ofneda's 14th annual First Nations Economic Advancement Conference

Ready, Set, GROW

Seizing Economic Opportunities

September 15-18, 2025 - Valhalla Hotel & Conference Center, Thunder Bay

Calling all Artisans!

We would love to feature your wares at one of our Craft Artisan Tables. Spots are filling up quickly, so please don’t hesitate to...

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Join the Trade Show!

An exhibitor room is being incorporated for the duration of the conference with set times for delegates to visit with exhibitors.

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Our Theme for 2025 is "Ready, Set, GROW: Seizing Economic Opportunities."

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.

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OUR VENUE
Vallhalla Hotel & Conference Center - Thunder Bay

With rustic Scandinavian inspired architecture, Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre is both the largest full service hotel in Northwestern Ontario and the most unique. They are perfectly situated, located just minutes away from the Thunder Bay Airport and near to some of the city’s main attractions, Valhalla Hotel suits every traveler’s needs.

BOOKING YOUR HOTEL ROOM

🌟 Call for Indigenous Youth Delegates! 🌟

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.

Apply now or nominate youth from your chapter! Let’s empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Conference Youth Speaker Application form
meet the mc

Stan Wesley

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.

FAQs

Who can attend?

We welcome all of the following:

  • Indigenous entrepreneurs
  • First Nation community leaders, and businesses
  • non-Indigenous entrepreneurs, organizations, and industry professionals interested in exploring business opportunities and learning about new economic development initiatives that support Indigenous communities and businesses across Ontario.
Is the conference free for OFNEDA members?

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.

Why attend the conference?

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:

  • Networking Opportunities
  • Exhibitors' Area
  • Workshops & Tours
  • Gala & Awards Evening
  • Welcoming Reception
  • Artisan Tables

Our Tradeshow participants and Artisan Vendors will be available for the duration of the conference!

Can my organization get involved?

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.

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Where can I stay?

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.

What if I have to cancel?

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.

Need a hand?

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.