22 Oct West Moberly Corporate Alliance

West Moberly Corporate Alliance: Building a Unique Indigenous ESG Program

West Moberly Corporate Alliance is an economic development entity representing West Moberly First Nations, with a mission to generate own-source revenue and create strategic partnerships within and beyond Treaty 8 territory in British Columbia. Under the leadership of Robert Diaz (“Diaz”), the organization is pioneering a unique Indigenous approach to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices. Currently, in the second year of implementing its ESG strategy, West Moberly Corporate Alliance is dedicated to integrating Indigenous values into a framework that traditionally lacks such representation. This effort aims to create a unique and culturally relevant ESG program that reflects West Moberly’s priorities while positioning the community as a leader in Indigenous economic development.

Focus on ESG and Community Values: West Moberly Corporate Alliance is actively engaged in the development of an ESG framework that blends traditional ESG standards with the cultural priorities of the West Moberly First Nations. According to Diaz, the current ESG processes are often prescribed by non-Indigenous entities using global standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”). While these standards can be useful, they do not fully capture the values and priorities of Indigenous communities like West Moberly.

Diaz emphasized the importance of creating a program that reflects the specific cultural elements of the community:

“We’re not just adopting an off-the-shelf ESG model. We’re taking the time to ensure that it incorporates West Moberly’s values, priorities, and objectives. It’s an organic learning experience, but it’s essential for us to make this a West Moberly program rather than a non- Indigenous one.”

The Development Process: The creation of the West Moberly-specific ESG program is a collaborative effort. Diaz and his team worked closely with Chief and Council to ensure

that the program aligns with the community’s economic development goals, environmental stewardship, and responsible industry participation. Input was also gathered from community members through surveys and comprehensive community planning, which has been instrumental in building internal strategies. This inclusiveapproach ensures that the program is not only aligned with the needs of the leadership but also with the voices of the broader community.

Goals and Long-Term Vision: West Moberly Corporate Alliance is setting out to create an Indigenous ESG program that is valuable to the community and can serve as a model for others. While the program is still in its early stages, Diaz is optimistic that their approach will be something other Indigenous communities can learn from or adapt to fit their own needs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that West Moberly First Nation’s unique perspective is incorporated into the ESG framework and that other communities can benefit from their experiences.

Challenges in Indigenous Economic Reconciliation: One of the biggest challenges identified in the broader context of Indigenomics is the territorial limitations often imposed on Indigenous businesses. Industry clients tend to focus on opportunities within an Indigenous company’s territory, making it difficult for these businesses to operate outside of their traditional lands. This limits the scope of opportunities available to Indigenous companies.

Another challenge is that when Indigenous businesses enter new sectors, there can be tension with non-Indigenous companies already operating in those spaces. However, Diaz sees these challenges as opportunities to push for greater collaboration and partnership.

Growth Areas in the Indigenous Economy: There is significant growth potential in Indigenous ownership of development projects. Rather than simply being service providers, Indigenous communities are increasingly becoming owners and operators of large-scale projects. This trend is already taking shape in provinces like Alberta, where government funding and partnerships are creating new opportunities for Indigenous ownership in sectors such as natural resource development and infrastructure.

He pointed out that while some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go before Indigenous communities are fully integrated into ownership roles within development projects.

Looking Forward: Leadership and Innovation: Leadership in the context of Indigenous economic development means bringing new ideas and innovation to the table. West Moberly First Nations is highlighting the importance of collaboration among Indigenous leaders and communities to push boundaries and explore new opportunities.

Conclusion: West Moberly Corporate Alliance’s commitment to creating a unique, Indigenous-centered ESG program sets them apart as a leader in Indigenous economic development. With afocus on collaboration, innovation, and incorporating community values, the Nation is creating a model that not only benefits West Moberly First Nations but has the potential to guide other Indigenous communities as well. As they continue to develop their ESG strategy, West Moberly First Nations is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous business in Canada. This is Indigenomics.