Crystal Smith award ‘honours all Indigenous Peoples’
Honoured by the Energy Council of Canada as 2024 Canadian Energy Person of the Year, Crystal Smith said her award also recognized Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
She is the elected chief councillor of the Haisla Nation, and chair of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance.
Here is a slightly condensed version of her acceptance speech:
When I decided to run for council over a decade ago, and then as chief, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be at an event like this receiving an award.
So, thank you to the Energy Council of Canada and all those who have supported me in my journey, and the journey of Indigenous communities who are fighting for their rightful place in our shared economy.
By bestowing this great honour on me, you are recognizing each and every Indigenous person in this country who is fighting for a share and a say, fighting for a better future for their families, and future generations.
You are also recognizing the Haisla community and all they have fought for to advance their prosperity, and to have access to the same privileges as you and your neighbours.
They have experienced industry coming into our territory for decades and taking what they want, leaving us with nothing, and in fact worse off.
So, while this award may have my name on it, it is for my community and my family who have sacrificed so much over the years.
They sacrificed milestones — from first words and first steps, birthdays, graduations and more — to ensure future generations are better off.
It wasn’t until last year — on June 25, 2024 — that I truly understood what the sacrifice was for. It was the date we announced a positive FID on Cedar LNG, the world’s first Indigenous majority-owned LNG facility, with one of the lowest carbon footprints.
That day, as I stood in Haisla Village in front of our community, I knew that the sacrifices our team made were worth it.
To be recognized by the energy industry is a tremendous honour. But when I think about my journey, I believe it is what any mother and grandmother would do.
If what I am doing can help our economy and our global trading partners create a better world, then that is just icing on the cake.
And perhaps that is the most important learning for me in all of this: When we take care of our family, our community, and provide the necessities they need, we in turn, are stronger in our ability to help others do the same.
I would be remiss to not reference the current strife between our country and the U.S. With the uncertainty posed by a trade war that will surely set our economy back, I would emphasize the importance of doing what is right to keep our national community strong and safe.
First Nations have the tremendous opportunity right now to work with the energy sector and other industries to advance the infrastructure we as a country need to fight for a stronger economy AND a better climate.
With Indigenous values leading the development of our energy sector, we have the power to produce the energy the world needs in a manner that meets our national standards and raises the bar for others.
Together:
- We can advance a prosperous energy sector AND minimize the impact on the environment globally;
- We can diversify our national economy AND make meaningful action on reconciliation;
- We can respect Indigenous traditions, culture and way of life AND deliver the lowest carbon-footprint energy in the world.
By transforming our energy sector, I believe we can also transform the experience for every Indigenous person – in my community, across the country, and across the globe.
I am committed to continuing to prove that economic prosperity can happen hand-in-hand with respecting Indigenous values and providing an important climate change solution.
It is the future of our energy industry.
I know, now more than ever, I am where I am supposed to be, advocating for every Indigenous community who wants to replicate what we have done.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for bestowing this great honour on me.
In doing so, you are elevating the role of every Indigenous person in this country to achieve the greatness we all have hope in achieving.
(Posted here 18 February 2025)
