Vancouver, BC – December 17, 2024 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) joins Indigenous communities, industry partners, and all those who knew Niilo Edwards in mourning his passing. A visionary leader, trusted collaborator, and tireless advocate, Niilo’s life was dedicated to advancing Indigenous participation, capacity, and leadership in major projects across Canada.
Born in Alert Bay and raised in Sointula, a small fishing village on Malcolm Island, Niilo carried his roots into every aspect of his work. His career began as a constituency advisor in Ottawa’s House of Commons, later serving as executive assistant to Senator Gerry St. Germain, who inspired in him an entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of urgency to address systemic gaps. Niilo completed his degree in public administration at the University of Ottawa, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.
Niilo dedicated 20 years to advancing Indigenous business capacity, most recently serving as CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and its revenue-generating arm, the FNMPC Advisory Centre. Under his leadership, FNMPC grew to support over 170 Indigenous communities nationwide, overseeing a project portfolio valued at $45 billion.
A respected advisor to the First Nations Financial Management Board and the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, Niilo also served on the boards of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships and a First Nations-owned corporation. He held the prestigious ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
In 2024, Niilo was hounored as Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year by BCBusiness and was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program in the Pacific Region—a testament to his visionary leadership and enduring impact.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Niilo was a kidney transplant recipient and a passionate advocate for organ donation. His resilience and advocacy reflected his deep commitment to helping others, even in the face of personal challenges. At his request, donations in his memory can be made to the Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of Canada at odtrf.org.
Niilo Edwards believed in the power of reconciliation through action. CEBC extends our deepest condolences to Niilo’s family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to economic reconciliation, Indigenous leadership, and sustainable development will leave a lasting impact for generations to come. He will be profoundly missed.
