2025 Full Conference Schedule

Click on speaker names and sessions titles to learn more and view full summaries and biographies.

Day 1 - May 13

Pre-Conference Courses* – 2 Options

Course A: Chairing a Non-Profit Board
Course B: Exploring Indigenous Tourism for your Community
Jason Denbow
Doreen Booth
Holly Courchene
Day 2 - May 14

Trade Show

Free Admission For Public Attendance

Inspiring Indigenous Business Leaders Panel

Be inspired by the journeys of these established Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders as they share their professional challenges and successes. Sponsored by
Destiny Seymour
Alyssia Sutherland
Christian Sinclair
Grand Chief Garrison Settee

Roots of Wellness; Traditional Indigenous Healing Sources

This workshop offers participants a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its role in restoring balance, identity, and connection. Rooted in cultural teachings, through storytelling...
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Dana Connolly

You’re Going to Make It! Hands-on Building, Assembly & Manufacturing

Unlock Your Potential. Join us for an exciting workshop exploring the innovative world of manufacturing! What to Expect: – Hands-On Activities: Engage in fun projects that showcase creativity and problem-solving....
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Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Competition Finals

Vision Quest is pleased to partner with Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) in presenting the Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Competition. IBDS is dedicated to assisting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Manitoba, and...
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Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS)

Tax Topics for First Nation Businesses

Join us for a session facilitated by liaison officers with the Canada Revenue Agency for small business owners and self-employed individuals. This session will help you understand your business tax...
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Shona Fraser

Empowering Indigenous Economies: Strategic Planning for Sustainable Growth

Strategic planning empowers communities to control their economic future, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Join our workshop to explore strategic planning intricacies, gain actionable insights from Catalyste+ experience, and engage...
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Sara U
Eiliyah Deewan

Experience the Tradition of Pow Wow

This powwow demonstration will include introductions, teachings of the drum, and meanings followed by a Grand Entry and demonstration from each powwow dancer. This would include the grass dance, men...
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Singing Wolf & Dancers

Making Your Own Music – Skills of Songwriting

Learn from the pros! These two powerhouse singer-songwriters will share their journeys, successes and challenges, and provide tips of the trade for aspiring songwriters.
Ila Barker
Andrina Turenne

Banquet*

3 course dinner, awards & cultural presentations Featuring: Ila Barker, Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, Notorious Cree and Actor/Comedian PAUL RABLIAUSKAS
Notorious Cree (James Jones)
Paul Rabliauskas
Norman Chief Memorial Dancers
Ila Barker
Day 3 - May 15

Trade Show

Free Admission For Public Attendance

Continental Breakfast

with entertainment by Gerry McIvor & Oliver Boulette  
Gerry McIvor
Gerry McIvor
Oliver Boulette
Oliver Boulette

Business Planning – Build a Better Business Program

Creating a comprehensive, formal business plan is a large task on its own and there are many great resources available to help you write one. This session is more about...
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Michelle Pruder

First Nations Youth Transforming Housing and Post-Secondary Education Systems

This session highlights First Nations youth transforming the housing and post-secondary education system, particularly at the Wikiwin Regional Trades Centre in York Landing. Youth are taking post-secondary courses and getting...
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Dr. Shirley Thompson

Heyyyy Guys…TikTok Talk

Join Sherry as she reveals the techniques that have helped rapidly grow her brand with a focus on TikTok.
Sherry McKay

Sharing Our Stories – Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Podcast Recording

Join us at Vision Quest, where we’ll bring to life the Sharing Our Stories podcast from the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur (IWE) Program in northern Manitoba. Over the past year, we’ve been interviewing...
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Michelle Pruder

Looking at the Stars – An Indigenous Perspective

All cultures went outside at night and looked at the sky. Indigenous People throughout the world have a deeply intimate relationship with the great sky and how it is connected...
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Wilfred Buck

PowwowFIT

PowwowFIT is a unique Indigenous dance/exercise program that targets a full body workout. In this session that is geared to all fitness levels, you will experience Indigenous PowWow music blended...
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James Jones (Notorious Cree)

Keynote Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull

*ADDITIONAL COST; not included in Delegate Registration Fee

A COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INITIATIVE PRESENTED BY:

Cedar Lake CFDC Dakota Ojibway CFDC Kitayan CFDC North Central CFDC Southeast CFDC