Why Attend
The Indigenous Economic Summit is a bold, Nation-led gathering designed to co-create generational economic strategies rooted in sovereignty, guided by shared priorities, and driven by Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and collaboration. It is both a platform and a movement — to define success on our own terms, shape the future of our economies, and build lasting power for our communities.
Come ready to challenge the status quo — to build intergenerational wealth and power, define economic reconciliation on our own terms, and learn from real stories and real data. Together, we will co-create a strategy that reflects our priorities, strengthen networks across territories, and shape a bold, Indigenous-led advocacy tool.
Who Should Attend
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Indigenous leadership
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Economic Development Officers
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Nation-owned business CEOs
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Indigenous nation partners
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Indigenous nation allies
Interested in Sponsoring the Indigenous Economic Summit?
Our events are made possible through the generosity of partners who believe in what we're building together. If your organization is looking for a meaningful way to connect with Indigenous economic development — whether through an upcoming event or a longer-term partnership — we'd love to have a conversation.
Every partnership we form is bespoke, shaped around your goals and ours.
SUMMIT PROGRAM
IES 2026 Program
Working draft — program subject to change.
DAY ONE
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
9:00–10:00 AM
Opening + Snuneymuxw Economic Development
IEP opens the Summit with an opportunity for Snuneymuxw First Nation to share the work underway across the Nation and its growing group of businesses. The conversation explores how Snuneymuxw is advancing Nation-led ownership, investment and economic development.
10:00–10:15 AM
Coffee Break
10:15 AM–12:00 PM
Indigenous Stewardship, Carbon & New Economic Models
Connecting Indigenous stewardship and control of lands and resources with emerging economic opportunities. This conversation explores forestry, carbon, conservation finance and nature-based economic models that create economic value while maintaining Indigenous control.
Dani Warren — RAD Network
Jody Holmes — Kwaxala / Rainforest Solutions Project
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–2:30 PM
From Opportunity to Ownership: Capital, Investment & Indigenous Wealth
A combined economic-development and capital conversation following the pathway from opportunity through investment readiness, financing, ownership and long-term wealth. The discussion connects project development and access to capital with the stewardship, growth and reinvestment of Indigenous wealth.
Brodie Guy — Island Coastal Economic Trust
Brentt Carlson — Envest Financial Services
Christina Schroff — Envest Financial Services
Dan Wingham — Coastal Community Credit Union / Integris division
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Economic opportunity and project development, investment readiness, and de-risking and preparing projects for larger investment.
Envest Financial Services: Community trusts, financial planning and capital stewardship, and retaining, investing and growing Indigenous wealth.
Coastal Community Credit Union / Integris division: Relationship-based banking, commercial financing, and supporting acquisitions, business growth and Nation economic priorities, including Coastal Community’s expanded reach through the Integris division.
Panel pathway: Opportunity → Investment Readiness → Financing → Ownership → Wealth → Reinvestment
Central question: What has to connect for a First Nation to move an economic opportunity from an idea into a successful Indigenous-owned asset that generates long-term community wealth?
2:30–3:00 PM
Coffee Break
3:00–4:30 PM
Indigenous Tourism: From Participation to Ownership and Community Wealth
Tourism is viewed as an economic asset rather than only an industry in which Nations participate. The conversation explores acquisitions versus new development, hotels and tourism assets, partnerships and brands, financing, land and culture, and long-term community returns.
4:30 PM
Day 1 Concludes
DAY TWO
Thursday, October 15, 2026
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
9:00–10:00 AM
BCLC Procurement & Supplier Development Workshop — Part 1
Demystifying Procurement: Creating Pathways for Indigenous Suppliers
A practical discussion on procurement barriers, supplier development and creating stronger pathways for Indigenous businesses and development corporations into major supply chains. Topics include procurement opportunities, supplier engagement, payment terms, insurance requirements, relationship-building, procurement practices and what buyers and Indigenous suppliers can do differently.
Jenny Miles — BCLC
Kumar Sobti — BCLC
10:00–10:15 AM
Coffee Break
10:15–11:45 AM
BCLC Procurement & Supplier Development Workshop — Part 2
Continuation of the BCLC Procurement & Supplier Development Workshop. The two parts provide 2.5 hours of workshop time, excluding the 15-minute coffee break.
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45–2:15 PM
Indigenous Forestry: From Tenure to Long-Term Wealth
Moving the forestry conversation beyond tenure toward ownership, investment and long-term value creation. Topics include tenure, acquisitions, financing, fibre and asset ownership, value-added manufacturing, risk, partnerships and generational wealth.
2:15–2:45 PM
Coffee Break
2:45–4:00 PM
Summit Closing Discussion, Outcomes & Next Steps
A facilitated closing discussion brings the two days together to hear from delegates and identify common barriers and opportunities. Together, participants will capture priorities and establish what IEP carries forward from the Summit.
4:00 PM
Summit Concludes
Travel & Accommodations
The following property is offering a room block for IES:
Rate valid October 14–16, 2026
Susanne Bitzer
604-717-1738 susanne@indigenous.travel
Looking for some help booking travel?
Indigenous Travel Services can help! Their team provides seamless, personalized arrangements—including flights, accommodations, and ground transportation—while delivering culturally mindful service for delegates traveling from near and far.
For bookings or inquiries, contact Susanne and let Indigenous Travel Services handle the details so attendees can focus on connecting, learning, and celebrating.
