23 Oct Long House Capital Partners

Longhouse Capital Partners: Empowering Indigenous Communities through Finance 

Longhouse Capital Partners is an Indigenous-founded and majority-owned alternative asset manager committed to blending financial expertise with support for Indigenous communities. Founded by Indigenous business leaders and experienced financial professionals, the firm aims to deliver reliable market-based returns while positively impacting Indigenous communities across Canada. 

Co-founder and Managing Partner Fred Di Blasio, from the Huron-Wendat First Nation, emphasizes the urgent need for Indigenous representation in finance. Among over 21,000 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) holders in Canada, fewer than 10 are Indigenous. Fred, who began his finance career on Wall Street over 27 years ago, is passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous people in the sector. 

Mission and Initiatives 

A key aspect of Longhouse Capital’s mission is mentorship and community engagement. The firm has allocated 5% of General Partnership equity to 10 First Nations and dedicates 5% of its time to mentoring Indigenous youth and professionals. These initiatives have helped young people secure internships and job offers, including a recent internship opportunity for a mentee at a leading Toronto financial institution. 

Fred believes mentorship and internships are critical pathways for Indigenous youth to succeed in finance. He underscores the importance of building financial literacy, stating, “We’ve been stewards of land since time immemorial; now we must learn to be stewards of capital.” 

Longhouse recently launched its inaugural Analyst Training Program, offering Indigenous and non-Indigenous university students’ insights into investment banking, capital markets, and financial analysis. Co-founder Paul Cugno expressed the rewarding nature of sharing knowledge and the positive impact these programs can have. 

Focus Areas and Growth Opportunities 

Longhouse Capital is focused on bridging Canada’s substantial infrastructure gap, particularly in projects benefiting First Nations. McKinsey estimates a need for $200 billion per year in infrastructure investments through 2030, totaling $1.5 trillion. Fred sees First Nations as essential equity partners in this growth, with opportunities in: 

• Utility Transmission 

• Renewable Energy 

• Critical Minerals 

• Digital Infrastructure 

• Carbon Capture 

• Transition Energy 

Additionally, real estate development presents significant opportunities as land is returned to First Nations, allowing them to access capital and drive economic growth. 

Challenges and Responsibilities 

With these opportunities come governance responsibilities. Longhouse emphasizes that good governance is crucial for attracting capital and ensuring sustainable growth. Fred cites Norway’s sovereign wealth fund as a successful model, noting that avoiding political interference has allowed it to thrive. He stresses that clear separation between political and economic activities within Indigenous communities can establish a stable foundation for prosperity. 

Leadership and Vision for the Future 

For Longhouse Capital, leadership transcends personal success; it focuses on community service and shared economic benefits. Fred believes that leadership involves living one’s values and making difficult decisions for the greater good. This philosophy guides Longhouse in fostering economic self-determination for First Nations. 

Longhouse Capital envisions a future where economic Reconciliation is realized through First Nations leadership in significant projects. As lands are returned to First Nations, they can leverage newfound capital for future generations, aligning economic development with cultural values. This moment is pivotal for First Nations, as current decisions will shape their futures for generations. 

Conclusion 

Longhouse Capital Partners is proud to be trailblazing alongside so many others, in a movement to empower First Nations through finance, mentorship, and infrastructure development. Fred Di Blasio and his team are dedicated to sharing the team’s knowledge, skills, and capital to help First Nations thrive in the modern economy. With a foundation in First Nations values and a clear vision, Longhouse Capital is advancing a $100 billion Indigenous economy while laying the groundwork for self-determination. The benefits that inure to First Nations also benefit all Canadians.