Cutting-edge knowledge and networking opportunities
ARCTIC ENERGY & RESOURCE SYMPOSIUM
March 19–20, 2025 | Hotel Arts, Calgary, AB
A must-attend event for connecting leaders to drive the future of Arctic resource development, innovation, and Indigenous partnerships.
Conference Co-Chairs
Monika Bear Robe Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting MNP
Bill Whitelaw Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC systems
Essential Themes for Success:
CHEVRON-RIGHT REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW PROCESSES:
Equipping attendees with strategies to navigate Canada’s complex regulatory and assessment landscape.
CHEVRON-RIGHT GEOPOLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY:
Creating long-term policies to ensure stable investment regardless of political shifts.
CHEVRON-RIGHT ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION AND EQUITY PARTNERSHIPS:
Promoting Indigenous ownership and community investment in energy and resource development.
CHEVRON-RIGHT ENERGY SECURITY:
Ensuring reliable alternative energy to cut emissions and reduce disruptions.
CHEVRON-RIGHT ENERGY AFFORDABILITY:
Providing solutions to lower heating and fuel costs for remote communities.
CHEVRON-RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION:
Developing solutions for land, air, and water logistics in Arctic Canada.
CHEVRON-RIGHT DEVOLUTION AND END-OF-LIFE ENERGY PROJECTS:
Insights on reclamation and remediation projects including abandoned mines and wells.
PLUS! Solve your specific Arctic resource challenges in our in-depth sessions on March 18th, 2025.
WORKSHOP A: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape in Arctic Canada
WORKSHOP B: Forming Meaningful Indigenous Engagement in Arctic Communities
Empowering the North: Strategies to Drive Arctic Energy and Mineral Development
Canada’s Arctic holds abundant resources and critical minerals essential to the global energy economy. However, vast distances, infrastructure gaps, and climate challenges make consistent development difficult. Increasingly, Indigenous-led projects are paving the way, as communities pursue energy sovereignty through region-specific expertise and equity partnerships.
CI’s 24th Annual Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium will provide strategies to accelerate Arctic exploration and development, featuring the latest technologies and energy solutions to address the region’s unique challenges.
Who You Will Meet
This is a must-see event for government, Indigenous and industry professionals involved in Northern resource development. The spectrum of job responsibilities includes:
Regulatory and Government Affairs
Policy Advisor
Environment & Natural Resources
Indigenous and Community Affairs
Economic Development
Land Management & Environmental Approvals
Logistics, Infrastructure, Transportation
Exploration Manager
Oil & Gas Planning
Petroleum Advisors
Resource Development
Geoscientist
New Ventures
Project Managers
Legal Affairs
Finance and Procurement
Business Development
Celebrating 24 Years of Gathering Arctic Resource Development Leaders
Aboriginal & Northern Affairs
Acho Dene Koe First Nation
ADK Holdings Limited
Alberta Energy
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission
Arctic Energy Alliance
ATCO Frontec
Ayoni Keh Land Corporation
Baffinland Iron Mines
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Canadian Global Affairs Institute
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Canadian Propane Association
Canadian Space Mining Corporation
Chance Oil and Gas Limited
CIRNAC
Crown Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs Canada
Daily Oil Bulletin
Deline Got’ine Government
Denendeh Investments Inc
Elevation Direct Corporation
First Nations Finance Authority
Fort Norman Metis Community
EARN CPD HOURS
GFI Solutions
Global Public Affairs Inc
GNWT Industry Tourism & Investment
Government of Canada
Government of Canada Public Services & Procurement Canada
Government of Northwest Territories
Government of Nunavut
Gwich’in Development Corporation
Gwich’in Land & Water Board
IMG – WSP Corporation
Imperial Oil
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Inuvialuit Water Board
Jamieson Laurin & Co.
Li-FT Power Ltd.
MacDonald Laurier Institute
Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board
MNP LLP
Natural Resources Canada
NorZinc Ltd
NT Energy
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
NWT Chamber of Commerce
Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations
Parsons Canada
PCL Industrial Constructors Inc
Qulliq Energy Corp
Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine
Royal Norwegian Consulate
Sahtu Land Use Planning Board
Saskatchewan Research Council
SaskPower
Sensor Geophysical Ltd
Shell Canada Limited
Stantec
Suncor
Tahltan Nation Development Corp
Tetra Tech Canada
Tlicho Government
Tlicho Investment Corp & Group of Companies
Transport Canada
Transportation & Economic Corridors – GoA
Tsiigehtchic Charter Community
Tulita District Land Corporation
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation
University of Calgary School of Public Policy
University of Calgary Section of Orthopaedic Surgery South Health Campus Hospital
US Consulate
WSP Group
Yukon Government
This 2-day conference program can be applied towards 7 hours of substantive hours of annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as required by the Law Society of Ontario. Members will also receive an additional 3 substantive hours at each pre-conference workshop.
The same number of hours may be applied to your continuing legal educational requirements in British Columbia.
The Barreau du Québec recognizes this training activity, the latter having been accredited by another Law Society subject to the MCLE.
For Alberta lawyers, consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Law Society of Alberta.
Members of the Law Society of Saskatchewan seeking accreditation for an out of province activity are requested to submit the CPD Activity Application Form and agenda directly to the LSS for approval.
Faculty
2025 Conference Co-Chairs
Monika Bear Robe Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting MNP
Bill Whitelaw Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC Systems
Distinguished Faculty
Salah Abouelnaga Capital Program Manager Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)
Danalee Baker Senior Manager, Procurement & Risk – Ministry of Economic Development Métis Nation British Columbia
Angie Bates Vice President, Sector Leader – Infrastructure, Environmental Services Canada Stantec
Dr. Heather Brooks Senior Civil/ Geotechnical Engineer BGC Engineering Inc.
Susan Eaton President SR ECO Consultants Inc.
Kay-Lee Eckhard Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
Heather Exner-Pirot Senior Fellow MacDonald Laurier Institute
Paul Gruner Chief Executive Officer TłĮchǫ Investment Corporation & Group of Companies
Greg Hopf Owner/Operator Moccasin Trails Inc.
Miles Jolliffe Founder and CEO Kinetic Canada LP
Katie Kachur Vice-President, Government Relations, West Canada Propane Association
Jeff Krehmer Chief Engineer Big Time Engineering Corp.
Shafak Sajid Interim Director, Engagement Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Colin Xander President and Founder Promise for the North
The overall experience was excellent. This event provides the opportunity to understand the Arctic energy and resources within the country and in the global context.
— Bijaya Adhikari, Science and Regulatory Coordinator, Inuvialuit Water Board
My favourite conference of the year. Love the intimate setting and diverse mix of people, all influencers in the North.
— Menzie McEachern, Assistant Deputy Minister, Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Government of Northwest Territories
I always enjoy connecting with old and new friends at the Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium.
— Ernest Taylor Pokiak
Pre-Conference Workshops
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
WORKSHOP A | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (Registration opens at 8:30 am)
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape in Arctic Canada
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in Arctic Canada can seem daunting at times. This workshop will provide attendees with proven strategies to streamline the approval process, avoid common application pitfalls, and build effective relationships with regulators to help projects move forward faster. In this interactive workshop, topics of discussion will include:
• Breaking down the essential documentation and data needed for successful applications in the Northwest Territories
• Identifying steps to streamline regulatory submissions and prevent delays or rejections
• Reviewing case studies on projects that overcame regulatory hurdles and identifying successful strategies
• Avoiding typical application mistakes and proactively addressing potential issues
• Building relationships with regulators to enhance communication and reduce approval timelines
• Understanding the importance of Indigenous collaboration as a critical regulatory factor and aligning project goals with community interests to facilitate smoother approvals
WORKSHOP B | 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Registration opens at 12:30 pm)
Forming Meaningful Indigenous Engagement in Arctic Communities
Indigenous engagement is an imperative priority for most organizations. However, Indigenous engagement can sometimes seem complex if you are unsure of where to start or have not previously partnered with an Indigenous community. This workshop will discuss the essential components of creating long-term Indigenous equity partnerships within the arctic resource community and beyond. Attendees will learn actionable strategies on how to best partner with Indigenous communities to create meaningful engagement and long-term partnerships that advance economic reconciliation. In this interactive workshop, topics of discussion will include:
• Approaching and meaningfully engaging with Indigenous communities
• Building meaningful and long-term partnerships
• Recognizing the importance of ethics in equity partnerships
• Creating opportunities to include Indigenous peoples in economic opportunities
• Sharing best practices for mutually beneficial partnerships
Danalee Baker
Senior Manager, Procurement & Risk – Ministry of Economic Development Métis Nation British Columbia
Main Conference Day One
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
8:00 Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast Served
Start the event with an exclusive meet and greet – where you can connect face-to-face with key speakers and fellow attendees. Seize this unique opportunity to meet some of our faculty of experts and make meaningful connections before the conference begins!
9:00
9:05
Canada’s Arctic has long possessed the critical minerals and resources to attract investment. However, complex regulatory frameworks, adequate infrastructure, and a complicated relationship with multiple levels of government have made it challenging for Arctic Canada to maximize its export potential and assist Canada with achieving its climate objectives. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining what needs to happen for Arctic Canada to maximize its economic and export potential to compete on the global stage
• Addressing key infrastructure challenges and potential solutions
• Strategies for attracting potential investors
• Defining how to involve Indigenous communities to expedite development
Paul
A new wave of Indigenous project ownership is helping to catalyze economic development in Canada’s arctic. However, the definition of a successful partnership can vary based on the unique goals and objectives of each partnership. Topics of discussion will include:
• Identifying the critical elements of effective partnerships
• Forming partnerships that are mutually beneficial and sustainable
• Highlighting success stories and the challenges that were overcome from Indigenous equity-owned projects
• Collaborating effectively with Indigenous groups to align goals and build trust
Kay-Lee Eckhard
Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
Monika Bear Robe
Monika Bear Robe
11:00
Renewing the Conversation on Renewables: Assessing the Viability of Renewables in the Territories
As Canada’s arctic region seeks to increase its energy security and affordability with a diversified energy mix that is sustainable, accessible, and affordable, renewable energy has gained popularity as governments, industry, and consumers seek alternative energy options equipped to handle their unique energy needs. Topics of discussion will include:
• Assessing the current state of renewables in Canada’s Arctic
• Exploring how renewables can displace diesel and enhance energy security
• Determining which renewable sources are most suitable for northern Canada’s climate
• Examining emerging technologies like hydrogen, ammonia, SMRs, and renewable diesel
• Overcoming barriers to renewable energy implementation in the Arctic
• Identifying funding options available for renewable projects
11:45 Addressing the Labour Shortage in Canada’s Arctic
MODERATOR:
Susan Eaton President SR ECO Consultants Inc.
Katie Kachur Vice-President, Government Relations, West Canada Propane Association
Jeff Krehmer Chief Engineer Big Time Engineering Corp.
Salah Abouelnaga Capital Program Manager Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)
The labour shortage in Canada’s Arctic is impacting project timelines and growth potential, as the region faces unique challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers. This panel will explore solutions and strategies for Artic Canada’s unique labour situation. Topics of discussion will include:
• Attracting and retaining potential employees in the Arctic region
• Understanding how Canada’s aging workforce contributes to the labour shortage
• Promoting knowledge transfer and retraining senior leaders
• Exploring the potential application of artificial intelligence and other technologies in filling workforce gaps
• Examining immigration’s potential to support Arctic labour needs
12:15 Networking Luncheon
1:30 KEYNOTE
ADDRESS: Building Synergy Across Arctic Energy Systems
Nations within the Arctic Circle face unique challenges, from extreme weather to high import reliance, affordability concerns, and dispersed populations across vast regions. What innovative solutions can northern Canada learn from—and contribute to—its Arctic neighbors? Topics to be addressed will include:
• Exploring trade opportunities between Arctic countries
• Comparing how northern Canada and Alaska are addressing the energy transition in their respective climates
• Identifying strategies to mitigate climate change across Arctic regions
2:00 Networking Break and Refreshments
2:30
CLIMA-TECH
INNOVATIONS SHOWCASE: Groundbreaking Climate Solutions for a Sustainable Arctic Future
This showcase competition will provide emerging and innovative climate companies with the ideal platform to showcase their climate innovations and solutions for northern Canada to potential investors. An expert panel will select their winner, and the audience will also select their company of choice.
Join the ClimaTech Showcase to find an ideal company to enhance the climate objectives of your next project!
Main Conference Day One: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
3:30 The Future of the Norman Wells Proven Area: Economic Stability and Indigenous Opportunities
As the region faces environmental assessments for pipeline replacements and future operational licenses, questions arise about the economic stability of Norman Wells and the future of energy projects in the region. Topics of discussion will include:
• Evaluating the economic impact on Norman Wells if energy exploration ceases
• Assessing the potential job losses and regional employment shifts
• Exploring redevelopment plans if energy companies vacate the area
• Identifying opportunities for Indigenous-led projects and partnerships in the Proven Area
4:15 Consequences and Implications of Permafrost in Arctic Canada
Climate change is affecting permafrost in Northern Arctic communities at an alarming rate. The challenges are especially widespread along the Beaufort coast in Canada and Alaska, as well as on Siberian shores. In communities like Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, permafrost thaw regularly threatens homes, roads, and important cultural sites as well as marine and coastal environments. Topics to be addressed will include:
• Examining the potential global effects on climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions released during thawing
• Reviewing the Yukon Permafrost Database and scientific findings from the Rapid Response Assessment of Coastal and Offshore Permafrost
• Outlining the effects of permafrost as a barrier for transport and potential alternative energy solutions such as biodiesel
• Assessing the real-life impact of permafrost in remote northern communities
4:45 Day One Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns until Day 2
Dr. Heather Brooks Senior Civil/ Geotechnical Engineer BGC Engineering Inc.
My overall experience was positive. I had a great time meeting and talking with people about these important topics.
— Angela Renwick, Senior Analyst, Government of Canada
I enjoyed listening to the variety of speakers on different subjects.
— Shalma Ali-Mohammed, Major Resource Development Officer, Transport Canada
Main Conference Day Two
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs
Monika Bear Robe Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting MNP
Bill Whitelaw Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC Systems
8:45 Keynote Address: Addressing Canada’s Infrastructure Challenges in the Arctic
Infrastructure development in the Yukon and Northwest Territories is an essential economic priority for arctic Canada as resources can become stranded without reliable infrastructure. This need was especially evident in 2024 with a bridge closure in Yukon that led to significant project delays and water depths in Mackenzie River being too shallow for barges to transport goods to the region.
The McKenzie Valley Highway project proposal offers promise but with a final construction decision not anticipated until late 2027/early 2028 is time running out on the potential to create nation building infrastructure projects?
9:15
Attracting Stable Investment in Arctic Canada
Many prior development projects in Arctic Canada have had short-life spans without commitment to the region long-term, and inadequate consultation with Indigenous communities. However, new models of entire Indigenous ownership are becoming more prevalent providing communities with new economic opportunities. Topics of discussion will include:
• Analyzing the gaps that have deterred prior investment
• Defining what policy decisions need to happen to attract longer term investment in the region
• Outlining new funding models like the Canada Growth Fund, Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, and Canada Infrastructure Bank that may assist with greater investment
10:00 Networking Break and Refreshments
10:30 Converting
Stranded Assets into Assets: Lessons Learned from Yukon’s Faro Mine Remediation Project
Angie Bates Vice President, Sector Leader – Infrastructure, Environmental Services Canada Stantec
Shafak Sajid
Interim Director, Engagement Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Contaminated site cleanup is essential to the long-term health of communities in Canada’s arctic. The Faro Mine was abandoned in 1998 after the project owner declared bankruptcy and extensive remediation efforts have been ongoing since 2009. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining how the remediation project created a unique multi-nation economic opportunity for the Kaska Nations and their industry partners
• Outlining how the Nations collaborated with multiple stakeholders to solve the complexities of the project
• Lessons learned from the Faro Mine and other remediation projects
• Creating a successful roadmap for future remediation projects in the Yukon and Territories
11:15 Unlocking Procurement Opportunities in Canada’s Arctic: Empowering Indigenous Ownership and Local Development
With Indigenous ownership becoming increasingly essential for environmental approval, navigating procurement hurdles will be key to advancing northern projects. This session will explore strategies to streamline processes and ensure Indigenous communities benefit from development. Topics of discussion will include:
• Leveraging Yukon’s new procurement model to create more funding opportunities for Indigenous businesses
• Building capacity through local and territorial procurement strategies
• Examining federal initiatives aimed at supporting northern procurement
12:00 Networking Luncheon
1:00 Collaborative Models for Addressing Energy and Food Security in Canada’s Arctic
Energy and food security have been long-standing issues in Canada’s arctic. However, immense potential exists for this to transform as more Indigenous communities are becoming true project owners, helping to expedite energy sovereignty, and lessen the reliance on imported consumable goods. Topics of discussion will include:
• Growing nutrient-dense foods to create healthier, sustainable food options in Arctic communities
• Partnering strategies for communities to collaborate on projects and form multi-nation alliances
• Implementing renewable energy projects to displace diesel and improve energy affordability
1:45 Networking Break and Refreshments
2:00 Industry Roundtables: Building Knowledge,
Connections, and Solutions
These interactive roundtables will offer attendees the chance to dive deep into key topics, gain valuable insights, and exchange ideas with peers. With expert-led discussions, participants will uncover actionable strategies, and best practices critical to advancing Arctic projects.
Roundtable #1: Indigenous Partnerships and Collaboration
This roundtable will explore the importance of building strong and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities in energy and resource development. Experts will share their insights on the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the perspectives of Indigenous communities on energy and resource development, and strategies for building effective partnerships and collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities.
Roundtable #2: Renewable Energy Sources that Work in Canada’s Arctic
This roundtable will explore renewable energy sources that are ideal for Canada’s arctic temperatures and environment. Experts will share success stories and the challenges of renewable energy sources and what needs to happen for more renewable energy for scalability in Canada’s arctic.
3:00 Closing Remarks from Conference Co-Chairs
3:15 Conference Adjourns
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Canadian Institute is pleased to offer our delegates a limited number of hotel rooms at a preferred rate. To take advantage of these rates, please contact the hotel directly and quote "CI’s Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium".
Please note that the guest room block cut-off date is February 17th, 2025. After that date OR when the room block fills, guestroom availability and rate can no longer be guaranteed.
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Register and pay to lock in your early rate and be eligible for a full refund until March 5, 2025.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you will have the following options:
y A full credit note for you, or a colleague to attend another event.
y A full refund.
All cancellations and changes must be submitted to CustomerService@CanadianInstitute.com by March 5, 2025.