Archaeological and environmental participation in major and minor projects creates jobs and revenue, builds community capacity, and engages communities in both Western and traditional land-based practices while building sector relationships and direct investment confidence.

Zack is a heritage and economic development sector professional of 13 years, a professionally licensed archaeologist and historian, the Director of Economic Development and Resource Management for Ginoogaming First Nation, and the Principal of Round Lake Consulting. He has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours and Master of Arts from the University of Windsor. Zack began in archaeological surveys and fieldwork in 2012, started a sole-proprietorship in academic editing in 2015, entered built heritage research work in 2016, and transitioned to heritage project management between 2018 and 2021 across southern Ontario before starting work in-community in environment and consultation, leading eventually to managing and directing First Nations economic and lands departments. He has developed and launched several First Nations project participation programs focused on archaeology and environmental work. He founded Round Lake Consulting in 2025, and lives and works in Longlac, Ontario with offices in Longlac and Windsor.

‍

Regional Engagement Forum - Thunder Bay

This event is by private invitation only.

Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre

2080 Highway #61, Thunder Bay, ON, P7J 1B8, Canada

Regional meetings are intended for First Nations Economic Development Officers, but they are also open to First Nations entrepreneurs, Chief and Council, or a designated representative from the First Nation. Our Regional Meetings are small gatherings where we meet with First Nations in the hosting area to hear community priorities, challenges, and opportunities. These sessions help us share OFNEDA programs and resources while ensuring each community feels informed and supported. You will have the chance to connect with Ryan Moore, Reema Chopra, and other team members, and your input will help guide the development of upcoming toolkits.

Breakfast, snacks and lunch is included. Please carefully select the location closest to your First Nation, as travel costs are covered only for attendance at the nearest location.

OFNEDA is inviting Economic Development Officers and First Nations Entrepreneurs to connect in a casual, welcoming setting, whether over a coffee, tea, or whatever you enjoy at your desk. This monthly space offers EDOs the chance to have informal conversations with one another, share ideas, discuss challenges and wins, and highlight what is happening in their communities. It is an opportunity to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario.

‍

Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

Growth is exciting but it can also break a business if you're not ready for it. This session is for entrepreneurs whose business is picking up and who want to grow with intention. We'll talk about what scaling really looks like for small First Nations businesses, when to hire, when to move to a physical location, and how to manage the financial side of growth without losing control. We'll also explore what it means to grow in a way that stays true to your values.

Topics Covered

•       Signs your business is ready to grow and warning signs it's not

•       Staffing: when to hire, what kind of help you need, and how to find the right people

•       Physical location: pros, cons, and when the timing is right

•       Expanding your products or services: how to do it without spreading too thin

•       Financial planning for growth: cash flow, investment, and managing risk

•       Staying culturally grounded as your business expands

•       Delegating and letting go: building a team you can trust

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•       Identify 2–3areas of your business that are ready to grow

•       Create a simple hiring checklist or staffing plan

•       Map out the financial steps needed to support your next growth stage

•       Name at least one boundary or value you want to protect as you grow

‍

Note: This session is most  valuable for entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 6–12 months  and are seeing consistent demand. This is also a great tool for new  businesses to spot when they’re ready for growth.

‍

Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

Government and corporate procurement is one of the biggest opportunities for First Nation entrepreneurs (and one of the most confusing). This session breaks it all down. We'll look at how procurement works, what buyers are looking for, and how to position your business to compete. We'll walk through how to read an RFP (Request for Proposal), what to include in your response, and common mistakes that get bids rejected. We'll also cover Indigenous procurement policies and supplier diversity programs that create real opportunities for your business.

Topics Covered

• How procurement works: the basics of government and corporate purchasing

• Where to find bids i.e. MERX, Nation Talk and other search platforms.

• Indigenous procurement policies: federal, provincial, and corporate programs

• Supplier diversity and certification: CCIB, CAMSC, and what they mean for you

• How to read an RFP step by step

• What buyers are looking for: evaluation criteria explained

• Writing a competitive bid: structure, language, and common mistakes

• Preparing your business: capabilities statements and vendor registration

• Building relationships before the RFP comes out

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 2 procurement programs or opportunities relevant to your business

• Read a sample RFP and identify the key evaluation criteria

• Start or update your capabilities statement

• Register with at least one vendor database or certification program