Cornhole Private Event
Complimentary shuttles will run from offsite hotels to the main venue, ensuring convenient transportation for all guests.
Photography by Alan Dickson
Take a moment to stretch, refresh, and explore the tradeshow. Visit exhibitors, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy this opportunity to recharge before the next session.
Panel Session - Recognizing the Legacy of Indigenous Leadership in Economic Development Key Traits of Indigenous Economic Development Champions
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.
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.
Take a moment to stretch, refresh, and explore the tradeshow. Visit exhibitors, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy this opportunity to recharge before the next session.
The National Indigenous Economic Strategy is designed to drive positive change, address long-standing inequities, and achieve inclusive growth for and with Indigenous communities.
Hear directly from inspiring young leaders as they share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences in shaping the future of Indigenous economic development.
Chiefs of Ontario
Our first day wraps up at 4pm.
Complimentary shuttles will run from offsite hotels to the main venue, ensuring convenient transportation for all guests.
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.
Take a moment to stretch, refresh, and explore the tradeshow. Visit exhibitors, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy this opportunity to recharge before the next session.
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.
Branding, storytelling, and using social media effectively, with an emphasis on culturally resonant marketing strategies.
Identifying and responding to labour market needs Creating training-to-employment pipelines for Nation members (AETS, CMO)
An overview of financial resources - including grants, loans, and Indigenous investment funds - plus guidance on preparing applications and working effectively with funders.
Explore how First Nations communities can assert control over their data and harness AI to strengthen governance, planning, and self-determination. Learn about e-commerce strategies, digital tools, and website best practices to optimize online sales. Gain insights into how AI can be applied to support both community development and business growth.
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.
Take a moment to stretch, refresh, and explore the tradeshow. Visit exhibitors, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy this opportunity to recharge before the next session.
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 in the main Ballroom with crafts starting at 3:15pm, snacks, and good company.
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.
Our final opportunity to explore the tradeshow.
Hear from Indigenous business leaders, procurement experts, and government representatives as they discuss practical pathways to success, barriers that need to be dismantled, and innovative strategies for building procurement readiness. This session will also examine how procurement can create long-term community benefits when aligned with Nation priorities and values.
Grab a meal for the road!
