategic Projects and Partnerships at Enbridge Inc., where she led a landmark Indigenous equity transaction with 38 First Nations in British Columbia, the first transaction to utilize the government of Canada's Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Emily has now been appointed Director of Corporate Strategy for Enbridge, one of North America's largest infrastructure companies with operations spanning liquids pipelines, gas transmission, gas distribution, and renewable power across Canada, the United States, and Europe.


Tune into Drumbeats-Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast for a direct line to the evolving landscape of Indigenous-led business and finance in Canada. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a grounded conversation driven by the real-world experience of hosts Mark Magnacca and Rob Brant, who bring their roles as co-chairs of the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit directly to the microphone. Each episode delves into the practical intersection where community-driven economic strategies meet tangible investment opportunities. You'll hear candid interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, and analysts who are shaping this dynamic sector. The discussions go beyond surface-level trends to explore how partnerships and capital are actively fostering sustainable development and self-determination. For anyone-investors, business professionals, or simply the curious-seeking to understand the forces reshaping the Canadian economy, this podcast offers essential context and forward-looking insight. Listen for nuanced analyses that connect financial decisions to broader community impacts, all framed within a crucial national conversation. The Drumbeats podcast is your source for authentic dialogue on the people and ideas building a more inclusive and prosperous economic future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 81

Drumbeats - Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Canada's Infrastructure Window: Why European Capital Is Moving Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:20
Indigenous equity. Enbridge. 200MW wind. Six First Nations. 30% equity stake. Institutional-scale Indigenous partnership in Canada.Jake Sinclair is CEO of Cowessess Ventures Ltd and President of Six Nations Energy Develo…
Aviva Investors on Canada's Next Structural Infrastructure Cycle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:08
Aviva Investors' Head of Infrastructure Debt, Darryl Murphy, brings nearly three decades of European institutional capital experience to a frank assessment of Canada's Indigenous infrastructure investment market. In a co…
London Calling: Global Investors for Indigenous-Led Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:03
OMERS President and Chief Executive Officer Blake Hutcheson on Canadian capital deployment, Indigenous equity structures, and the pricing case for major project debt.Recorded in front of a live audience at the First Nati…
Why Global Investors Are Backing Canada's Indigenous Equity Model [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
Adam Matthews is the Chief Responsible Investment Officer at the Church of England Pensions Board. He plays a key role in how major institutional investors assess mining companies and evaluate Canada’s Indigenous equity…
$250M In: Arctic Gateway's Chris Avery on Churchill's Investment Case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
The Port of Churchill is operational. Canada's only deepwater Arctic seaport, owned entirely by 29 First Nations and 12 northern Manitoba communities, has shipped critical minerals to European markets for two consecutive…
The Traditional Playbook Is Not Working: CIIS 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
The old investment rules are no longer enough to protect capital in this new market with greater macro volatility. With the oil crisis ongoing, the global economy continues to face rising pressure and uncertainty. Crude…