What Gord Downie Started: Why Canadian Boards Now Take Notice

What Gord Downie Started: Why Canadian Boards Now Take Notice

Author: Canadian Indigenous Investment Forum July 2, 2026 Duration: 40:26

Over nine thousand five hundred Canadian schools, all five major Canadian banks, and over one hundred major corporates have signed up to the work of the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, the charity that grew out of a terminally ill rock star's call to his country in August 2016 to do something about the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Sarah Midanik, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund and a board director at the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, joins Mark Magnacca and Rob Brant to set out what this cultural shift means for international investors evaluating Canadian assets.

Sarah's argument for the Square Mile is direct: companies still treating Indigenous communities as stakeholders rather than rights holders are carrying unpriced execution risk. The Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations framework, administered by CCIB, now gives Canadian boards a four-pillar measurement system. Indigenous consent and partnership, Sarah says, can determine whether a major Canadian project gets built.

Starting next week, Drumbeats publishes every Tuesday. We have an exciting new series coming — stay tuned.

Learn more about the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: https://downiewenjack.ca


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: 50

Drumbeats - Canadian Indigenous Investment Podcast
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