Niilo Edwards, a driving force behind the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, has died, after battling cancer.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Niilo, who is like family to us here at the FNMPC,” said FNMPC executive chairperson Sharleen Gale.
“As a founding member of the FNMPC, his legacy and vision will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward. Niilo’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have been instrumental in advancing the FNMPC to where we are today.
"His commitment to economic inclusion and supporting First Nations to lead in meaningful partnerships has set a standard for us all. While there may be some adjustments as we navigate this difficult time, the coalition will continue to serve its members while we mourn Niilo.”
Born in Alert Bay, Edwards worked as a constituency adviser and legislative assistant in the House of Commons before getting a degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa.
In 2013, he joined the First Nations Financial Management Board, which created the FNMPC to help First Nations in Canada with financing, capacity building and business development.
The FNMPC has been an important vehicle for advancing economic reconciliation by helping First Nations participate in resource and energy development in their traditional territories.
Edwards was named CEO of the FNMPC in 2017, and over the last few years the organization has succeeded in helping First Nations in Canada take positions in $45 billion worth of major in Canada, according to the FNMPC’s recent annual report.
In 2019, the FNMP had 50 members and had facilitated First Nation participation in four projects, the $14 billion Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline being one of them. The FNMPC now has 157 member nations involved in 19 projects across Canada, which range from clean energy projects to pipelines.
Edwards has won numerous accolades and was featured this year in Time Magazine's Time100 Climate list of notable figures.
“A visionary leader, trusted collaborator, and tireless advocate, Niilo’s life was dedicated to advancing Indigenous participation, capacity, and leadership in major projects across Canada,” Clean Energy Canada said in a release.
Lisa Baiton, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers noted in a tribute to Edwards that he “championed government programs such as the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, opening avenues for Indigenous communities to access capital, fostering economic reconciliation and self-determination.”
“His meaningful work and achievements towards the enhancement of the well-being of its members brought forward the collective success of Indigenous peoples.”
