CEPY

On Thursday evening, 6 February 2025, leaders of Canada’s energy sector came together to honour Chief Councillor Crystal Smith of the Haisla Nation as the Canadian Energy Person of the Year for 2024. Chief Smith is also Chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance. She has been instrumental in positioning the Haisla Nation as majority owner of the Cedar LNG project on BC’s coast.

The Pan Pacific Hotel’s Crystal Pavilion Ballroom contained upward of 250 guests to express their support and admiration for the guest of honour. The event attracted 15 sponsors from companies and other energy organizations.

Colleagues, friends, and family either sent video greetings or spoke in person at the event, which was presided over by Howard Shearer, Chair of the Energy Council of Canada. Chief Smith spoke movingly of the challenges and sacrifices she has had to make to not simply move the project forward, but do it in such a way as to ensure that the Nation she leads can benefit and flourish from this opportunity.

Mr. Shearer and Canadian Energy Person of the Year for 2023, Nancy Southern, presented the award to Chief Smith.