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.

About the Session:

Exploring clean energy solutions and community-focused solar opportunities with Firefly Solar

Presented by:
Serena Pawluk

Indigenous Business Development Liaison

Firefly Solar

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY- LOGIN TO YOUR DASHBOARD TO REGISTER 

This workshop introduces participants to the core principles of budgeting and financial reporting, with a focus on practical skills that support effective program planning and financial management. Participants will learn how budgets are developed, how financial statements are interpreted, and how these tools support informed decision making in First Nations organizations.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the budgeting module, participants will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of budgeting
• Gain an understanding of financial statements

Topics Covered

Budgeting

• What a budget is
• Key components of effective budgets
• Preliminary program budgets
• Program workplans and appropriations
• Full budget cycle

Financial Statements

• Reporting frameworks
• Balance sheet
• Income statement
• Debt
• Cash flows
• Remeasurement gains and losses
• Schedules of revenue and expenditures
• Schedules of remuneration

Presented by:

Justin Jimmy, CPA and ICD.D certified corporate director, brings more than a decade of experience in financial management, governance, and capacity building. As CEO of Urban Cree Consulting, he supports Indigenous governments, organizations, and businesses with tailored financial and governance solutions.

His background includes leadership roles across First Nations, the corporate and for‑profit sector, Indigenous not‑for‑profit organizations, and advisory boards. His expertise in financial reporting, governance, and community‑focused initiatives positions him as a trusted leader in advancing strong, culturally grounded financial practices. Justin is Cree from Onion Lake First Nation.

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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.

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Opportunities for Cross Border Indigenous Trade

Join us to learn about foreign trade zones, customs brokering, and how sovereignty can support economic growth and global opportunities.

Presented by:
Jennifer Saeck

Of Counsel

Mshkawzi Law, LLP.  

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‍Digital sovereignty is economic sovereignty. Join Tansi (Indigenous-owned and built) to discover how the unified Tansi™ platform turns daily community operations into sustainable, recurring wealth.

This highly practical presentation introduces 11 actionable revenue streams—including automated job boards, contractor compliance fees, and digitized permit licensing. See how consolidating 7+ legacy software systems slashes community overhead while creating long-term, local tech careers. We’ll cover strategic federal and provincial grant opportunities that can offset 100% of your initial deployment costs and break down our unique Class N corporate equity partnership model.

If you are ready to stop leaving money on the table and start funding your community's future on your own terms, this is the one session you cannot afford to miss. Secure your spot today and take full control of your Nation’s economic destiny!

Presented by:
Serena Pawluk

Indigenous Business Development Liaison

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

For 15 years, the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) has driven First Nations economic growth through advocacy, education, networking, and capacity building for communities and businesses across Ontario. The 15th anniversary of the First Nations Economic Advancement Conference (FNEAC) marks a defining moment in collaboration, resilience, and economic leadership, setting the foundation for the next generation of First Nations prosperity and opportunity. Attendees can expect a comprehensive experience that includes a dedicated exhibitor area, interactive workshops, plenary and breakout sessions, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections. The program will also feature a gala dinner and awards celebration recognizing excellence in First Nations economic development, along with optional tour experiences that showcase local initiatives, partnerships, and success stories. Onsite registration will open on September 14, followed by an opening reception that evening, setting the stage for relationship-building and collaboration. Over the following days, participants will engage in insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic networking, all designed to support long-term partnerships and advance economic opportunity across First Nations communities.

WHO CAN ATTEND

The conference welcomes First Nations entrepreneurs, First Nations community leaders, and businesses, with a strong emphasis on First Nations Economic Development Officers (EDOs) as a primary audience.

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It also includes First Nations entrepreneurs and businesses without restriction, as well as non First Nations entrepreneurs, organizations, industry professionals, and government representatives who are interested in exploring meaningful partnership opportunities and building relationships. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current and emerging economic development initiatives that support First Nations communities across Canada, while gaining insight into best practices, innovation, and collaboration in the First Nations and First Nations economic landscape.

‍Sponsorship, Trade Show Booths, and Event Inquiries please contact: ‍

Tessa Lavoie, Event Coordinator at events@ofneda.ca
‍Reema Chopra,  Marketing & Training Director at marketingdirector@ofneda.ca

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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

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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.

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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