- 100+ SPEAKERS
- 200+ COMMUNITIES
- 1000+ PARTICIPANTS
Canada’s largest and most established gathering for Indigenous partnerships.
Bringing leaders together across the country to build relations, create opportunity, and move projects forward
The Forward Summit Platform
Curated. Interactive.
Built for outcomes.
A national platform where Indigenous leaders, industry, and government come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, build strong relations, and create partnerships that move work forward.
Through shared perspectives and real conversations, Forward Summit creates the conditions for:
- Meaningful relations
- Shared knowledge and insight
- Partnerships that lead to real progress
Find Your Forward Summit
Join leaders already building partnerships and moving work forward across Canada.
Each Forward Summit brings leaders, communities, and organizations together—shaped by region, context, and opportunity.
Join leaders already shaping partnerships and progress across Canada.
WELCOME
Forward Summit West — Calgary
Canada’s largest and most established Forward Summit Where 1,000+ participants connect, collaborate, and move projects forward.
Forward Summit East — Rama
Focused on regional priorities, relationships, and opportunities across Eastern Canada
Forward Summit West Coast
Bringing together leaders and practitioners committed to advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation and long-term economic prosperity.
National Impact
A growing network of leaders, communities, and organizations working together across Canada –delivering real outcomes.
Beyond The Event
Workforce Forward
Advancing inclusive workplaces and leadership
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Supporting organizations with practical tools, insights, and real-world strategies to strengthen Indigenous participation across the workforce—building more inclusive workplaces, stronger leadership, and long-term impact.
Events
Bringing people together across Canada
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Since 2017, Forward Summit has grown into a national platform connecting Indigenous leadership, industry, and government—creating space for meaningful dialogue, trusted relationships, and partnerships that move projects and communities forward.
Entrepreneur & Youth Voices
Supporting the next generation of leaders
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Elevating Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth by creating opportunities to share ideas, build networks, and shape the future—supporting innovation, leadership, and long-term economic participation.
Content & Community
Stories, insights, and connections that continue year-round
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Extending the Forward Summit experience beyond the event through storytelling, shared knowledge, and ongoing connection—supporting a growing national network built on trust, collaboration, and lasting relationships.
What People Are Saying
Find Your Place In The Conversation
Be part of what comes next
Explore the Forward Summit events and connect with the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping the future
Why you should participate
Visionary Speakers
Learn from carefully selected speakers, industry & community leaders and trailblazers from various sectors.
Indigenous Communities
Experience a unique environment designed for you to connect with business & community leaders from 250+ communities.
Get Inspired
More than just a conference, it is an experience that has been reported to inspire action.
Valuable Connections
The event attracts prominent participants looking for new partnerships, so every connection you make is highly valuable.
Join a Community
We're an ever-growing network of business partners, neighbours, and trailblazers leading change.
Expand Your Knowledge
Listen-in and participate in discussions with leaders about the most vital of topics.
Indigenous entrepreneurs continue to play a growing role in shaping Canada’s economy, innovation, and future business landscape.
Indigenous entrepreneurs continue to play a growing role in shaping Canada’s economy, innovation, and future business landscape.As part of Forward Summit’s commitment to supporting Indigenous business growth and entrepreneurship, BDC has developed a practical guide designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs navigate growth opportunities, business development, and access to support.
We’re pleased to share this resource with the Forward Summit and Thrive communities.
