Rez Dog Walkers

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

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith is joined by Art Wilson, a Councillor of We Wai Kai Nation, and the Referrals Office Manager at the Nanwakolas Council in Cambell River. Art has more than two decades of experience in the forestry sector and received a Natural Resource Technology Diploma and Forestry Certificate from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in 2003. Join Dallas and Art in this engaging discussion, as Art shares some key successes in We Wai Kai Nation’s economic development, showcasing the importance of Indigenous-owned businesses in strengthening Indigenous communities and ensuring the protection of culturally significant sites. Dallas further explores how Indigenous participation in resource industries not only benefits communities economically, but also plays a key role in advancing responsible land management practices. They also discuss some of the urgent issues facing Indigenous participation in B.C.’s forestry industry today, in context of the United Steelworkers, Local 1-1937 strike. Dallas highlights the need to combat misinformation with culturally informed education and open dialogue. 

In the exciting launch of Season 3 of "Rez Dog Walkers," host Dallas Smith welcomes back returning guest Isaiah Robinson for a thought-provoking discussion on pressing issues surrounding First Nations rights, reconciliation, and the impact of historical injustices. The episode dives deep into the ongoing conversations about residential schools, the importance of education, and the need for respectful dialogue in addressing these sensitive topics. Dallas and Isaiah reflect on their experiences at the recent BC Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference, highlighting the significance of networking and collaboration among Indigenous leaders and government officials. They tackle the fear-mongering surrounding First Nations reconciliation, particularly in light of recent land returns and park access discussions, emphasizing the need for common sense and understanding in public discourse. As they share personal stories and insights, the duo underscores the importance of investing in Indigenous communities and the positive outcomes that can arise from resource development. They advocate for a future where First Nations can thrive economically while honoring their cultural heritage and addressing the legacies of colonialism. Join Dallas and Isaiah in this engaging episode as they navigate the complexities of reconciliation, the role of education, and the path forward for Indigenous communities in Canada. Tune in to "Rez Dog Walkers" for a season filled with meaningful conversations and a commitment to fostering understanding and respect.