Fred is a proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Longhouse Capital Partners. Prior to co-founding Longhouse, Fred served as Executive Vice President for Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation ($1.4 billion Sen̓áḵw Development). Fred is an experienced executive with a proven track record at AT&T, TELUS and INVIDI Technologies ($300M exit) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (over $100 billion of deals), corporate development and marketing. In this episode, Fred discusses how his indigenous roots have shaped his view of capitalism, the opportunity to invest alongside indigenous communities and much more.
Build financial acumen in indigenous communities
in Canada, historically, indigenous elders encouraged their people to train as lawyers to ‘fight within the system’. Today, we need to build financial literacy and acumen to go after economic opportunity.
The indigenous lens aligns with compassionate capitalism
on Wall Street, Fred felt something was missing. He was taught to think about problems holistically as part of the Seven Sacred Teachings. With this in mind, Fred decided to apply his financial skillset to advance indigenous reconciliation in line with compassionate capitalism.
Be part of a tide that lifts all canoes
Partnering with indigenous communities is a massive economic opportunity. We have the opportunity to lift up First Nations in Canada which is good for everybody. The First Nations Major Projects Coalition suggests 470 projects are either planned or in progress on Indigenous lands across the country, worth a combined $575-billion.
Longhouse Capital approaches investment impact uniquely
Longhouse has a ‘5-5-5 pledge’. 5 per cent of founders’ shares and 5 per cent of the fund manager’s carried interest in its investments are gifted to First Nations, while 5 per cent of employee’s time will be used for internships and mentorship programs to build financial skills capacity for Indigenous youth.
There are many links between ESG and indigenous principles
There’s a marriage between ESG and what First Nations can do to move the yard sticks. 32 of 34 critical minerals for renewable energy exist on indigenous lands. Essentially, wind turbines require minerals available in Canada.