calendar of upcoming events

Sandbox Innovation challenge is a framework for selecting energy projects that First Nation should invest in.

Role in the Project: Hydro One will act as a technical and regulatory advisor to the Indigenous Energy Transition Decision Framework project. Its primary contributions will include:

• Providing expertise on regulatory processes, grid connection, and project development pathways;
• Advising on the integration of technical feasibility and policy considerations within the framework;
• Reviewing the draft framework to ensure its applicability to Ontario’s broader energy and regulatory context;
• Supporting knowledge transfer and sectoral outreach once the pilot framework is complete.

Hydro One’s participation will ensure that the resulting framework not only reflects community priorities but also aligns with provincial regulatory standards, promoting smoother collaboration between Indigenous communities and energy proponents.

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Presented by:

Bruno Presutto

Senior Energy Project and Account Manager | Growth‍

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About the Presenter

Bruno Presutto is a leader at Hydro One with extensive experience supporting workforce development, community partnerships, and talent initiatives across Ontario. His work focuses on strengthening relationships with communities, advancing inclusive hiring practices, and creating pathways for Indigenous youth and professionals to enter skilled trades and energy‑sector careers. Bruno brings a strong commitment to collaboration and capacity‑building, and he continues to support programs that help grow a diverse and future‑ready workforce at Hydro One.

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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.

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

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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.

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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

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Ryan Moore

Director of Indigenous Procurement & Entrepreneurship Development | OFNEDA

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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.  

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