2026 Full Conference Schedule

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

Day 1 - June 2

PRE-CONFERENCE COURSE

Is Your Business Ready For Disruptions? Natural disasters, emergencies and economic disruptions are becoming more common. This module will help both community members and Community Futures board members to: Understand...
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Day 2 - June 3

OPENING CEREMONIES / KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Chief Tréchelle Bunn, Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Lunch

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

WORKSHOP SESSION #1: 4 options

1. Inspiring Indigenous Business Leaders

Cassandra Carreiro, Share-Cuterie; Monique Champoux, Unity Healthcare, Tannis Smoke & Rayel Smoke, Niña Waṡte Event, Othmar Joos, Mystik Cannabis

2. How to Be Scam-Savvy / AI Awareness

Justin Ducharme, Manitoba Institute of Technology, Manitoba (MITT)

3. Hip Hop and Hypnosis

Scott Ward & K.A.S.P. Diversity Talent

4. Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Finalists’ Presentations

Indigenous Business Development Services
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Refreshment Break on Trade Show Floor

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

WORKSHOP SESSION #2: 4 options

1. Build a Better Business – Credit & Financing

Michelle Harrison, Community Futures North Central Development

2. Fireside Chat: Community Leaders Panel

Sheila North, Reconciliation Run, Chief Garrison Settee, Grand Chief, MKO, Danielle Morrison, Cochrane Sinclair LLP

BANQUET*: Three course dinner, awards & cultural presentations

Featuring Aboriginal School of Dance, Hypnotist Scott Ward & Hip Hop Artist K.A.S.P. Emcee: Dennis Ward, APTN
Day 3 - June 4
8:30 am - 9:30 am

Continental Breakfast with entertainment

9:30 am - 10:45 am

WORKSHOP SESSION #3: 3 options

1. Self-Care Medicine Wheel

Michael Redhead Champagne, POP Entertainment
10:45 am - 11:30 am

Refreshment Break/Trade Show Visiting

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

WORKSHOP SESSION #4: 3 options

1. Self-Defense Workshop

Larry McKinnon, Buffalo Defence Solutions

2. Sharing Our Stories – Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs (Live Podcast Recording)

Michelle Harrison, Community Futures North Central Development, Wendy Sinclair & Friends
12:45 pm - 2:00 pm

Delegate Lunch & Draws

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Grace Dove, Actor & Activist

*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