• Empowered Local Leadership: Strengthened Inuit self-determination by establishing Arctic Fresh Group as a community-led initiative, prioritizing cultural preservation and economic resilience.
• Facilitated Sustainable Solutions: Developed locally sourced and environmentally conscious supply chains to address food security and support long-term ecological balance.
• Promoted Economic Independence: Created employment opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways for Inuit communities, fostering self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external systems.

• Examine how Canada’s information management practices shape the experiences of First Nations communities.
• Evaluate the effects of data governance and policy decisions on Indigenous rights and resources.
• Propose strategies for improving equitable access and management of information for First Nations populations.

This presentation highlights a transformative initiative to build Canada’s first Indigenous-led AI data centers, starting with a 30 MW project co-located at the Malahat Nation and Christina Lake. The project, developed in partnership between the Malahat Nation and DMG Blockchain Solutions, is a model of sustainable infrastructure that integrates clean energy, promotes data sovereignty, and supports the objectives of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. With a $120 million investment, the project will create significant economic opportunities, including 300 construction jobs and over 100 long-term positions, while empowering Indigenous communities through training and cultural funding.

The presentation will also outline plans to scale this initiative to 19 additional sites across Canada in collaboration with other First Nation communities. By leveraging innovative financing through the First Nations Finance Authority and securing anchor tenants in government and enterprise sectors, this network of data centers will form the backbone of Canada’s AI infrastructure. The initiative prioritizes renewable energy integration, ethical AI practices, and Indigenous leadership, demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can drive economic growth, reconciliation, and technological advancement.

• Transformative Project:
  • Launching Canada’s first Indigenous-led AI data centers at Malahat Nation and Christina Lake (30 MW capacity).
  • $120 million investment creating 300 construction jobs and 100+ long-term positions
• Vision and Impact:
  • Promoting data sovereignty, sustainable growth, and ethical AI practices.
  • Scaling to 19 additional First Nation sites to build Canada’s AI infrastructure backbone.
• Community and Sustainability:
  • Clean energy-powered centers fostering workforce training and cultural preservation.
  • Partnerships leveraging FNFA financing, government support, and enterprise collaborations.

• Telecommunications: Expanding connectivity to support remote communities, enabling better access to essential services and information.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Harnessing data-driven insights and automation to enhance decision-making and efficiency.
• Mobile Applications: Creating accessible tools that empower community engagement and streamline resource management.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Utilizing mapping and spatial analysis to inform sustainable land use, resource allocation, and infrastructure planning.
• Asset Management Solutions: Improving asset tracking and maintenance to maximize the lifespan and value of vital community resources.

• Infrastructure for Community Self-Reliance: Exploring how First Nations communities can utilize infrastructure to achieve self-reliance and foster socio-economic development.
• Housing and Infrastructure as Catalysts: The role of housing and essential infrastructure in bringing Indigenous citizens back to their traditional territories.
• Economic Development Opportunities: Integrating infrastructure projects to support community wealth, well-being, and long-term economic growth.
• Challenges and Success Stories: Highlighting barriers faced by First Nations and sharing examples of successful infrastructure initiatives.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Strategies for fostering partnerships between Indigenous communities, governments, and private sectors to ensure sustainable development.