Episode Overview

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages with Scott Alanen, Vice President of Investment at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). They discuss Scott’s journey from traditional finance to advocating for Indigenous economic prosperity, the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing capital, and the importance of trust in partnerships. Scott shares insights into the AIOC’s mandate, successful projects like the Cascade Power Plant, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy and financing structures that support Indigenous participation in major projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between industry and Indigenous communities, as well as the importance of capacity building and mentorship in finance for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Scott’s journey to Indigenous economic advocacy was a random walk.
• Trust is foundational in working with Indigenous communities.
• The AIOC was established to provide loan guarantees for Indigenous investments.
• Challenges include capacity within First Nations and finding good opportunities.
• Industry collaboration is essential for successful partnerships.
• The Cascade Power Plant project was a significant achievement for AIOC.
• Access to capital remains a major barrier for Indigenous communities.
• Renewable energy presents both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous prosperity.
• Innovative financing structures can enhance Indigenous equity participation.
• Mentorship in finance is crucial for building Indigenous capacity. 

Featured Guest: Scott Alanen

Scott Alanen is a high-energy senior executive and finance professional who has become a leading architect of Indigenous economic participation in Canada’s energy transition and infrastructure development. With extensive experience across corporate finance, energy, and real estate sectors, Scott has distinguished himself as a passionate advocate for Indigenous economic sovereignty through strategic capital allocation and innovative financing structures. 

Scott’s most significant contribution to Indigenous prosperity has been structuring over $400 million of Indigenous debt and equity ownership in key infrastructure and assets, with a particular focus on renewable power generation. His expertise reached its pinnacle as a principal architect of the groundbreaking $1.5 billion Cascade Power project, in which six First Nations successfully acquired a significant equity stake—representing one of the largest Indigenous equity participations in Canadian energy infrastructure history. 

His career spans diverse roles including Managing Director, VP Finance, and Chief Financial Officer across multiple industries, with previous experience in raising and allocating capital for pooled real estate mortgage funds, private equity funds, and startup exploration and production entities. Scott’s operational experience extends beyond capital raising to include managing ongoing operations of energy companies, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both the financial and operational aspects of major infrastructure projects. 

Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

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