7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Networking Reception
Kick off the event with a casual evening of entertainment, food, and networking. Connect with fellow attendees, CCIB board members, speakers, and staff. Tickets can be added when you register for the event.
9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Indigenous Artisans Marketplace
We invite you to visit and explore the Indigenous Marketplace, which will feature a diverse selection of Indigenous artisans and businesses, offering unique products and showcasing local craftsmanship.
Presented by: Meridian Credit Union
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Wellness Area
The Wellness Area | Endazhi-danwebiyaangwigamigoong
The Place Where We Rest
Take a moment for yourself in a space designed for quiet reflection and restoration. Whether you need to decompress after a session or simply find a moment of peace, we invite you to step away from the forum and explore our curated selection of Indigenous-made wellness products—including calming teas, smokeless smudge, and more.
9:00 a.m.: Registration & Coffee Connection
Pick up your badge, grab a coffee and connect with fellow attendees.
Coffee Connection Presented by: TMX
10:00 a.m.: Forum Opening
Host
Elder
Territory Welcome
Opening Performance
Lead Sponsor
President & CEO, CCIB
10:40 a.m.: Networking with Prompty
10:50 a.m.: Lightning Talks
You Don’t Always Have the Money — But You Always Have the Purpose
Driving Inclusion Through Passion
From Vision to Impact: ‘The First Peoples Group Story: Return to Matriarchy and Moving Beyond Reconciliation.
Roots Before Results: How Purpose and Community Built Cheekbone Beauty
11:30 a.m.: Breakout Session 1 (Morning – Repeat of Afternoon)
Topic 1:
Emerging Trends and Tools in Procurement: Building Inclusive, Future-Ready Supply Chains
This session explores how procurement is evolving and the tools, approaches, and partnerships shaping its future. Panelists will discuss emerging trends such as co-creating resilient supply chains, leveraging AI and digital tools, and expanding access. The conversation will also highlight practical pathways into procurement, with insights designed to help Indigenous businesses better understand, access, and succeed in procurement opportunities
Presented By: Export Development Canada
Moderator
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
Topic 2:
From Boardrooms to Business Plans: Youth Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership
This dynamic panel brings together Indigenous youth entrepreneurs and young professionals working within corporate environments to share their unique journeys. They’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of building careers in both startups and established organizations, explore how each path contributes to community and economic development, and offer insights on leadership, innovation, and creating lasting impact across sectors.
Moderator
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Noah Wilson Sr. Business Development Manager – Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program | Futurpreneur Canada
Speaker
Speaker
Topic 3:
Shifting the Focus: Why Indigenous Economic Development Should Champion Small Business
This session explores the need to realign Indigenous economic development strategies by placing small and medium enterprises at the center. While major projects and development corporations often dominate the landscape, true community prosperity grows from supporting local entrepreneurs. Through real-world examples and candid insights, we’ll examine how empowering SMEs strengthens Indigenous economies, increases community investment, and creates more sustainable long-term opportunities.
Presented By: Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)
Moderator
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
12:25 p.m.: Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a variety of dishes while networking with fellow attendees.
1:05 p.m.: Major Projects in Practice: Lessons from The Nickel’s Crawford Project and the Future of Major Projects in Canada
Using The Nickel’s Crawford Project as a case study, this mainstage panel explores what is possible when major projects are undertaken with integrity, accountability, and meaningful Indigenous participation. Panelists will examine the opportunities created through strong partnerships, the risks and cautions that must be addressed, and the real-world impacts when commitments are upheld. The discussion will also consider what this example signals for the future of major projects in Canada—and what other proponents, governments, and partners can learn from it.
Presented by: Ontario Power Generation
Moderator
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
1:50 p.m.: Breakout Session 2 (Afternoon – Repeat of Morning)
Topic 1:
Emerging Trends and Tools in Procurement: Building Inclusive, Future-Ready Supply Chains
This session explores how procurement is evolving and the tools, approaches, and partnerships shaping its future. Panelists will discuss emerging trends such as co-creating resilient supply chains, leveraging AI and digital tools, and expanding access. The conversation will also highlight practical pathways into procurement, with insights designed to help Indigenous businesses better understand, access, and succeed in procurement opportunities
Presented By: Export Development Canada
Moderator
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
Topic 2:
From Boardrooms to Business Plans: Youth Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership
This dynamic panel brings together Indigenous youth entrepreneurs and young professionals working within corporate environments to share their unique journeys. They’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of building careers in both startups and established organizations, explore how each path contributes to community and economic development, and offer insights on leadership, innovation, and creating lasting impact across sectors.
Moderator
-
Noah Wilson Sr. Business Development Manager – Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program | Futurpreneur Canada
Speaker
Speaker
Topic 3:
Shifting the Focus: Why Indigenous Economic Development Should Champion Small Business
This session explores the need to realign Indigenous economic development strategies by placing small and medium enterprises at the center. While major projects and development corporations often dominate the landscape, true community prosperity grows from supporting local entrepreneurs. Through real-world examples and candid insights, we’ll examine how empowering SMEs strengthens Indigenous economies, increases community investment, and creates more sustainable long-term opportunities.
Presented By: Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)
Moderator
Speaker
Speaker
Speaker
2:45 p.m.: Networking Break
Enjoy some refreshments and light snacks. This is your final chance to stop by the Indigenous artisan marketplace!
3:15 p.m.: Achieve More, Work Less: Practical AI for Business
You don’t need an enterprise budget to work like you have one. This hands-on workshop shows participants how to use accessible AI tools to tackle real challenges: analyzing opportunities faster, turning scattered information into reusable knowledge, and cutting through repetitive admin work. No expensive software or technical background required. Walk away with templates and prompts you can use to achieve more, while working less.
Speaker
3:55 p.m.: Closing Remarks
A final reflection on the day’s insights and a note of thanks to our speakers, sponsors, and guests.
6:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception
Join us for an evening reception to network with attendees over cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.
7:00 p.m.: Awards Dinner Opening
Host
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Waneek Horn-Miller Vice President of Innovation and Client Relations, Indigenous Financial Solutions
Elder
Territory Welcome
President & CEO, CCIB
Opening Performance
7:35 p.m.: Award Presentation
7:55 p.m.: Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner that complements the evening’s celebration and fosters meaningful connections.
8:30 p.m.: Dinner Performance
9:00 p.m.: Award Presentation
Award Category Presentation: Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored By: Scotiabank
Recipient:
9:20 p.m.: Closing Remarks
Conclusion of the evening with a heartfelt thanks and recognition of the outstanding achievements celebrated tonight.
