Delegates: Check in at the Registration Table outside the Timbers Lounge, just off the main lobby at the Valhalla.
Exhibitors & Sponsors: Please proceed towards the conference area, there will be a registration table just outside the Scandia Room.
Virtual Best Ball Golf Games at On The Links
Space is limited! A Free Shuttle Bus from the Valhalla Hotel to and from each event will be provided to those approved to attend. Games and Appetizer foods are included, drinks extra.
Find out more details HERE
Photography by Alan Dickson
Explore our Exhibitors' booths in the Viking, Scandia & Ballroom Foyer, connect with fellow attendees in the Conversation Station (Odin Room), or grab a snack in the Viking Room!
The National Indigenous Economic Strategy is designed to drive positive change, address long-standing inequities, and achieve inclusive growth for and with Indigenous communities.
Panel Session - Recognizing the Legacy of Indigenous Leadership in Economic Development Key Traits of Indigenous Economic Development Champions
Edmond Collins will be moderating this session.
This session explores how to build equitable partnerships and joint ventures by navigating legal and governance frameworks that support shared success. Participants will learn about community benefits, capacity-building, and strategies to address power imbalances while strengthening trust. Case studies of successful Indigenous–industry collaborations will highlight practical approaches and lessons learned.
Learn the essentials of business planning, the Business Model Canvas, legal structures, and goal setting. Hear tailored examples from Indigenous entrepreneurs, explore when to grow into a Ltd./Corporation, and be inspired by real stories of starting and growing a business.
Share a meal, meet new contacts, and visit exhibitors for fresh insights and opportunities.
Join us back in the Ballroom at 12:30pm for a networking activity!
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Hear the latest on the Indigenous-led Webequie Supply Road and Marten Falls Community Access Road projects. Panelists will cover environmental and regulatory progress, engineering milestones, and community engagement efforts, highlighting how these all-season road projects connect First Nations to the provincial network and support responsible access to the Ring of Fire. Participants will gain a snapshot of current timelines, key considerations, and the role these roads play in advancing infrastructure, community benefits, and sustainable growth.
This session will focus on identifying and responding to labour market needs and creating effective training-to-employment pipelines for Nation members. Examples will highlight the work of organizations such as AETS in supporting skills development and workforce readiness.
Learn practical strategies for building sustainable wealth, from cash flow and investments to balancing risk and opportunity. Gain insights to shift from short-term gains to long-term financial health for yourself and your community.
Explore our Exhibitors' booths in the Viking, Scandia & Ballroom Foyer, connect with fellow attendees in the Conversation Station (Odin Room), or grab a snack in the Viking Room!
Hear directly from inspiring young leaders as they share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences in shaping the future of Indigenous economic development.
Our first day wraps up at 4pm.
Photography by Alan Dickson
Day 1 Recap & Day 2 Agenda Review
Explore the impacts of the Jay Treaty, cross-border trade, and tariffs on Indigenous businesses. Learn how these factors play out in practice and what they mean for economic development and opportunity. Moderated by Kylee Tarbell.
Explore our Exhibitors' booths in the Viking, Scandia & Ballroom Foyer, connect with fellow attendees in the Conversation Station (Odin Room), or grab a snack in the Viking Room!
This dynamic panel explores how Indigenous businesses and communities can seize growing procurement opportunities across public and private sectors. With Canada’s commitment to increasing Indigenous participation in government contracting through the 5% Indigenous procurement target, and many industries expanding their supplier diversity goals, now is the time to understand how Indigenous procurement can serve as a powerful tool for economic growth and sovereignty.
Join representatives from multiple provincial ministries for an informative and practical session designed to support Indigenous communities and organizations in navigating the funding landscape. This one-hour presentation will provide key insights into grant writing best practices, highlight common application challenges, and share tips to strengthen proposals for government funding. Presenters will also outline the types of funding available, explain the application process, and discuss how ministries can offer support throughout.
In addition to sharing information, we want to hear from you. This session will include opportunities to provide feedback on how our programs and funding processes can be better tailored to meet the unique needs, priorities, and strengths of Indigenous communities. Your voices and perspectives are essential to shaping more responsive and effective supports. This session aims to empower participants with tools and knowledge to access funding more effectively and bring their community-driven initiatives to life.
Ministries involved: Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs, Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness along with the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.
An overview of available financial resources for Indigenous businesses, including grants, loans, and investment funds. Learn how to prepare strong applications and effectively work with funders to secure support.
Explore key financial resources available to Indigenous businesses, including grants, loans, and investment funds. This session will offer practical guidance on preparing strong applications and building effective relationships with funders to secure meaningful support.
This session explores how artificial intelligence can support Indigenous businesses and communities - from streamlining operations to enhancing market access - while addressing ethical considerations such as data sovereignty, cultural preservation, and equitable access to technology.
This toolkit is designed to support First Nations communities and economic development officers in preparing Indigenous Participation Plans (IPPs) of all types. It offers practical guidance, resources, and examples to strengthen community participation and effective planning.
Explore our Exhibitors' booths in the Viking, Scandia & Ballroom Foyer, connect with fellow attendees in the Conversation Station (Odin Room), or grab a snack in the Viking Room!
At 3:00pm, buses will depart from the Valhalla for our offsite activity, returning at 5:30pm for dinner. If you’d rather stay onsite, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the venue with a Craft activity in the main Ballroom starting at 3:15pm (snacks included), or by continuing to visit the booths and make connections with our exhibitors.
Registration is required for both craft activities and offsite tours.
TOUR A: Explore Fort William First Nations
Bus departs from the Valhalla at 3pm
This craft activity will be led by Johnathan Ferris, the owner of Ed-Digenous Traditions. The craft should take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Space is limited! A Free Shuttle Bus from the Valhalla Hotel to and from the Fort William Cornhole League (DaVinci Centre) will be provided to those approved to attend. Games and Appetizer foods are included, drinks extra.
Find out more details HERE.
Day 2 Recap
Join a dynamic panel of women leaders who are transforming the landscape of economic development. This session will explore the challenges, successes, and opportunities women face while driving meaningful change in businesses, communities, and regional economies.
Ontario Securities Commission's draft Action Plan for Truth Reconciliation - overview and engagement. What's the plan for Ontario's capital markets regulator to enhance participation in and access to capital markets for Indigenous investors, businesses, and communities?
Explore our Exhibitors' booths in the Viking, Scandia & Ballroom Foyer, connect with fellow attendees in the Conversation Station (Odin Room), or grab a snack in the Viking Room!
Explore the Centre as a hub for mining sector insights and resources.
Grab a meal for the road!
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