Cutting-edge knowledge and networking opportunities
24th
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
Exhibitor
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
Emily Bates Deputy Director, Infrastructure and Regional Strategies Division Natural Resources Canada
Darrell Beaulieu Chief Executive Officer Denendeh Group of Companies
Dr. Heather Brooks Senior Civil/ Geotechnical Engineer BGC Engineering Inc.
Gerald D. Chipeur Partner Miller Thomson
Susan Eaton President SR ECO Consultants Inc.
Kay-Lee Eckhard Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
Heather Exner-Pirot
Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment The MacDonald-Laurier Institute
Dr. G. Kent Fellows
Graduate Programs Director, School of Public Policy University of Calgary
Jocelyn L. Hayley Professor, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical) University of Calgary
Mark Heyck Executive Director Arctic Energy Alliance
Greg Hopf Owner/Operator Moccasin Trails Inc.
Rob Huebert
Interim Director, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies University of Calgary – VIRTUAL
Katie Kachur Vice-President, Government Relations, West Canada Propane Association
Geoff Karcher Director, Faro Mine Remediation Project Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Jeff Krehmer Chief Engineer Big Time Engineering Corp.
Agata Leszkiewicz eVinci Business Development Lead Canada Westinghouse Electric Company, Canada
Jeff Mackey Director General –Contaminated Sites Branch Northern Affairs Organization Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Mellisa Mercredi
Senior Advisor, Regional Economic Development Rio Tinto
Damian Panayi Regulatory Specialist WSP
Derrick Redies Owner
Ross River Dena Consulting Inc.
Kim Redies
CEO
Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation
Amber Ruddy Vice President Counsel Public Affairs Inc
Shafak Sajid
Interim Director, Engagement
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Benjamin Scott Working Chairperson Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation & Group of Companies
Dale Swampy President National Coalition of Chiefs
Ben Vogel
Senior Advisor, Closure Readiness Rio Tinto/Diavik Diamond Mine
Bill Whitelaw
Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC Systems
Stephanie Wood Director
Green Cat Renewables Canada Corporation
Colin Xander President and Founder Promise for the North
Alvin Manitopyes Founder EARTHCODE
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 Northern Canada
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in Northern Canada can seem daunting at times. This workshop will demystify Northwest Territories and Yukon approval processes using mining and infrastructure project case studies. It will provide attendees with proven strategies to avoid common application pitfalls and build effective relationships with regulators and project stakeholders to help projects move forward faster. In this interactive workshop, topics of discussion will include:
• Regulatory road maps
• When and how to engage regulators, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities
• Outlining the initial information required for project descriptions/applications
• Tips for building your schedule and budget
• Lessons learned from overcoming regulatory hurdles
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 Northern Canada’s 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
FACILITATORS: Gerald D. Chipeur Partner Miller Thomson
Damian Panayi Regulatory Specialist WSP
Stephanie Wood Director
Green Cat Renewables Canada Corporation
FACILITATOR:
Danalee Baker
Senior Manager, Procurement & Risk – Ministry of Economic Development Métis Nation British Columbia
Global
Sponsorship Opportunities
With conferences in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize participation or showcase your organization’s services and talent. For more information please contact us at: SponsorInfo@CanadianInstitute.com
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 Indigenous Blessing
Alvin Manitopyes Founder EARTHCODE
9:05 Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs
Monika Bear Robe Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting MNP
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Bill Whitelaw Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC Systems
9:15 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?
PANEL
Angie Bates Vice President, Sector Leader – Infrastructure, Environmental Services Canada Stantec
10:00 Enabling Co-Development: The Essentials for Equity Partnerships in the new Energy Economy
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
10:45 Networking Break and Refreshments
MODERATOR: Greg Hopf Owner/Operator Moccasin Trails Inc.
Monika Bear Robe Senior Manager, Indigenous Consulting MNP
Kay-Lee Eckhard
Indigenous Relations Liaison Canada West Land
Mellisa Mercredi Senior Advisor, Regional Economic Development Rio Tinto
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
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
Jeff Krehmer Chief Engineer Big Time Engineering Corp. Salah Abouelnaga Capital Program Manager Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)
MODERATOR:
Bill Whitelaw
Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC 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
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.
Join the ClimaTech Showcase to find an ideal company to enhance the climate objectives of your next project!
Darrell Beaulieu Chief Executive Officer Denendeh Group of Companies
Agata Leszkiewicz eVinci Business Development Lead Canada Westinghouse Electric Company, Canada
Jeff Krehmer Chief Engineer Big Time Engineering Corp.
Main Conference Day One: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
3:30 The Future of the Norman Wells Proven Area: Economic Stability and Indigenous Opportunities
Climate change is affecting permafrost in Northern Arctic communities at an alarming rate. The challenges are especially widespread across the Arctic, where permafrost thaw is causing rapid changes to the landscape.
These changes impact buildings, roadways, seasonal travel, and traditional ways of life for northerners. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining the impact of climate change on permafrost dynamics
• Outlining the complications of permafrost to infrastructure development and exploration
• Assessing the real-life impact of permafrost in remote northern communities
4:00 Day One Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns until Day 2
Dr. Heather Brooks Senior Civil/ Geotechnical Engineer BGC Engineering Inc.
Jocelyn L. Hayley Professor, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical) University of Calgary
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 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
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
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
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
8:45 From Ambition
Bill Whitelaw Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability geoLOGIC Systems
to Reality: Scaling up Investment in Canada’s North
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
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
• Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund including parameters for Indigenous-led projects
Heather Exner-Pirot Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
The MacDonald-Laurier Institute
Benjamin Scott Working Chairperson
Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation & Group of Companies
Emily Bates Deputy Director, Infrastructure and Regional Strategies Division Natural Resources Canada
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:
• Providing an overview of CIRNACs contaminated sites remediation program in the North and how projects are being leveraged to benefit local First Nations
• Reviewing how the Faro Mine Remediation Project is being planned and structured to benefit the Ross River Dena Council and Kaska Nations
• Hearing Lessons learned from the Faro Mine and how Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation (DNDC) is leveraging the remediation to benefit Ross River
• Understanding how DNDC and CIRNAC are looking to the future and toward creating a successful roadmap that could be applied at other sites in the Yukon and Territories
Derrick Redies Owner
Ross River Dena Consulting Inc.
MODERATOR: Jeff Mackey
Director General –Contaminated Sites Branch Northern Affairs Organization CrownIndigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
11:15 Clean Energy on the Tundra: Renewable Energy Initiatives at Diavik Diamond Mine
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
Ben Vogel Senior Advisor, Closure Readiness Rio Tinto/ Diavik Diamond Mine
1:15 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
INDUSTRY
ROUNDTABLES
2:00 Building Knowledge, Connections,
and Solutions
Colin Xander President and Founder Promise for the North
Mark Heyck Executive Director Arctic Energy Alliance
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 Navigating the Abyss of Uncertainty: Pipelines, Politics, and Projects
As Canada navigates new geopolitical realities with U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, provinces are bracing for the economic impact. Expediting energy and infrastructure projects and revisiting previously cancelled projects like Energy East and Northern Gateway are being reexamined as Canada seeks alternative markets outside of the U.S. Topics of discussion will include:
• Examining the fiscal implications of tariffs on imports and exports in Arctic Canada
• Discussing export potential to markets outside of the United States
• Debating how a change in federal government may prioritize fiscal policy over carbon policy
3:45 Conference Adjourns
FACILITATOR: Greg Hopf Owner/Operator Moccasin Trails Inc.
FACILITATOR: Susan Eaton President SR ECO Consultants Inc.
Rob Huebert Interim Director, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies University of Calgary – VIRTUAL
Dr. G. Kent Fellows Graduate Programs Director, School of Public Policy University of Calgary
Dale Swampy President National Coalition of Chiefs
MODERATOR: Amber Ruddy Vice President Counsel Public Affairs Inc
Upcoming Events
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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.
BOOK NOW
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.