Rez Dog Walkers

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

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. 

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are pleased to welcome back Isaiah Robinson, Deputy Chief Councillor for Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation and General Manager of Kitasoo Development Corporation. When he last came onto the podcast, Isaiah shared his experience and insight into navigating complex relationships between activists, government, and communities in the aquaculture industry. This episode naturally extends that discussion, as we delve once again into Indigenous participation in industry, this time in the wake of a federal election that put the Canadian government to the test. Join us as we discuss some of the most pressing issues faced by all Canadians, including housing and economic development, and the challenges and opportunities this presents to Indigenous communities. Isaiah highlights the importance of fully integrating environmental protection with economic growth, as well as some of the unique challenges his Nation faces, and the importance of trusting the knowledge and expertise of individual Nations when making decisions that impact those communities. 

In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, we are honored to welcome former Member of the Legislative Assembly, George Abbott. In his 17 years as an MLA in the Shuswap riding, George took on a plethora of responsibilities, from Minister of Health to Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Since leaving government in 2013, George has utilized his experience in various capacities, including as a consultant, a PhD student, and the former chair of the Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability. He is currently the chair of the Board of Technical Safety BC and is a government-appointed Commissioner on the BC Treaty Commission. Join us as we discuss the role of indigenous perspectives in politics following a challenging provincial election and pay tribute to a good friend and mentor, the late Stan Hagen. George also discusses his work on the BC Treaty Commission and his upcoming book, Unceded, a compelling look at the tumultuous history of the B.C. government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, and why it matters in contemporary reconciliation efforts.