calendar of upcoming events

Apr 9
-
2026
10-11 AM ET
Coffee Meetup

Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA – Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

Thursday, April 9, 2026

The Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA at Simon Fraser University is a nationally recognized graduate program designed to strengthen Indigenous leadership, economic development, and Nation‑building capacity. This 20‑month, hybrid program weaves Indigenous worldviews with advanced business education, offering flexible online and in‑person learning for working professionals. Students gain tools in entrepreneurship, governance, sustainability, and organizational leadership while learning alongside a strong network of Indigenous leaders from across Canada. The program supports experienced professionals who are committed to advancing sovereignty, self‑determination, and economic wellbeing within their Nations and organizations.

About the Presenters

Megan Rosso is the Manager of Recruitment at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. She leads strategic outreach and engagement for Beedie’s graduate programs, including the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA. Megan works closely with prospective students, communities, and partners to support pathways into advanced business education. Her work focuses on helping learners find programs that align with their goals while ensuring they feel supported throughout the admissions process. She brings a strong commitment to relationship‑building and to expanding access to business education across diverse communities.

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

Apr 15
-
2026
10-12 PM ET
Workshop

Hands‑On AI Training: Practical Skills in Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Virtual Training for OFNEDA Members Only

Our most skilled, small‑group trainings are reserved for OFNEDA members. Join today to access live learning designed to support your growth and success.

Click here to sign-up for the membership!

Objectives

This interactive session introduces participants to today’s leading AI tools and demonstrates how they can streamline daily tasks, improve productivity, and support decision‑making.

What We Will Cover

  • Overview of generative AI and its practical applications
  • Hands‑on exercises in Microsoft Copilot for writing, research, and data tasks
  • How to use Gemini for search, summarization, and content generation
  • Practical prompts and workflows for ChatGPT
  • Comparing the three tools and selecting the right one for each task
  • Responsible use of AI, privacy considerations, and accuracy checks
  • Live demonstration: How to take an existing grant template and adjust it to a specific government RFP
  • Responsible use of AI, privacy considerations, and accuracy checks
  • Guided practice with real‑time examples and participant questions

Presented by:

Reema Chopra

Director of Marketing & Training | OFNEDA

Ryan Moore

Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development | OFNEDA

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

Apr 22
-
2026
2-4 PM ET
EDO Meeting

EDO and Entrepreneurs Community Connections

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

New Initiative: Monthly Virtual Meetings

OFNEDA is inviting Economic Development Officers and First Nations Entrepreneurs to connect in a casual, welcoming setting, whether over a coffee, tea, or whatever you enjoy at your desk.

This monthly space offers EDOs the chance to have informal conversations with one another, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in their communities. It is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario.

Please ensure you are logged in as a member on our website to access the registration link. If you are an EDO and not a member, a direct registration link has been sent to you by email.

If you experience any difficulty logging in, please contact our Training Coordinator, Debbie Donivan, at trainingcoordinator@ofneda.ca or call 519.200.1033 for assistance.

We look forward to insightful conversations and building lasting connections

How to register?

New Initiative: Monthly Virtual Meetings

OFNEDA is inviting Economic Development Officers and First Nations Entrepreneurs to connect in a casual, welcoming setting, whether over a coffee, tea, or whatever you enjoy at your desk.

This monthly space offers EDOs and Entrepreneurs the chance to have informal conversations with one another, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in their communities. It is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario.

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

Apr 23
-
2026
10-11 AM ET
Coffee Meetup

Supporting Growth in Northern Ontario: Understanding FedNor Programs and the Youth Intern Opportunity

Thursday, April 23, 2026

This webinar offers a clear overview of FedNor’s core programs, with a focus on how the Youth Intern stream helps organizations build capacity. Participants will learn how the program supports employers by funding recent graduates to lead community, digital, and economic development projects. The session highlights eligibility, funding details, and examples of successful youth‑driven initiatives across Northern Ontario.

About the Presenters

Heather McKeown has worked with FedNor for the past five years as a Program Delivery Officer. She began her career with FedNor in Kenora, Ontario where she lived and worked for two years before transferring to her current location in the Sault Ste. Marie office. Heather is excited to present FedNor programs across Ontario, supporting communities and businesses with knowledge and resources that she hopes will help support economic growth across the region. Her primary areas of interest include agriculture/agrifood and tourism, although she supports a variety of projects across priority sectors.  

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

Apr 27
-
2026
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM ET
Workshop

EC Training Series - Foundations of Business & Self Discovery

Monday, April 27, 2026
Presenter
Sarah Hopkins

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape who were displaced from their homeland, Lenapehoking (Modern day New York City and surrounding area) to Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in southwestern Ontario. Sarah is a Day School survivor who was raised by her Mother, who taught her the importance of standing up for what you believe; her Grandmother, a residential school survivor; and her Great-Grandmother, who spoke only Lenape.  

These courageous and resilient women have bolstered Sarah’s desire to support and elevate Indigenous voices. With the support of her family, she founded Three Sisters Consulting in 2018, a company dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples and helping them achieve business, professional, and personal success. Sarah’s role within Three Sisters Consulting is that of Matriarch – the first line of support for her ever-growing team. Sarah continues to be an active member of her community; she has served as an Elected member of Council for her Nation, Treasurer and Board Member for her tribal council, and current Board Member for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Lambton Kent chapter. She has worked with not-for-profits, multiple levels of government and corporations on a wide variety of topics including mining initiatives, Impact Benefit Assessments, creation of Indigenous legal systems, economic and business development, policing, negotiations, and Indigenous engagement impacting legislation. Sarah is kept grounded by the strong Indigenous women who raised her, numerous Aunties and Uncles, and her two boys she has the honour of calling her Sons. When she is not working, you can find Sarah looking for opportunities to share space with our extended community across Turtle Island.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ryan Moore, Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development at ipeddirector@ofneda.ca

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

May 20
-
2026
2-3 OM ET
EDO Meeting

EDO and Entrepreneurs Community Connections

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

New Initiative: Monthly Virtual Meetings

OFNEDA is inviting Economic Development Officers and First Nations Entrepreneurs to connect in a casual, welcoming setting, whether over a coffee, tea, or whatever you enjoy at your desk.

This monthly space offers EDOs the chance to have informal conversations with one another, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in their communities. It is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario.

Please ensure you are logged in as a member on our website to access the registration link. If you are an EDO and not a member, a direct registration link has been sent to you by email.

If you experience any difficulty logging in, please contact our Training Coordinator, Debbie Donivan, at trainingcoordinator@ofneda.ca or call 519.200.1033 for assistance.

We look forward to insightful conversations and building lasting connections

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

May 25
-
2026
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Workshop

EC Training Series-Financial Management Part 1

Monday, May 25, 2026
Presenter
Sarah Hopkins

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape who were displaced from their homeland, Lenapehoking (Modern day New York City and surrounding area) to Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in southwestern Ontario. Sarah is a Day School survivor who was raised by her Mother, who taught her the importance of standing up for what you believe; her Grandmother, a residential school survivor; and her Great-Grandmother, who spoke only Lenape.  

These courageous and resilient women have bolstered Sarah’s desire to support and elevate Indigenous voices. With the support of her family, she founded Three Sisters Consulting in 2018, a company dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples and helping them achieve business, professional, and personal success. Sarah’s role within Three Sisters Consulting is that of Matriarch – the first line of support for her ever-growing team. Sarah continues to be an active member of her community; she has served as an Elected member of Council for her Nation, Treasurer and Board Member for her tribal council, and current Board Member for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Lambton Kent chapter. She has worked with not-for-profits, multiple levels of government and corporations on a wide variety of topics including mining initiatives, Impact Benefit Assessments, creation of Indigenous legal systems, economic and business development, policing, negotiations, and Indigenous engagement impacting legislation. Sarah is kept grounded by the strong Indigenous women who raised her, numerous Aunties and Uncles, and her two boys she has the honour of calling her Sons. When she is not working, you can find Sarah looking for opportunities to share space with our extended community across Turtle Island.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ryan Moore, Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development at ipeddirector@ofneda.ca

How to register?

Become a member today, or log in to see how to register for this event.

Interested in attending as a guest? Contact us at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca.

Looking to view past workshops?

Log in to your dashboard or register for an OFNEDA membership.