Agenda
NACCA indigenous prosperity forum
2025 AGENDA
Keep up to date with the latest schedule
Select a date
TUESDAY MAY 6TH
Prosperity Exchange Reception Featuring Chief Dave Mowat Blues Trio
6:30pm - 9:00pm
All are Welcome!
Welcome to the 2025 Indigenous Prosperity Forum!
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned member, the meet and greet is the perfect platform to network, connect and build meaningful relationships.
Featuring Dave Mowat Blues Trio
WEDNESDAY MAY 7TH
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
7:30am - 8:45am
Opening Ceremonies
8:45am - 9:30am
Host
Stan Wesley
Kahnekahnekahtahk
Spiritwolf Singers
Opening Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda
Welcome Address
Elaine Chambers
Chair, NACCA
Trade/Export: Navigating New Paths - Building Resilient Indigenous Businesses Through Trade & Export Supply Chains
9:30am - 10:30am
With recent shifts in the political landscape, Canadian businesses have been forced to consider alternative markets, suppliers and logistics. Indigenous businesses are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these opportunities thanks to development work on procurement and economic development initiatives (Australia and New Zealand) and advances made via the Indigenous Peoples Economic & Trade Cooperation Agreement (IPETCA).
This panel will explore the shifts that Indigenous businesses have made in response to economic tariffs, the proximity of Indigenous businesses to the export supply chain, the importance of Indigenous authenticity, and domestic trade strategies to strengthen the efficiency and security of the inter-provincial Canadian supply chain.
Moderator:
Donna St. Louis
EDC
Panelists:
Senator Paul Prosper
Senate of Canada
Richard Jefferies
Tiaki Enterprise Ltd. – New Zealand
Lee-Anne Hermann
Executive Director, Intergovernmental Relations Regional Offices & Inclusive Trade, Global Affairs Canada
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
10:30am - 11:00am
Major Projects: Lessons Learned in Community Building Through Major Projects
11:00am - 12:00pm
Major projects have long been viewed as the key economic drivers that lead to positive and sustainable change and growth in Indigenous communities. Many Nations are now lead investors and owners of major initiatives and operations from coast to coast to coast. These projects create sustained wealth, career and capacity building opportunities, local jobs with competitive pay and benefits, and procurement and supply opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.
Organizations such as the First Nations Major Projects Coalition provide tools, capacity supports, and advice related to corporate structures and benefit sharing models. The shared learnings of these 150+ members are helping lead the development of Nations looking to regain their economic independence through major infrastructure, real estate and energy projects.
This panel will explore some of the best examples of Indigenous success in major projects and the key elements needed to advance these big, impactful ventures in a way that leads to timely and sustainable benefits for Indigenous communities.
Moderator:
Andrew Leach
Andrew Leach Consulting
Panelists:
FNMPC
Derrick Neeposh
President, CREECO
Lunch & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Fireside Chat
12:45pm - 1:00pm
From Roots to Revenue – Scaling Indigenous Tourism
1:00pm - 2:00pm
The Conference Board of Canada, in a study released in January 2025, indicated that more than 2,750 entrepreneurs and organizations were part of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada in 2023. The Indigenous tourism sector in Canada generated an estimated $3.7 billion in revenues in 2023, directly contributing $1.6 billion to GDP and supporting about 34,700 jobs across the country. Including supply chain and induced spending, the sector’s total economic impact was $3.7 billion in GDP, supporting nearly 54,700 jobs and contributing close to $1.3 billion in government revenue.
Although largely recovered from the pandemic lows, the Indigenous tourism sector’s overall economic footprint remains below pre-pandemic levels, with revenues and nominal GDP down by 8 and 10 per cent, respectively. In response to the pandemic, in 2022, the Federal Government committed $20M in support of the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to help the Indigenous tourism industry recover and position itself for long-term growth. Of this, $10M in support was provided under the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) program announced at last year’s Prosperity Forum. Working with Provincial Indigenous Tourism Organizations, funding was provided to a handful of projects across the country supporting the scaling-up of export-ready, viable, and community-supported offerings that draw high-value tourists to Canada.
In addition to providing an overview of Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector, this panel will explore the opportunities and challenges faced by Indigenous tourism operators in Canada, and the critical role played by Indigenous Tourism Organizations in the development of meaningful tourism experiences that respect the inherent rights of Indigenous communities while contributing to cultural understanding and economic prosperity. A number of SITES supported projects will also be showcased.
Panel Introduction:
Jenifer Pilon
DG – Tourism Branch, ISED
Moderator:
Robert Bernard
Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
Panelists:
Kevin Eshkawkogan
President & CEO, ITO
Paula Amos
Chief Marketing and Development Officer, ITBC
Luke Wassegijig
Tourism Manager, Wikwemikong Development Commission
JP Obbagy
CEO, Homalco Wildlife Tours, Campbell River, BC
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
2:00pm - 2:30pm
The Future of Indigenous Procurement
2:30pm - 3:30pm
This procurement panel will provide an overview of the changing landscape and advances in Indigenous procurement and share best practices when procuring goods and services from Indigenous business. Indigenous procurement leaders will share strategies to ensure purchasers of Indigenous goods and services are conducting themselves in an ethical manner that contributes to the shared goal of igniting Indigenous prosperity.
Moderator:
John Johnstone
CANDO
Panelists:
Joëlle Paquette,
Acting, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement – PSPC
Sam Damm
President, FoxWise Technologies Inc.
Mark Dokis
Founding Director, First Nations Procurement Authority
Wade Griffin
Director, Indigenous Procurement BGIS
Indigenous Prosperity Market 'Happy Hour'
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Shop around the vendor space and support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs.
Indigenous Prosperity Pre-Gala Reception
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Indigenous Prosperity Gala
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Dinner, Indigenous entertainment and featuring the IFI Awards!
Show up early as the program starts at 6:30pm sharp!
6:30 pm – Soup & Salad
7:30 pm – Keynote Speaker
7:45 pm – Main Dinner
8:25 pm – Dessert
8:45 pm – Performances & Awards
THURSDAY MAY 8TH
Registration, Breakfast & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
7:30am - 9:00am
Performance Overview: Indigenous Growth Fund
9:05am - 9:25am
The Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF) is an open-ended investment fund structured as a limited partnership. With $153 million committed by accredited investors, IGF expands lending opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and small to medium sized businesses across Canada by investing in the portfolios of Indigenous Financial Institutions.
Frank Richter, Managing Director of the IGF will be giving an opening keynote which will provide an exclusive look at IGF’s 2024 performance and how its investments are driving Indigenous business growth, strengthening regional economies, and fostering long term economic transformation.
Frank Richter
Managing Director, IGF
Fireside Chat: Indigenous Growth Fund
9:25am - 10:05am
The fireside chat will highlight the economic shift on Vancouver Island, led by Indigenous innovation, fueled by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), and strengthened by forward thinking investors like Block Inc. through IGF.
This discussion will explore how Indigenous businesses are reshaping industries, redefining partnerships, and driving sustainable, community led prosperity with IGF as a key catalyst.
Moderator:
Sarah MacNeil
Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Investor Relations, Indigenous Growth Fund
Panelists:
Jeraldine Marshall
Director of Finance, Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation
Leslie Jackson
Head of Corporate Communications & Public Policy, Canada, Block
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
10:05am - 10:35am
Indigenous Youth Panel - Fueling Prosperity: Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship
10:35am - 11:35pm
New national programs and initiatives are opening new doors to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. With the introduction of NACCA’s new Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation’s youth initiatives, and support from organizations like Futurpreneur Canada – which provides resources and mentorship to young Indigenous business owners – youth entrepreneurs across the country now have more tools to learn, grow, and succeed.
This dynamic panel will feature Indigenous youth entrepreneurs who will share their real-life experiences of starting and growing their businesses. Panelists will reflect on the challenges and successes they’ve faced, the role of cultural identity in shaping their ventures, and the impact of the programs and mentorship opportunities they’ve accessed along the way. Panelists will also discuss the support systems available to young Indigenous entrepreneurs, and how these new programs are helping shape a brighter future for Indigenous youth entrepreneurs across the country.
Together, they’ll explore how partnerships and emerging initiatives are creating new pathways for Indigenous youth in business – and how these efforts are helping build a stronger, more inclusive economy for future generations. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the voices of Indigenous youth and celebrates their entrepreneurial spirit.
Moderator:
Magnolia Perron
Director of Strategy and Partnerships, NACCA
Panelists:
Michelle Okere
Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Anthony Wingham
NACCA Youth Council Member.
Co-Founder, Nuez Acres & Founder, Métis Print
Holly Atjecoutay
Head, DEI & Director Indigenous & Northern Entrepreneurs
Lunch & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
12:10pm - 1:00pm
Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
1:00pm - 1:10pm
Michelle Okere
CEO, IPF
Bobbie Racette
Board Chair, IPF
Ken Coates – Research Updates: No Canadian Prosperity Without Indigenous Prosperity
1:10pm - 1:40pm
The rise, expansion and intensity of Indigenous economic activity is the most consequential and effective poverty reduction program in Canada. Indigenous business is not just business in the hands of Indigenous peoples; it is, instead, a broad, diverse and complex social enterprise designed to help First Nations, Metis and Inuit people overcome generations of oppression, racism and marginalization.
Indigenous peoples approach this work with entrepreneurial enthusiasm, business acumen, and commercial innovation, but it is driven, equally, by commitment to the land, the water and the people, a zeal for cultural renewal, and full recognition of the formidable barriers, visible and invisible, standing between Indigenous businesspeople and commercial success.
Participants will hear new research findings on Indigenous businesses in Canada and how Indigenous people are buying Canada back, one business at a time.
Entertainment – Michael Audette (Manitoba Metis) - National Fiddle Champion
1:40pm - 2:10pm
Don’t Miss This!
Closing Ceremonies & Prizes
2:10pm - 2:25pm
Closing Words
Shannin Metatawabin
CEO, NACCA
Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda
NACCA 2025 Forum
SPONSORS
INDIGENOUS PROSPERITY FORUM
2025 AGENDA
Keep up to date with the latest schedule
Select a date
TUESDAY MAY 6TH
Prosperity Exchange Reception Featuring Chief Dave Mowat Blues Trio
6:30pm - 9:00pm
All are Welcome!
Welcome to the 2025 Indigenous Prosperity Forum!
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned member, the meet and greet is the perfect platform to network, connect and build meaningful relationships.
Featuring Dave Mowat Blues Trio
WEDNESDAY MAY 7TH
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
7:30am - 8:45am
Opening Ceremonies
8:45am - 9:30am
Host
Stan Wesley
Kahnekahnekahtahk
Spiritwolf Singers
Opening Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda
Welcome Address
Elaine Chambers
Chair, NACCA
Trade/Export: Navigating New Paths - Building Resilient Indigenous Businesses Through Trade & Export Supply Chains
9:30am - 10:30am
With recent shifts in the political landscape, Canadian businesses have been forced to consider alternative markets, suppliers and logistics. Indigenous businesses are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these opportunities thanks to development work on procurement and economic development initiatives (Australia and New Zealand) and advances made via the Indigenous Peoples Economic & Trade Cooperation Agreement (IPETCA).
This panel will explore the shifts that Indigenous businesses have made in response to economic tariffs, the proximity of Indigenous businesses to the export supply chain, the importance of Indigenous authenticity, and domestic trade strategies to strengthen the efficiency and security of the inter-provincial Canadian supply chain.
Moderator:
Donna St. Louis
EDC
Panelists:
Senator Paul Prosper
Senate of Canada
Richard Jefferies
Tiaki Enterprise Ltd. – New Zealand
Lee-Anne Hermann
Executive Director, Intergovernmental Relations Regional Offices & Inclusive Trade, Global Affairs Canada
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
10:30am - 11:00am
Major Projects: Lessons Learned in Community Building Through Major Projects
11:00am - 12:00pm
Major projects have long been viewed as the key economic drivers that lead to positive and sustainable change and growth in Indigenous communities. Many Nations are now lead investors and owners of major initiatives and operations from coast to coast to coast. These projects create sustained wealth, career and capacity building opportunities, local jobs with competitive pay and benefits, and procurement and supply opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.
Organizations such as the First Nations Major Projects Coalition provide tools, capacity supports, and advice related to corporate structures and benefit sharing models. The shared learnings of these 150+ members are helping lead the development of Nations looking to regain their economic independence through major infrastructure, real estate and energy projects.
This panel will explore some of the best examples of Indigenous success in major projects and the key elements needed to advance these big, impactful ventures in a way that leads to timely and sustainable benefits for Indigenous communities.
Moderator:
Andrew Leach
Andrew Leach Consulting
Panelists:
FNMPC
Derrick Neeposh
President, CREECO
Lunch & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Fireside Chat
12:45pm - 1:00pm
From Roots to Revenue – Scaling Indigenous Tourism
1:00pm - 2:00pm
The Conference Board of Canada, in a study released in January 2025, indicated that more than 2,750 entrepreneurs and organizations were part of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada in 2023. The Indigenous tourism sector in Canada generated an estimated $3.7 billion in revenues in 2023, directly contributing $1.6 billion to GDP and supporting about 34,700 jobs across the country. Including supply chain and induced spending, the sector’s total economic impact was $3.7 billion in GDP, supporting nearly 54,700 jobs and contributing close to $1.3 billion in government revenue.
Although largely recovered from the pandemic lows, the Indigenous tourism sector’s overall economic footprint remains below pre-pandemic levels, with revenues and nominal GDP down by 8 and 10 per cent, respectively. In response to the pandemic, in 2022, the Federal Government committed $20M in support of the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to help the Indigenous tourism industry recover and position itself for long-term growth. Of this, $10M in support was provided under the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) program announced at last year’s Prosperity Forum. Working with Provincial Indigenous Tourism Organizations, funding was provided to a handful of projects across the country supporting the scaling-up of export-ready, viable, and community-supported offerings that draw high-value tourists to Canada.
In addition to providing an overview of Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector, this panel will explore the opportunities and challenges faced by Indigenous tourism operators in Canada, and the critical role played by Indigenous Tourism Organizations in the development of meaningful tourism experiences that respect the inherent rights of Indigenous communities while contributing to cultural understanding and economic prosperity. A number of SITES supported projects will also be showcased.
Panel Introduction:
Jenifer Pilon
DG – Tourism Branch, ISED
Moderator:
Robert Bernard
Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
Panelists:
Kevin Eshkawkogan
President & CEO, ITO
Paula Amos
Chief Marketing and Development Officer, ITBC
Luke Wassegijig
Tourism Manager, Wikwemikong Development Commission
JP Obbagy
CEO, Homalco Wildlife Tours, Campbell River, BC
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
2:00pm - 2:30pm
The Future of Indigenous Procurement
2:30pm - 3:30pm
This procurement panel will provide an overview of the changing landscape and advances in Indigenous procurement and share best practices when procuring goods and services from Indigenous business. Indigenous procurement leaders will share strategies to ensure purchasers of Indigenous goods and services are conducting themselves in an ethical manner that contributes to the shared goal of igniting Indigenous prosperity.
Moderator:
John Johnstone
CANDO
Panelists:
Joëlle Paquette,
Acting, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement – PSPC
Sam Damm
President, FoxWise Technologies Inc.
Mark Dokis
Founding Director, First Nations Procurement Authority
Wade Griffin
Director, Indigenous Procurement BGIS
Indigenous Prosperity Market 'Happy Hour'
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Shop around the vendor space and support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs.
Indigenous Prosperity Pre-Gala Reception
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Indigenous Prosperity Gala
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Dinner, Indigenous entertainment and featuring the IFI Awards!
Show up early as the program starts at 6:30pm sharp!
6:30 pm – Soup & Salad
7:30 pm – Keynote Speaker
7:45 pm – Main Dinner
8:25 pm – Dessert
8:45 pm – Performances & Awards
THURSDAY MAY 8TH
Registration, Breakfast & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
7:30am - 9:00am
Performance Overview: Indigenous Growth Fund
9:05am - 9:25am
The Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF) is an open-ended investment fund structured as a limited partnership. With $153 million committed by accredited investors, IGF expands lending opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and small to medium sized businesses across Canada by investing in the portfolios of Indigenous Financial Institutions.
Frank Richter, Managing Director of the IGF will be giving an opening keynote which will provide an exclusive look at IGF’s 2024 performance and how its investments are driving Indigenous business growth, strengthening regional economies, and fostering long term economic transformation.
Frank Richter
Managing Director, IGF
Fireside Chat: Indigenous Growth Fund
9:25am - 10:05am
The fireside chat will highlight the economic shift on Vancouver Island, led by Indigenous innovation, fueled by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), and strengthened by forward thinking investors like Block Inc. through IGF.
This discussion will explore how Indigenous businesses are reshaping industries, redefining partnerships, and driving sustainable, community led prosperity with IGF as a key catalyst.
Moderator:
Sarah MacNeil
Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Investor Relations, Indigenous Growth Fund
Panelists:
Jeraldine Marshall
Director of Finance, Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation
Leslie Jackson
Head of Corporate Communications & Public Policy, Canada, Block
Health Break & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
10:05am - 10:35am
Indigenous Youth Panel - Fueling Prosperity: Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship
10:35am - 11:35pm
New national programs and initiatives are opening new doors to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. With the introduction of NACCA’s new Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation’s youth initiatives, and support from organizations like Futurpreneur Canada – which provides resources and mentorship to young Indigenous business owners – youth entrepreneurs across the country now have more tools to learn, grow, and succeed.
This dynamic panel will feature Indigenous youth entrepreneurs who will share their real-life experiences of starting and growing their businesses. Panelists will reflect on the challenges and successes they’ve faced, the role of cultural identity in shaping their ventures, and the impact of the programs and mentorship opportunities they’ve accessed along the way. Panelists will also discuss the support systems available to young Indigenous entrepreneurs, and how these new programs are helping shape a brighter future for Indigenous youth entrepreneurs across the country.
Together, they’ll explore how partnerships and emerging initiatives are creating new pathways for Indigenous youth in business – and how these efforts are helping build a stronger, more inclusive economy for future generations. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the voices of Indigenous youth and celebrates their entrepreneurial spirit.
Moderator:
Magnolia Perron
Director of Strategy and Partnerships, NACCA
Panelists:
Michelle Okere
Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Anthony Wingham
NACCA Youth Council Member.
Co-Founder, Nuez Acres & Founder, Métis Print
Holly Atjecoutay
Head, DEI & Director Indigenous & Northern Entrepreneurs
Lunch & Visit Indigenous Prosperity Market
12:10pm - 1:00pm
Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
1:00pm - 1:10pm
Michelle Okere
CEO, IPF
Bobbie Racette
Board Chair, IPF
Ken Coates – Research Updates: No Canadian Prosperity Without Indigenous Prosperity
1:10pm - 1:40pm
The rise, expansion and intensity of Indigenous economic activity is the most consequential and effective poverty reduction program in Canada. Indigenous business is not just business in the hands of Indigenous peoples; it is, instead, a broad, diverse and complex social enterprise designed to help First Nations, Metis and Inuit people overcome generations of oppression, racism and marginalization.
Indigenous peoples approach this work with entrepreneurial enthusiasm, business acumen, and commercial innovation, but it is driven, equally, by commitment to the land, the water and the people, a zeal for cultural renewal, and full recognition of the formidable barriers, visible and invisible, standing between Indigenous businesspeople and commercial success.
Participants will hear new research findings on Indigenous businesses in Canada and how Indigenous people are buying Canada back, one business at a time.
Entertainment – Michael Audette (Manitoba Metis) - National Fiddle Champion
1:40pm - 2:10pm
Don’t Miss This!
Closing Ceremonies & Prizes
2:10pm - 2:25pm
Closing Words
Shannin Metatawabin
CEO, NACCA
Prayer
Elder Claudette Commanda
NACCA 2025 Forum
SPONSORS
