We would love to feature your wares at one of our Craft Artisan Tables. We're currently at capacity, but please do use the form below to be added to our waitlist!
Sponsorship offers valuable visibility, with opportunities for logo placement, speaking roles, digital promotion, and more.
We will be featuring a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to help businesses and communities identify, analyze, and seize economic opportunities.
With a focus on sustainable business success - ensuring ventures thrive for years to come - topics will include business development, strategic partnerships, economic recovery, growth planning, and leadership, entrepreneurship financing access, business start-ups and project management readiness.
This annual gathering offers a dynamic platform for business leaders, Indigenous communities, and economic changemakers to collaborate, learn, and drive long-term growth across Ontario.
Engage in sessions focused on business development, strategic partnerships, economic recovery, growth planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, financial access, and project management readiness.
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Meet over 300 delegates, including Indigenous entrepreneurs, government officials, financial institutions, corporate partners, and artisans.
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Strengthen relationships that contribute to reconciliation, innovation, and prosperity.
Present products and services directly to Indigenous buyers and decision-makers.
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Speak to a large audience of engaged professionals and community representatives.
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Increase brand visibility and network with a growing community committed to economic empowerment.
We invite you to be part of this transformative event. Together, we can build a resilient and inclusive economic future.
We are inviting a total of 8 Indigenous youth—2 from each of our 4 chapters across Ontario—ages 15 to 30, who are passionate about economic development, entrepreneurship, or career exploration in these fields.
All travel expenses covered for selected applicants to attend OFNEDA’s 14th First Nations Economic Advancement Conference, taking place in Thunder Bay from September 15–18, 2025, at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre.
Travel support for a chaperone will be provided for participants under 18.
We hope you have your blue suede shoes on so you can shake, rattle and roll at this event with the one and only, Nish King!
This King doesn’t come from Graceland, but from Aroland First Nation located in Treaty 9 territory. His alter ego, Bobby Narcisse, is Ojibway and has been an indigenous Elvis tribute artist for the past 20 years as the Nish King. Bobby has performed his show in many First Nation communities and at events across Canada. Bobby is trained professionally through the centre of indigenous theatre, and enjoys sharing his talents through music, the arts and laughter.
Stan Wesley, originally from Moose Cree First Nation and now living in Six Nations Territory with his wife Mandy and their children, Maya and Tenona, is a passionate speaker and accomplished entrepreneur. With many years of experience as a professional speaker, Stan has inspired and energized audiences from coast to coast to coast. Working at the local, regional, provincial and national levels, he speaks on a variety of issues with a focus on celebrating success and advancing good, healthy relations among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
Stan has worked with the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) in the past and is thrilled to be the Emcee once again, to be able to foster networking connections and celebrate excellence in First Nations Economic Development.
We welcome all of the following:
Some OFNEDA Memberships come with a complimentary or discounted FNEAC Ticket - please see our Ticket & Admittance Policy for more information.
If you're looking to become an OFNEDA Member, you can use our Membership Comparison Chart to determine which plan is right for you.
If you need to renew your OFNEDA Membership, please log in to your account. For assistance with renewing your membership, logging in, or have questions about membership perks, please contact Monica Lister, Research/Member Support Specialist at membersupport@ofneda.ca.
This conference will feature fulsome discussions on a variety of topics related to seizing economic opportunities, with different streams to meet the varied needs of all delegates in attendance. You can also expect:
Our Tradeshow participants and Artisan Vendors will be available for the duration of the conference!
Absolutely. The benefits of becoming a SPONSOR or TRADESHOW EXHIBITOR include increased visibility with indigenous communities, leaders, and decision-makers. You'll have the ability to network with over 300+ attendees and participants will have the opportunity to speak in front of conference delegates, presenting an invaluable chance to showcase their products and services to potential Indigenous buyers.
There is a room block available at the Valhalla; availability is first come, first serve. Alternative local hotels are available, and a complimentary shuttle bus to and from the event venue will be available to those who book at either of the other options listed on our Hotel Booking page.
We have a graduated refund policy based on how close to the event the cancellation takes place. Please see our Cancellation Policy for more information.
If you have questions about your event registration, please contact Ingaged at events@ingaged.ca or give us a call at (807) 700-7001 between 9 AM and 4:30 PM (EST) Monday through Friday.
For questions about sponsorship, the venue, or the event as a whole, please reach out to Peggy Domingue at (705) 542-6276 or ed@ofneda.ca.
For inquiries about OFNEDA Membership, please contact Monica Lister our Research/Member Support Specialist at membersupport@ofneda.ca.
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