Stories That Shape the Future: Indigenous Perspectives on Resource Development

There’s a unique mix of nerves and excitement that comes with interviewing your own people about natural resources.

These conversations aren’t just about industry or land, they’re woven into our identity, history, and community. I knew going in that Indigenous perspectives could be deeply rooted and sometimes divided, which made the task feel a little intimidating. You never want to say the wrong thing or make someone feel pressured to change their opinion.

Then the conversation begins. Someone shares how working in forestry helped them support their family. Another talks about oil and gas with pride, describing the skills they gained and the opportunities it opened.

The tension eases, and the conversation starts to flow naturally. I realize I’m not just gathering opinions, I’m hearing lived experiences and personal stories that make my work feel less like a job and more like an honour.

My name is Larisa Mackinaw, and I am from Sunchild First Nation.

I spent most of my life on the reserve, but for a long time, I didn’t fully understand what natural resources were or the role they played in our lives. Growing up, I heard conflicting views, some said these industries harmed the land, while others spoke about the jobs, income, and opportunities they brought to our community. These opposing messages left me unsure where I stood.

Joining Canada Action and Young Canadians for Resources changed that. I went from knowing very little to learning directly from people, hearing firsthand experiences, and seeing how these industries impact Indigenous communities in real ways.

My perspective shifted, not only on natural resources, but on the importance of creating space for honest conversations that connect us, bridge differences, and build a stronger future together.

The Project: Sharing Indigenous Perspectives

Over the summer, our team worked alongside First Nation communities to collect stories, host discussions, and create materials that could spark new conversations across Canada. As summer students with YCR, our goal was to encourage greater Indigenous involvement in the natural resource sector, a sector that plays a major role in the economic well-being of our communities.

A big part of our work was creating content for YCR and Canada Action’s social media and blog platforms that highlighted Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Youth were a major focus, because they are the future of decision-making and leadership in our communities. Through this project, we set out to better understand how Indigenous people view natural resource development and how it impacts our culture, land, and way of life.

Bringing the Conversation to the Community

We brought this project directly to the people, attending Indigenous Powwows and community events. Our booth was stocked with free merchandise, surveys, and conversation starters. We asked questions like: “Do you support natural resources?” and “How does the sector affect your life, family, and community?”

The responses were inspiring.

Many people proudly supported resource development, and for those who were unsure, it often only took a few facts and examples for them to see its benefits. These conversations felt uplifting and empowering not just for me, but for the people sharing their stories.

The youth were especially memorable. When they came up to our booth curious about our work, we explained the industry, answered their questions, and watched their eyes light up as they learned something new.

Their excitement reminded me why it’s so important to normalize conversations about natural resources in our communities, especially amongst young people like us.

Voices from the Field

One woman shared that her 17 years working in the industry had shaped not only her career but her entire outlook on life. She now actively encourages young people to consider careers in the sector because of the good wages, skill development, and opportunities it offers.

From these conversations, I learned that resource development isn’t just an economic issue, it’s cultural, environmental, and generational.

People want to feel recognized in the industry, they want more job opportunities for Indigenous workers, and they want to see partnerships built on mutual respect. Above all, they hope that projects are done in ways that honour the land and hold governments and companies accountable.

Why This Matters

When people feel empowered to share their perspectives, something powerful happens. These conversations become more than just stories, they become roadmaps for collaboration.

When Indigenous communities are included in resource planning from the very start, we build projects that respect the land, the people, and the future. This summer’s project was just one step in a much larger journey.

My hope is to keep learning, listening, and amplifying voices that too often go unheard. Because the future of our resources depends on all of us working together.