*ADDITIONAL COST; not included in Delegate Registration Fee
2026 Full Conference Schedule
Click on speaker names and sessions titles to learn more and view full summaries and biographies.
Day 1 - June 2
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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... Read More
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Day 2 - June 3
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
8:30 am - 9:15 am
9:15 am - 11:30 am
OPENING CEREMONIES / KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Chief Tréchelle Bunn, Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation
Chief Trechelle Bunn
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Lunch
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
WORKSHOP SESSION #1: 4 options
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
1. Inspiring Indigenous Business Leaders
Cassandra Carreiro, Share-Cuterie; Monique Champoux, Unity Healthcare, Tannis Smoke & Rayel Smoke, Niña Waṡte Event, Othmar Joos, Mystik Cannabis
Tannis Smoke & Rayel Smoke
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
2. How to Be Scam-Savvy / AI Awareness
Justin Ducharme, Manitoba Institute of Technology, Manitoba (MITT)
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
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
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
1. Build a Better Business – Credit & Financing
Michelle Harrison, Community Futures North Central Development
Michelle Harrison
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
2. Fireside Chat: Community Leaders Panel
Sheila North, Reconciliation Run, Chief Garrison Settee, Grand Chief, MKO, Danielle Morrison, Cochrane Sinclair LLP
Danielle H. Morrison
Sheila North
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
3. The Language Lives in Us- Supporting Indigenous youth to reclaim voice, story, and identity
Wanda Barker, Indigenous Curriculum & Education Consultant
Wanda Barker
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
4. You’re Going to Make It! Hands-on Building, Assembly and Manufacturing
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
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
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Continental Breakfast with entertainment
9:30 am - 10:45 am
WORKSHOP SESSION #3: 3 options
9:30 am - 10:45 am
9:30 am - 10:45 am
2. Entrepreneurship & Financial Foundations -Building Businesses with Impact
Catalyste+
Eiliyah Deewan
9:30 am - 10:45 am
3. Purposeful Movements
Cody Gonsalves
10:45 am - 11:30 am
Refreshment Break/Trade Show Visiting
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
WORKSHOP SESSION #4: 3 options
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
2. Sharing Our Stories – Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs (Live Podcast Recording)
Michelle Harrison, Community Futures North Central Development, Wendy Sinclair & Friends
Michelle Harrison
Wendy Sinclair
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Delegate Lunch & Draws
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
4:00 pm
A COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INITIATIVE PRESENTED BY:
