2025 Conference Schedule - Vision Quest Conference

Day 1

14 May 2024

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Jason Denbow

Course A: Legal Responsibilities of Boards

Board members need to become familiar with the legal environment that exists for non-profit organizations.

Jason Denbow

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Sharalyn Reitlo

Course B: Tipping the Scales for Successful funding Applications

Coordinating projects and applying for grants to fund them are critical skills that you can develop. This one day workshop will set you up for success.

Sharalyn Reitlo

Day 2

15 May 2024

8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Grand Entry, Opening Ceremonies & OPENING KEYNOTE: Lisa Meeches

Mentor, Entrepreneur, Producer

Lisa Meeches

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Trade Show Visiting/Autographs with Lisa Meeches

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

WORKSHOP SESSIONS #1 – 4 Options

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Lorne Pelletier

Desiree Brightnose

Dwayne Bird

1. Inspiring Indigenous Business Leaders

Be inspired by the projects, programs and journeys of these Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations, each with exciting information to share.

Lorne Pelletier

Desiree Brightnose

Dwayne Bird

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Edward Suzuki

Eiliyah Deewan

2. How To Sell Your Project Idea

Struggling with grants? Catalyste+ partners with Indigenous organizations in Canada are offering support and advice for funding applications. This session will guide you through steps and equip you with tools for success. Plus, learn about the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund’s $20M pool for projects that boost Indigenous partnerships and local employment.

Edward Suzuki

Eiliyah Deewan

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

D’Arcy Lussier

Joshua Derbecker

Marie Hacault

3. Demystifying AI and Exploring Career Pathways in Technology

Join our workshop to explore the influence of Artificial Intelligence and gain valuable insights into its future impact! Be inspired by firsthand career stories from D’Arcy Lussier, Partner Technology Strategist at Microsoft, and discover key takeaways from a recent RRC Polytech’s Pathways to Information Technology Program graduate. This workshop concludes with an enjoyable and educational activity for all.

D’Arcy Lussier

Joshua Derbecker

Marie Hacault

1:30 pm - 2:45 am

Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS)

4. 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 this competition is a great way to inspire entrepreneurship among Indigenous people. Cash prizes will assist the winners in turning their business dreams into reality. Be part of the voting audience as the finalists present their business plans to a panel of judges. The winners will be announced at the Banquet on Wednesday, May 15.

Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS)

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Refreshment Break on Trade Show Floor

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

WORKSHOP SESSIONS #2 – 4 Options

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Michelle Pruder

1. Business Start Up – Build A Better Business Program

Business Start Up– Build a Better Business Program is a workshop designed for new and potential business owners to help them gain a better understanding of what they need to know to start or grow their business and manage it. Interactive activities and discussions will guide participants as they take their first steps into entrepreneurship.

Michelle Pruder

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Ian Maxwell and Virginia Muswagon

Victor Walker

Chief Raymond Flett

Tikkan Morrisseau and Sara Fontaine

2. Trailblazing Community Environmental Projects

Meet representatives from three Manitoba communities who are trailblazing a path to sustainability. Be inspired to contribute to a healthy environment in your own community by hearing how they deal with challenges to achieve their successes.

Ian Maxwell and Virginia Muswagon

Victor Walker

Chief Raymond Flett

Tikkan Morrisseau and Sara Fontaine

3:15 pm: - 4:30 pm

Desiree Brightnose

3. Introduction to Filmmaking; A Beginners’ Guide to Camera Work

In this workshop, participants will master fundamental camera functions, explore camera movement and framing techniques with industry standard cameras, as well as learn to shoot effectively using their own smartphone. With covering key aspects of cinematography in just one session, attendees will gain practical skills to enhance their filming capabilities and storytelling prowess through the camera.

Desiree Brightnose

3:16 pm - 4:30 pm

Ray (Co-Co) Stevenson

4. How Indigenous Song and Drum Enhance You and Your Spirit

Experience first-hand the effect of traditional songs and drumming can have on people. Coco will share his vast knowledge of traditional music, why and when songs and drums are used,...

Ray (Co-Co) Stevenson

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Howie Miller

Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers

BANQUET

Banquet*: Three Course Dinner, Awards & Cultural Presentations Featuring Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers and Canada’s Funny Man: Howie Miller

Howie Miller

Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers

Day 3

16 May 2024

8:30 am - 9:15 am

Continental Breakfast

8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Trade Show

FREE PUBLIC ADMISSION

9:30 am - 10:45 am

WORKSHOP SESSIONS #3 – 3 Options

9:30 am - 10:45 am

1. Business Financing Options

Looking to start a business or enhance or grow your existing business? Learn of the local and national financing opportunities available to you from these varied potential funding sources.

Kimberly Gorgichuk

Chris Thevenot

Tiffany Monkman

Natalie Kulczycki

Shaun Hampton

Michelle Pruder

Jason Denbow

9:30 am - 10:45 am

The Three Wyndi’s

2. Seven Sacred Ways of Healing Trauma through Mind, Body, and Spirit

The Three Wyndi's - Angie Cote, Sheldon Cote, and Linda Dano-Chartrand
Seven Sacred Ways of Healing Trauma through Mind, Body, and Spirit, Combines Western, Eastern and Indigenous Holistic healing practices, ceremony, song and teachings. To bring healing from intergenerational trauma, mental health, grief, and loss, etc. To reclaim and restore personal growth, healing, and balance.

The Three Wyndi’s

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

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

We know the perception of the manufacturing industry – dirty, dangerous, and boring. The reality couldn’t be more different! The fact is, jobs in manufacturing are high tech, high-paying, and best of all – hiring! We’ve created an assembly line to help you rediscover the joy of creating. Worried about making ends meet? Explore opportunities available to you.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

10:45 am - 11:30 am

Refreshment Break/Trade Show Visiting

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

WORKSHOP SESSIONS #4 –3 Options

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Frank Busch

1. Seeking Investment: How to Find and Vet Expansion Capital

Understanding how capital flows at various stages of business is key to expansion and growth. Knowing what investors/lenders expect before making an investment decision is critical. This session will provide a “walkthrough” of how entrepreneurs can acquire and grow their capital from Start-up to IPO, and every stage in between.

Frank Busch

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Vanessa Anakwudwabisayquay Cook

2. Exploring All Aspects of Indigenous Wellness

Join this session to explore how sexuality is a core component of healing connecting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects for wellness. Framed in healthy ways to reclaim Indigenous worldviews, connection to the Earth, Indigenous languages and Two Spirit/Indigiqueer identities are the centre of this workshop.

Vanessa Anakwudwabisayquay Cook

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

3. Inspiring Indigenous Youth

What can I do? What should I do? Can I do that? Be inspired by the journeys of these Indigenous youth as they share their individual stories of how they...

Madison Moore

Simon Monteith

Trechelle Bunn

Robyn Boulanger

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch & Prize Draws

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Jordin Tootoo

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Jordin Tootoo

The First Inuk Player in the NHL; Founder, Team Tootoo Foundation

Jordin Tootoo

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Trade Show Visiting/Autographs with Jordin Tootoo

TUESDAY, MAY 13
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Check in for Pre-Conference Courses & Info Desk
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm	EXHIBITOR SET UP (Trade Show)
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm	Pre-Conference Courses
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm	Delegate Registration/Check In
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
8:00 am – 7:00 pm	Delegate Registration/Check In
8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Trade Show – FREE ADMISSION FOR PUBLIC ATTENDANCE
8:30 am – 9:15 am	Continental Breakfast
9:15 am – 11:30 am	Opening Ceremonies & Keynote #1
11:30 am -12:00 pm	Trade Show Visiting/Autographs with Keynote
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm	Lunch
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm	Workshop Session #1
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm	Refreshment Break on Trade Show Floor
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm	Workshop Session #2
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm	Banquet
THURSDAY, MAY 15
8:00 am – 4:00 pm	Registration & Information
8:30 am – 4:00 pm	Trade Show – FREE ADMISSION FOR PUBLIC ATTENDANCE
8:30 am – 9:30 am	Continental Breakfast
9:30 am – 10:45 am	Workshop Session #3
10:45 am –11:30 am	Refreshment Break/Trade Show Visiting
11:30 am–12:45 pm	Workshop Session #4
12:45 pm – 2:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm	Keynote #2
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm	Trade Show Visiting/Autographs with Keynote/ Booth draws posted in Trade Show
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm	Trade Show closes/Exhibitor Tear-Down