Tanya Tourangeau: Mining, Reconciliation, and Who Really Benefits
What happens when reconciliation moves beyond words and into the decisions that shape our lands and communities? In this special episode of The Indigenous Miner, host Janessa Kosar North sits down with Tanya Tourangeau to explore what genuine partnership in the resource sector can look like—from Indigenous-led engagement and workforce development to ownership and lasting prosperity. It’s a conversation about building relationships that don’t end when September 30 does.
25 Sept 2026
Minister Caitlin Cleveland: Why Indigenous Partnership Is the Future of Mining
Minister Caitlin Cleveland joins The Indigenous Miner to discuss the future of mining in the Northwest Territories—from critical minerals and infrastructure investment to Indigenous partnership, workforce development, reconciliation, and responsible resource development.In this conversation, Minister Cleveland shares why meaningful relationships must come before project development, how Indigenous governments and industry can work together to create lasting benefits, and why northern communities must help shape the opportunities ahead.This episode explores the future of northern mining, Indigenous participation, education and training, environmental responsibility, and the leadership needed to build a strong North for generations to come.
31 Aug 2026
Peter McPherson: Closing the Information Gap for First Nations
Most people hear "critical minerals" constantly, but few understand what's actually at stake for First Nations. On this episode of The Indigenous Miner, host Janessa Kosar-North talks with Peter McPherson, managing partner at Aperion, about the Critical Minerals Indigenous Involvement Project — a new plain-language video series built to close the information gap between First Nations and the resource sector.Peter, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta with 25 years in GIS mapping and environmental monitoring, explains why nations are usually brought into resource conversations only after key decisions are made — and how to get ahead of development instead: identifying who holds claims in your territory, asking questions early, and building your own land data using tools as simple as a smartphone.
23 Aug 2026
Greg McIvor: The Future of Mining Runs on Power. Here’s Who Should Own It.
You can't talk about the future of mining without talking about power — literally. On this episode of The Indigenous Miner, host Janessa Kosar-North sits down with Greg McIvor, a veteran advisor who has spent decades working with First Nations across Manitoba on governance, mining, and energy sovereignty.Greg traces his path from Wabowden, Manitoba to advising Grand Chiefs and MPs like the late Elijah Harper and Phil Fontaine, and explains how hydro development and mining reshaped First Nations communities without their consent — including the 2011 flood that displaced over 20,000 Manitobans after warnings went unheard. From there, the conversation turns to why mines and energy are inseparable: modern mining operations can require hundreds of megawatts of power, and without secure infrastructure, critical minerals projects stall. Greg breaks down what energy sovereignty really means — community safety, food security, and long-term revenue that funds housing, healthcare, and self-determination.
28 Jul 2026
Tamara Napoleon: Building Indigenous Power in Law, Governance and Resource Projects
In this episode of The Indigenous Miner, host Janessa Kosar North sits down with Tamara Napoleon, Principal Lawyer and Co Lead of the Indigenous Law Group at Miller Titerle + Company* and a member of Saulteau First Nations in Treaty 8 territory.
Tamara shares how growing up in a politically active family, time spent on blockades as a child, and her background in gender studies led her to see law as a practical tool for Indigenous nations, even when law school and big firm life felt isolating and often hostile.
Together, Janessa and Tamara explore what it really means for nations to apply their own stewardship frameworks and legal orders to mines, pipelines, LNG projects and forestry proposals—from early project review and community consent processes, through to negotiating agreements and building the economic “vehicles” that can hold long term benefits. They discuss why moving beyond basic consultation toward consent-based decision making, governance reform, and shared accountability for social and cultural impacts (including the safety of Indigenous women and girls) is essential for any responsible resource project.
22 Jul 2026
Michael Fox: From Lived Experience to Indigenous Mining Partnerships
In this episode of The Indigenous Miner, host Janessa Kosar North sits down with Michael Fox, President and CEO of Indigenous and Community Engagement (ICE), to explore howhis early life in foster care, childhood with his grandparents in Weenusk First Nation, and later experiences of racism and family trauma shaped his approach to Indigenous leadership and resource development. Michael breaks down the high‑risk, pre‑revenue realities of mineral exploration and Canada’s unique financing structures, while he and Janessa discuss how Nations can move beyond basic consultation toward real influence, ownership, and long‑term economic participation in mining projects.
12 Jul 2026
John Desjarlais: From Cumberland House to National Leadership
In this episode of Indigenous Miner, speaks with John Desjarlais, Chief Impact Officer of Kihew Consulting & Research, about Indigenous leadership, servant leadership, and the future of resource development.
John shares how growing up in Cumberland House shaped his values of kinship, humility, accountability, and service. He reflects on his journey through self-doubt, leadership, and learning to create his own path.
Together, they explore how Indigenous participation in mining, energy, and infrastructure is moving beyond jobs and consultation toward ownership, equity, governance, and long-term partnership.
#IndigenousMiner #JohnDesjarlais #IndigenousLeadership #ServantLeadership #ResourceDevelopment #IndigenousParticipation #IndigenousOwnership#MiningIndustry #FirstNations #IndigenousGovernance #WorkforceDevelopment #CanadianMining
28 Jun 2026
Mark Saxon: What Meaningful Mining Partnerships Look Like
In this episode of Indigenous Miner, Janessa Kosar North speaks with Mark Saxon B.Sc.(Hons), GDipAppFin, FAusIMM,MAIG, President, CEO and Director of T2 Metals (TSX-V: TWO) (OTCQB: TWOSF) (WKN: A3DVMD), about what meaningful partnership in mining can look like when trust, communication, and Indigenous leadership come first.
Mark shares how T2 Metals built its relationship with Kiciwapa Cree Nation, the importance of understanding the history of the land and people, and why real engagement must go beyond agreements. Together, they discuss Mamawewin Productions, Our Land, Our Future, and the opportunity to create a better future for mining through respect, friendship, and long-term collaboration.
#IndigenousMiner #MarkSaxon #T2Metals #KiciwapaCreeNation #IndigenousLeadership#MiningPartnerships #FirstNations #ResponsibleMining #ResourceDevelopment #OurLandOurFuture #MamawewinProductions #CanadianMining
1 Jun 2026
Malika Whelan: Indigenous Relations in Mining – From Box-Checking to Partnership
In this episode of Indigenous Miner, we sit down with Malika Whelan, CEO & President of Shared Pathway Solutions, to explore how Indigenous relations in mining can move beyond box checking toward genuine, long-term partnership. She shares her path into the sector, the capacity gaps she sees on both community and industry sides, and how Nation led protocols, cultural awareness courses, and community driven engagement standards are reshaping projects in Manitoba and beyond. Malika also explains how deeper relationships, respect for a Nation’s connection to land and water, and intentional capacity building are creating more meaningful futures for Indigenous youth, Nations, and companies across the resource sector.Indigenous Miner with Malika Whelan on moving Indigenous relations in mining beyond box checking toward real partnership, capacity building, and Nation led engagement.#IndigenousMiner #IndigenousRelations #IndigenousMining #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousBusiness #MiningPodcast #MiningIndustry #CommunityPartnerships #ReconciliationInAction #FirstNations #ResourceDevelopment #Manitoba
21 May 2026
Shawn Sobush: Growing Indigenous Impact in Mining
In this episode of Indigenous Miner, we sit down with Shawn Sobush, Founder & President of Asiniikaa Mining and Construction, to explore how Indigenous-owned companies are reshaping mining through community-driven artnerships, local hiring, and focused training. He shares his journey from Red Rock, Ontario, to building a growing Indigenous mining company across Northern Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and explains how “true” partnerships, local Indigenous talent, and programs like the Technica Advanced Training Center are creating real opportunities for youth while raising the bar on safety, mentorship, and leadership in the industry.
21 May 2026
Alan McPherson: Indigenous Ownership in Mining. Building Opportunity from the Ground Up
In the first episode of Indigenous Miner, we sit down with Alan McPherson of Helm Drilling for an honest conversation about grit, growth, and Indigenous leadership in mining.
Alan shares his journey from growing up in Telegraph Creek, BC, to starting on the rigs in 2004 and eventually building an Indigenous-owned drilling company. He reflects on the discipline, sacrifice, and resilience it took to move from helper to driller to business owner, and the importance of staying focused through challenges.
This episode explores the realities of drilling, the value of strong relationships, and the growing role of First Nations and Indigenous businesses in shaping the future of mining.
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