Who is looking out for the economic wellbeing of First Nations? As the president and CEO of the Nanwakolas Council, this is part of Dallas Smith’s job, by bringing together six of British Columbia’s First Nations. By connecting First Nations with the government to improve their economic infrastructure, projects get expedited and managed on a level that might even outpace the economy at large.

As former President of Shell Canada, Susannah Pierce worked to make sure all of Shell’s Canadian business initiatives could actually get into the country – and it was more than just the gas stations that people saw. Her goal was to make sure all the Canadian businesses associated with Shell were set up for success, as well as make sure other stakeholders such as indigenous groups were clear on what the company is, and how their goals can align for mutual benefit.

For Christy Smith’s role in indigenous engagement in environmental consulting, fieldwork is what makes her thrive. She loves going out into the community to build relationships and understanding the nuances of each community. This is a far cry from her dreams of being an artist, which were put on hold after she became a mother; she realized that she wanted to produce a work of value for her child’s future. This led her down a path of self-discovery, both personally and professionally.

How do you get First Nations, government, and the energy industry together? That is something that Chris Sankey knows the answer to, because it is what he does. He loves solving problems that nobody else wants to touch and that drives his mission – aiming for a Canada with economic opportunities without racism.

Ellis Ross is shaking things up these days. He’s focused on attracting opportunity to the riding he represents in the BC Legislature. That is work that compounds and adds to the same focus he brought to his role of Chief Councillor of the Haisla First Nation.

While that isn’t an official job title, that is what Jody Wilson-Raybould is: “a change maker.” Her career as a lawyer, as a leader within her community and with First Nations across Canada positioned her to become an elected member of the 2015 Liberal government.