Plutonic Power (TSX:PCC) CEO Donald McInnis believes most executives have no idea about the daily challenges that First Nations leaders face, and that lack of knowledge is one reason why industry and aboriginal groups have a tough time forging partnerships.
“We have a million Canadians living in our country who are First Nations, and they do have a different existence,” said McInnis, who’s also vice-chairman of the Vancouver-based run-of-river hydroelectric and wind farm developer.
“There should be an acceptance that they do come from a unique background, and there’s got to be an honest recognition that there is a million people in our country who are generally living a Third-World existence.”
In 2009, McInnis took part in a leadership exchange program that allowed him to spend a few days with the Fraser Valley’s Chehalis Indian Band.
He said the experience taught him a lot about the different responsibilities a chief has to their community compared with a CEO.
McInnis believes the business community should view partnerships with First Nations as business opportunities, not costs.
“If you change your perspective first you’re going to get better investment certainty,” McInnis said. “So if [First] Nations are included in your business plans and you’re involved in natural resource development and they’re supportive of your venture, then it’s going to save you time and money in the permitting process … This is a fantastic pool of untapped talent.”
Check out next week’s edition of BIV for more about how the Chehalis are building business capacity in the Fraser Valley.