September Luncheon: Creating a Road-map for Indigenous Economic Reconciliation

Saga Williams

Director, Consultant at AS Williams, NiCAN, Fury Gold

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Creating a Road-map for Indigenous Economic Reconciliation

Saga Williams, LL.B. is the principal and owner of AS Williams Consulting, Saga is an Advisor to the First Nations Major Projects Coalition on Critical Mineral Development and supports a number of exploration and mining companies in their Indigenous Relations outreach. In addition, she is a band member and resident of Curve Lake First Nation. Through her maternal relations, she is also a member of the Namekosipiing Anishinabeg community of Lac Seul First Nation, located in the Treaty #3 area. After graduating with an Indigenous Studies (Hons.) degree from Trent University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Saga was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000.

Saga was an elected Councillor for her community and served a three-year term, holding three portfolios and chaired a number of community-based committees. Over her years working with First Nations governments, and holding a leadership position, Saga has gained an expertise in governance structures, policies and processes. Saga also teaches as an Osgoode Hall Law School Adjunct Professor, introducing first year law students to issues of Indigenous rights, reconciliation and negotiation, was the Chair of a national, non-profit youth services board and currently sits as a Director on a number of publicly traded mining boards.

In an era where it is essential to create positive and impactful relationships with Indigenous communities, how do mining companies, supported by governments and public entities, implement economic participation of First Nations in their development and/or operations to maximize reconciliation. What are the tools that we can collectively use to ensure the mining industry is moving in a direction of inclusion and economic reconciliation? How does Indigenous support and partnerships link to ESG-I initiatives and outline a responsible investment approach for the market, and create the space for women’s inclusion in governance (Board) roles? Saga will provide insight into viewing Indigenous inclusion and participation in mining activity and governance as a collective advantage that de-risks technical impediments to ongoing and new mining development.