• Updates from the Executive Director
• First Nations Economic Development Conference - Early Bird Registration ends June 30th, 2026
• Calling Indigenous Artisans In Ontario for the First Nations Economic Development Conference
• Community News from First Nations
• Upcoming Regional Engagement Forums
• Entrepreneurship Committee Trainings
• Coffee Virtual Meet‑Ups
• Virtual Training
• Grants and Proposal Support

• Updates from the Executive Director
• Celebrating 15 Years of the First Nations Economic Development Conference
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Community News from First Nations
• Upcoming Regional Engagement Forums
• Coffee Virtual Meet‑Ups
• Virtual Training
• Entrepreneurship Committee Trainings
• Grants and Proposal Support

Hosted our fourth Regional Meeting, delivered the TEAD course, and held the Annual General Meeting in Sudbury, bringing members together for learning, collaboration, and shared planning.

Welcomed one new Board member and two returning members to the OFNEDA Board of Directors, strengthening leadership and continuity for the year ahead.

Expanded internal capacity through training in Tech Essentials, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 to enhance the quality and efficiency of member support.

Continued to grow our Coffee Meet-ups and launched a new monthly virtual networking series, the EDO/Entrepreneur Community Connections Meeting, supporting peer learning and sector‑specific discussions.

Advanced our commitment to community engagement by planning in‑person training for Northern First Nations facing broadband challenges, ensuring equitable access to capacity‑building opportunities.

• Met with Economic Development Officers from First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout and London regions to gather insights that will shape new capacity‑building toolkits.  

• Preparing for the fourth Regional Forum and Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place in mid‑March in Sudbury.

• Extending an invitation to all members to join the AGM to share updates and strengthen partnerships.

• Getting ready for the PDAC Conference in March, the world’s leading mineral exploration and mining convention.

• Delivered successful training sessions, including cybersecurity and entrepreneurship training, along with community meet‑ups that support knowledge sharing and collaboration.

January Insights: Newsletter

The OFNEDA team is pleased to share this month’s updates, highlights, and opportunities from across our network. Each edition reflects the strength of our partnerships and the collective work advancing economic development in First Nation communities. We look forward to continuing this momentum together.

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Happy Holidays from the OFNEDA Team!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

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In this newsletter you can expect:

• A Message from the Executive Director
• FNEAC 2025 Photo Album & Award Highlights
• Upcoming Coffee Meet-Ups & Training Sessions
• Indigenous Tourism Corridor Strategy Update
• Community Spotlight & Project Success Stories
• Funding & Grant Opportunities Now Open