Crystal Smith
: Senior Fellow
Expert Overview
Crystal Smith is one of Canada’s most recognized First Nations leaders in natural resource and economic policy. She served the Haisla Nation for 16 years, including eight as Chief Councillor (2017–2025), where she guided a transformative shift from managing poverty to managing opportunity, championing Indigenous economic self-determination while upholding environmental stewardship.
Under her leadership, the Haisla Nation played a central role in LNG Canada and the Coastal GasLink pipeline, launched HaiSea Marine – the world’s first fully electric tugboat fleet – and secured the $6-billion Cedar LNG Project, the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure investment in Canadian history. These projects positioned the Haisla Nation to fund programs independently, improve social outcomes, and create lasting prosperity for future generations.
Smith has served as chair of the First Nations LNG Alliance and the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance, as a director of Cedar LNG, and on the boards of Taseko Mines and the First Nations Climate Initiative. She also serves on TC Energy’s Indigenous Advisory Council. She has received several honours for her leadership, including BC Business Woman of the Year, Public Policy Forum 2025 Honouree, Energy Person of the Year, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Smith holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Coast Mountain College, a Business Skills Certificate from Thompson Rivers University, and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. A proud mother, grandmother, and athlete, she remains deeply connected to her community while advancing Indigenous leadership and economic reconciliation across Canada.
Crystal Smith's work for MLI
