Rez Dog Walkers

Dallas Smith
Rez Dog Walkers podcast provides an intimate look at Indigenous land management, sustainability, politics and community on the West Coast. Hosted by Dallas Smith, the show features candid conversations with Indigenous leaders, politicians, business leaders, researchers and community members.
Season 3 is here! Continuing the important conversations as we approach the 2026 BC Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference, June 3-5, 2026.
Produced in partnership with Dallas Smith and Erica Roberts, C3 Alliance, and Oh Boy Studios.
Artwork by Fisher Roberts, Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai Nation.
Dallas Smith - Host
Dallas Smith
Host & Creator

Bringing you authentic conversations and inside perspectives on Indigenous issues and opportunities across the West Coast.

Season Three Episodes

In the latest episode, host Dallas Smith welcomes back Isaiah Robinson for a heartfelt discussion on the complexities of First Nations reconciliation and the ongoing impact of residential schools. They tackle the fear-mongering surrounding Indigenous rights, the importance of education, and the need for respectful dialogue in today's society.

In this episode, host Dallas Smith welcomes Art Wilson, a Councillor at We Wai Kai Nation, and the Referrals Office Manager at the Nanwakolas Council in Campbell River. Art brings more than twenty years of experience in B.C.'s forestry sector, and received a Natural Resource Technology Diploma and Forestry Certificate from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in 2003.

Tune in for this compelling discussion on Indigenous participation in the forestry sector, as Art shares some of We Wai Kai Nation's key successes in economic development, and the advantages of Indigenous-owned businesses in land management and access to cultural resources.

Season Two Episodes

In this episode we are pleased to welcome back Isaiah Robinson, Deputy Chief Councillor for Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation and General Manager of Kitasoo Development Corporation.

When he last came onto the podcast, Isaiah shared his experience and insight into navigating complex relationships between activists, government, and communities in the aquaculture industry. This episode naturally extends that discussion, as we delve once again into Indigenous participation in industry, this time in the wake of a federal election that put the Canadian government to the test.

Join us as we discuss some of the most pressing issues faced by all Canadians, including housing and economic development, and the challenges and opportunities this presents to Indigenous communities. Isaiah highlights the importance of fully integrating environmental protection with economic growth, as well as some of the unique challenges his Nation faces, and the importance of trusting the knowledge and expertise of individual Nations when making decisions that impact those communities.

Welcome back to another episode from the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference, as we continue our series of thought-provoking conversations on Indigenous relations and B.C.'s resource sector. In this episode, we are joined by George Abbott, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly in B.C. In his 17 years in government, George accumulated experience in various ministries, from Health to Indigenous Relations. Join us as we contemplate the historical and political foundations of reconciliation in B.C., and pay tribute to a friend and mentor, the late Stan Hagen. George also provides some background for his upcoming book, Unceded, which seeks to understand B.C.'s reconciliation efforts in the context of the B.C. government's history of injustice towards First Nations. You will not want to miss this engaging conversation with a man who was, so to speak, in the room when reconciliation in B.C. was hatched.

In this episode we continue our exploration of British Columbia's forestry industry with Linda Coady, former CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries. Coady has held several influential roles, including Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge Inc., Vice-President of Sustainability for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, and Vice-President for the Pacific Region at WWF-Canada. In this episode, we delve into the impacts of the War in the Woods and the evolution of conservation and reconciliation in coastal B.C. and across Canada.

Join us live from Penticton as we explore the political journey and insights of this distinguished leader in British Columbia politics.

Season One Episodes

In this episode, we explore stories of Indigenous leadership and economic development, including the beginnings of the first Indigenous owned Starbucks, as well as some behind the scenes on the making of Katherine's new book and the profound connection to homelands in the Great Bear Rainforest

Join Dallas and guests, Alexandra Thomas and Dr. Melanie Clapham for two remarkable conversations that shed light on the intricate relationship between Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship.

Dallas Smith sits down with the remarkable Miles Richardson, the youngest president ever to lead the Haida Nation. In this captivating episode, Miles shares his inspiring journey from his roots in Haida Gwaii to being encouraged to enter Haida politics in his 20s and eventually becoming a pivotal figure in Indigenous politics and advocacy.

Join Dallas Smith and his esteemed guest, Wade Grant on a reflective journey through the intricate landscape of Indigenous affairs and government relations. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of reconciliation between First Nations and the BC government over recent decades.

Explore the opportunities and challenges facing the aquaculture industry as Dallas and guests discuss the vital role of salmon farming in economic development and self-determination for First Nations like Kitasoo Xai'xais.

In this episode, host Dallas Smith and Sarah take us on a journey through the evolution of the BC Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference. From its humble beginnings in 2009 to becoming a powerhouse platform for indigenous voices in resource development and management across BC.