Rez Dog Walkers

In this thought-provoking episode of Rez Dog Walkers, our host Dallas Smith delves into the complex and sensitive topic of residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous communities in Canada. Drawing from personal experiences and the stories of loved ones, Dallas expresses frustration over the resurgence of debates questioning the reality of residential schools and the traumas they inflicted. He highlights the importance of acknowledging the past while fostering dialogue for healing and reconciliation.The episode also critiques the political landscape, where some individuals exploit the history of residential schools for their agendas, further complicating the path toward understanding and collaboration. The host emphasizes the need for allies to support Indigenous voices without politicizing their struggles and advocates for a collective effort to move forward.Listeners are invited to reflect on the generational trauma caused by residential schools and the ongoing efforts to build healthier, sustainable communities. This episode serves as a heartfelt call to action for understanding, respect, and the importance of turning the page on a painful history while ensuring that future generations are not burdened by the past. Tune in for an emotional yet enlightening discussion that aims to bridge gaps and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues in contemporary society.

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Makenzie Leine, Deputy Minister of Forests in B.C., for a dynamic conversation on the future of forestry and the evolving role of Indigenous stewardship and engagement in B.C.’s resource industries. Makenzie has a wealth of experience in the private sector of forestry. With a unique perspective and insight into the industry, this prepared her for the role of Deputy Minister. She shares some of the key lessons learned from her time in forestry, including the importance of building relationships based on trust, and the value of diverse voices at the decision-making table to find long-term, resilient solutions. Dallas and Makenzie explore some of the most pressing issues facing B.C.’s forestry sector today, touching on the need to balance conservation and growth in the face of economic uncertainties. Makenzie highlights the importance of transparent partnerships, flexible systems, and solutions-oriented dialogue. She also stresses the role of healthy Indigenous communities in benefiting the province as a whole. Listeners will gain insight into the changing landscape of B.C.’s forestry sector, from the perspective of a current senior member of B.C.’s bureaucracy with a background in industry. 

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are honoured to welcome Hon. Christy Clark, former Premier of British Columbia for a powerful and heartfelt conversation on resource development in B.C. Christy reflects on her time as Premier and her efforts to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of investing in Indigenous communities as a foundation for reconciliation. Dallas and Christy discuss the potential of Canada’s resource sector in the context of an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. They emphasize the need to balance Indigenous-led conservation efforts with the expansion of resource industries and infrastructure to meet the needs of communities and create new jobs. They also explore pressing topics such as the politics of resource development, from fish farming to pipelines. Christy offers candid insights on bridging the political divide through practical solutions that strengthen both communities and the economy. Christy emphasizes the importance of giving Indigenous people the tools to invest in their communities and the benefits that arise from empowering Indigenous participation in the resource economy. 

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith is joined by Garry Wouters, a policy consultant for Coastal First Nations in B.C. Garry has a wealth of experience working in various capacities as Deputy Minister at both the provincial and federal level and has worked closely with Indigenous communities on the bureaucratic side of landmark negotiations such as the protection of the Great Bear Rainforest.  Join Dallas and Garry as they celebrate the progress Indigenous communities have made in advocating for their participation in the resource sector. They also consider some of the challenges B.C.’s coastal communities continue to face, such as navigating the tension between economy and conservation, responding to developments such as the proposed revival of the Northern Gateway pipeline project, and increased regulatory responsibilities. Drawing from his experiences working with Indigenous communities on a bureaucratic level, Garry highlights the importance of incrementally pursuing goals for long-term change and discusses resource planning at the technical, bureaucratic and decision-making levels. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of Indigenous communities and leadership in B.C’s resource sector and the ongoing process of establishing and improving government-to-government relations in B.C. from a bureaucratic perspective. 

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are excited to welcome back Stewart Muir, President and CEO of Resource Works and founder of the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS). As a former journalist and editor, Stewart knows the value of listening and learning from the stories of Indigenous communities. Join host Dallas Smith and Stewart as they discuss recent developments in a wide range of resource industries, from aquaculture to LNG. They highlight the importance of forums like IPSS and BCNRF in creating venues for sharing stories and creating valuable opportunities for development. Stewart shares some of the lessons he has learned from working with Indigenous communities, particularly the need for non-Indigenous actors to listen to the needs of Indigenous communities first before proposing solutions. They also emphasize several insights from Get It Done BC, a forum hosted by Resource Works at the recent Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention that addressed key issues facing B.C.’s natural resource sector, including the rural-urban divide and the need for close collaboration between Indigenous communities and municipalities.  

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are excited to welcome Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. With a  background in marine biology, Brian has accumulated almost forty years of experience in aquaculture as a biologist and consultant, collaborating closely with Indigenous communities to advance sustainable aquaculture in B.C. Join Dallas Smith and Brian in this heartfelt conversation as they draw from their experiences in aquaculture and reminisce over the changes and developments they have witnessed first-hand in the resource industries of coastal B.C. They highlight advancements in reconciliation and Indigenous participation in industry as Indigenous communities have found their voice in the resource sector, showcasing the powerful relationships that can be built through open dialogue and collaboration. They discuss some of the complexities of the dialogue surrounding B.C. salmon farming, stressing the importance of synthesizing the existing science in a way that is easily accessible to Indigenous communities and other industry actors. Brian also shares his insights into the need for greater innovation in B.C. aquaculture, highlighting some of the exciting developments in salmon farming globally. For more details on the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference, being held June 3 -5, 2026, please visit www.bciroc.ca