Amidst cries of “51st state”, King Charles III made a historic visit to Canada recently, delivering the Speech from the Throne on May 27, 2025. Among the leaders witnessing this significant moment was Chief Perry Bellegarde, the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) who now serves as a special advisor to the King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative.
For Chief Bellegarde, this moment represented the culmination of a working relationship that began over two decades ago. His presence in the Senate Chamber reflected his role as one of the King’s advisors on sustainability and Indigenous affairs, a position that has placed him at the forefront of global conversations about climate change and economic reconciliation.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision
Chief Bellegarde’s relationship with then-Prince Charles began in 2001 during a visit to Saskatchewan marking the 125th anniversary of Treaty 6. That initial meeting sparked what would become a profound working relationship centered on a shared understanding of humanity’s responsibility to the Earth. In 2019, then-Prince Charles asked Chief Bellegarde, alongside his wife Valerie Galley Bellegarde, to join him as an advisor on his Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) — a recognition of Indigenous peoples’ essential role in addressing the global climate crisis.
The SMI’s global mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through the private sector, facilitating action between world leaders and CEOs to position sustainability at the heart of global value creation. For Chief Bellegarde, this role provides a platform to bring Indigenous perspectives to discussions about mobilizing the trillions of dollars needed for sustainable development.
Ahead of the King’s visit to Canada, Chief Bellegarde joined the King at Canada House in London to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom. Chief Bellegarde was there as the Honorary President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and, alongside High Commissioner Ralph Goodale, guided Their Majesties on a tour of a giant floor map of Canada showcasing the country’s national parks and historic sites.
“It was an honour to show Their Majesties some of the most beautiful sites across the country,” Chief Bellegarde said in an article with Canadian Geographic. “King Charles III has dedicated much of his life to protecting nature, and we know how much he values the extraordinary natural heritage that means so much to Canadians.”
Chief Bellegarde then re-connected with the King in Canada, participating in meetings and ceremonies that highlighted the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. During these visits, Chief Bellegarde and other Indigenous leaders engaged in discussions with the King focused on reconciliation, the importance of treaties, and the need for the Crown to listen to Indigenous voices and histories.
From National Chief to Global Advisor
Chief Bellegarde’s path to this international role spans 35 years of leadership. A member of Little Black Bear First Nation, he has dedicated his life to championing the rights and well-being of First Nations. Chief Bellegarde served two terms as National Chief of the AFN from 2014-2021, where he campaigned tirelessly to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other families in Canada.
During his tenure, Chief Bellegarde led the AFN through critical accomplishments including the passage of Canada’s first national legislation recognizing and protecting Indigenous languages, much needed changes in how government services in First Nations communities are funded, and a legal commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Today, in addition to his work with SMI, Chief Bellegarde is a special advisor to Fasken, an international law firm, and serves as the chair of the First Nations Bank of Canada Board of Directors.
Economic and Environmental Reconciliation
Drawing on his work with SMI, Chief Bellegarde shares his vision for addressing the climate crisis through Indigenous wisdom in his keynote, “Building a Sustainable Future: Economic and Environmental Reconciliation.” He explores how traditional knowledge systems can inform global sustainability efforts.
Across a vast range of cultures and traditions, Chief Bellegarde says, Indigenous Peoples agree that whenever we take from our Mother Earth, we must also give back. As a global society, we’ve been taking far too much for far too long, without giving back. The undeniable global challenges of climate change and the prospect of some one million species going extinct is proof to that, he says.
Chief Bellegarde’s keynote explores practical pathways for collaboration, examining how government, industry, and the financial sector can work with First Nations to ensure a sustainable future. This approach embodies what he calls “economic and environmental reconciliation” — a framework that recognizes Indigenous peoples not just as stakeholders, but as partners with inherent rights and knowledge systems essential for sustainable development.
Hire Chief Perry Bellegarde to Speak at Your Event
For Chief Bellegarde, the path forward requires recognizing that Indigenous knowledge offers practical solutions to global challenges. His work with the King and SMI and his broader leadership demonstrates that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship can work in harmony — not just as an ideal, but as an achievable reality built through respectful collaboration between Indigenous communities and global institutions.
Contact us today to learn more about Chief Perry Bellegarde and his keynotes on reconciliation, sustainability, and Indigenous leadership.
