Crystal Smith on governing for jobs, ownership, and lasting impact

Crystal Smith returns to Breakthrough Nation following her appearance in the podcast’s first series, this time as part of a focused conversation on her approach as an Indigenous woman with a clear economic lens to leadership. She served the Haisla Nation for more than a decade. As former Chief, she guided her Nation through some of the most consequential economic development decisions in its history. During her tenure, Smith played a central role in advancing transformative initiatives, including supporting Haisla Nation’s majority ownership in one of the first Indigenous majority-owned LNG developments – creating jobs, training opportunities, and long-term economic benefit for the community. Smith also served as Chair of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, working with Nations across the country to advance Indigenous participation in resource development under terms that prioritize ownership, partnership, and sustained economic return. This conversation explores how Indigenous women exercise economic leadership by approaching governance, partnership, and Nation-building with a disciplined focus on long-term economic participation and generational outcomes.ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NATIONBreakthrough Nation spotlights people whose ambition, grit, and sense of duty are moving Canada forward. I’m Karen Restoule, your host, and each episode features leaders delivering real results across regions and sectors.About Series 2.Series #2 brings the spotlight on Indigenous women entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, and exercising real economic leadership. You’ll hear from people who are motivated by ambition, opportunity, and the desire to create something of lasting value that delivers results – real results. You’ll hear from former Chief Karen Ogen of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, former Chief Kim Baird of the Tsawwassen Nation, and Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit Nation, alongside entrepreneurs like Lorie Restoule-Young, cofounder and head of Young Forestry Services, Trisha Pitura, cofounder of Mini Tipi, and others who are moving capital, people, and ideas into action.SERIES 2 is presented in collaboration with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.Make sure you subscribe to never miss an episode.Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on: iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.WATCH podcasts in video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakthroughNationCAThank you for joining us on Breakthrough Nation podcast.Follow along at:YouTube:    / @breakthroughnationca  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakthroughnationTwitter: @ambitionandgritInstagram: @breakthroughnationcaFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakthroughnation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.