Conference Panels

Indigenous Tourism Panel

Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. This panel will showcase Indigenous tourism success stories and will talk about resources available to support Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs and communities in the development of sustainable tourism products.
  • Dave Laveau, Quebec Aboriginal Tourism
  • John Ritchie, Indigenous Tourism Alberta
  • Ronald Desjarlais, Lutsel K’e Dene Nation
  • Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Canada
 

Cannabis Panel

The panel will focus on discussions around the implications of the legalization of cannabis. It will showcase successful partnerships between First Nations and the industry and will look at existing challenges and opportunities.
  • Delphine Metallic, Listuguj First Nation
  • Chief Christian Sinclair, Opaskwayak Cree Nation
  • Isadore Day, Bimaadzwin
 

Economic Development Opportunities in Indigenous International Trade Panel

Inter-tribal and international trade for indigenous businesses looks promising as various efforts including a possible Aboriginal Trade Chapter as part of Canada’s Progressive Trade Agenda as well as the development of officially authorized Nation-State sponsored International Indigenous Trade Missions show promise of possible protection of traditional knowledge and security of a possible protected Indigenous nation-to-nation trading relationship.  As indigenous land claims continue to be settled and as tribes are seeking investment advantages such as establishing Foreign Trade Zones, there is tremendous opportunity for economic development for native peoples and for the communities and businesses with whom they come in contact.  This session will explore the efforts being made to build global Indigenous trade. What you will learn: trends in inter-tribal and international trade for indigenous businesses; how your community and aboriginal-owned businesses can benefit from these new trading initiatives; and sharing of best practices on how to develop better Indigenous trade relationships.
  • Wayne D. Garnons-Williams, International Inter-tribal Trade & Investment Organization
  • Michael Woods, Woods LaFortune LLP
  • Robert Brookfield, Trade Law Bureau, Government of Canada
  • James C. Collard, Citizen Potawatomi Nation
 

Procurement Panel

Panelists will share their experiences related to the Indigenous Procurement. The panel will provide information on the federal procurement process, including how the government buys goods and services and how companies and communities can strategically position themselves to participate in the process.  
  • John Giraldez, Indigenous Services Canada
  • John Johnstone, Office of Small & Medium Enterprise, PSPC
  • David Acco, Acosys Consulting
  • Jeff Provost, Bird Construction
  • Mark Dokis, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
 

First Nation – Municipal CEDI Plenary Panel

Many First Nations, municipalities and/or regional organizations would like to collaborate on joint community economic development initiatives but often aren’t sure where to start. In part, this is because there are significant differences in the communities’ legal rights and governance structures, economic conditions, demographics and cultures; however, often First Nations, municipalities and regional organizations share many of the same hopes, and they struggle with similar issues and challenges. While collaboration requires an investment of time to build the relationship, it provides significant return as communities gain access to broader range of skills, ideas, funding, and assets. Perhaps the most compelling reason to engage in joint First Nation – municipal community economic development (CED) is simple: communities are stronger together. Delivered in partnership by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the CEDI program supports First Nations and adjacent municipalities to develop and implement joint community economic development or land use initiatives while building a resilient, sustainable partnership. On October 30th, join Working Group Champions from a current CEDI partnership as they share their experiences and lessons learned gained through collaborating with their neighbours on joint community economic development.
 
  • Sheldon Louis, Okanagan Indian Band
  • Kevin Poole, City of Vernon
  • Marissa Lawrence, Cando
  • Tanya Tourangeau, Cando