September 3-4, 2025 • Vancouver, BC
Forward Summit | WEST COAST
Our biggest event of the year! Don’t miss out and join us at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver on September 3-4, 2025.
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Event Overview
overview
New In 2025
Discover fresh perspectives and groundbreaking conversations designed to inspire action and foster meaningful change. Here’s what’s new for Forward Summit West 2025:
Increased Focus on Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Explore how Indigenous businesses are driving economic growth and innovation across Canada.
Cultural Integrity & Indigenous Financial Prosperity
Engage in thought-provoking discussions about preserving cultural values while fostering financial success.
Innovation in Energy Infrastructure
Discover cutting-edge developments in energy and infrastructure, highlighting Indigenous leadership in sustainable solutions.
Holistic Reconciliation: What Does It Look Like?
Dive deep into the evolving meaning of reconciliation beyond policy—what it truly looks like in practice.
Indigenous Rights & Corporate Responsibility
Examine the role of corporations in upholding Indigenous rights and fostering ethical, long-term partnerships.
Agenda
Agenda
Day 1: September 3
- 8:00AM - 8:30AM
Traditional Drummers
Speakers:
Co-Host: Hal Eagletail, Owner, Eaglestar Enterprises Ltd.
Co-Host: Syex̱wáliya Ann Whonnock, Knowledge Carrier & Elder, Squamish Nation
- 8:45AM
Opening Keynote: Indigenous Economic Prosperity
Speakers:
Former Chief Councillor Crystal Smith, Former Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation
- 9:15AM - 10:30AM
- Panel Discussion
Rising Voices: Empowering Indigenous Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Mental Health
Speakers:
Moderator: Colby Delorme, President, Imagination Group of Companies
Alexander Sayler-Tait, Bachelor of Arts Student, UBC
Morgan Vording, Haudenosaunee Neuroscience Student, UBC
Annalies Verhoeff, Sauder School of Business Student, UBC
- 10:30AM - 11:00AM
Morning Coffee & Networking
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Building Nations, Building Businesses: Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Speakers:
Moderator: Corey Janvier, Owner, Cedar Brush
Dwight Ballantyne, Founder, The Ballantyne Project
Tamara Goddard, Co-owner & President, Four Economics Canada
Kyle Amonson, Senior Advisor Indigenous Entrepreneurship, BDC
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous Economic Self-Determination and Best Practices for Working with Nations
Speakers:
Moderator: Jodi Carlow Director, Corporate Development & Ext. Relations, Halfway River Group
Gene Ouellette, Tribal/Indigenous Client Account Manager, Americas, AECOM
Michael Robert, MBA MGM,, Chief Executive Officer, Sasuchan Development Corporation
Derrick Pattenden, Chief Investment Officer, Nations Royalty
Barbara Mercredi, Director, Indigenous Financial Services, Scotiabank
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous Engagement for Mining Projects in British Columbia
Speakers:
Moderator: Mieke Vink, Senior Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs, One-Eighty Consulting Group
Tim McEwan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, MABC
Taryn Cutler, Community Affairs Manager, Seabridge Gold
Jessica Saunders, Manager, Indigenous Relations. Artemis Gold
Freda Campbell, Owner – Tatl’ah Training & Engagement /Owner/Operator – Indigeweb Canada
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Cultural Journeys: Exploring Indigenous Tourism, Healing, and Sustainability
Speakers:
Moderator: Darian Kovacs, President, Jelly Digital Marketing and PR
Jim Hemsworth, Manager Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Air Canada
Dylan Rose, Director of Destination Development and Indigenous Relations, Destination Canada
Jenna Bower, Executive Director, Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre
Maria Clark, Founder, Island Coast Mobile Welding & Fabrication, General Manager, Tinwis Resort
Alex Ibbotson, CEO of Indigenous Mountain Culture Inc. and Lead Guide for Canada Backcountry, Co-chair External Advisory Committee, Indigenous Procurement Initiative – Province of BC
- 12:15PM – 1:45PM
Networking Lunch
Speakers:
Moderator: Erin Davis, Founder and Lead Inclusion Strategist, Erin Davis Co.
Colette Trudeau, M.A. Chief Executive Officer, Métis Nation British Columbia
Mary Point, Director of Indigenous Relations, Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Karen Ogen, CEO, First Nations Natural Gas Alliance
- 3:00PM - 3:30PM
Afternoon Coffee and Networking
- 3:00PM - 3:45PM
- Roundtable
Living Stories: Indigenous Voices in Motion - 30-minute short talks
Speakers:
Room 1: Sports, Entertainment, and Economic Reconciliation
Room 2: Reshaping the Film & Television Industry Through Storytelling
Room 3: Indigenous Procurement: Do’s and Don’ts and Best Practices
Room 4: Financial Clinic
Speakers:
Moderator:Philip Ducharme, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Procurement, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)
Danny Chase, President & Founder, Chase Office Interiors
Kim Buksa, Sustainable & Ethical Procurement Manager, City of Vancouver
Gavin Dommiter, Director, Indigenous Engagement, Milestone Environmental
Alex Ibbotson, CEO of Indigenous Mountain Culture Inc. and Lead Guide for Canada Backcountry, Co-chair External Advisory Committee, Indigenous Procurement Initiative – Province of BC
- 3:30PM - 4:45PM
- Roundtable
Beyond Expression: Creative Industries as a Catalyst for Cultural and Economic Prosperity
Speakers:
Moderator: Jeremy Thompson, CEO and President, Eagle Spirit Business Development
Caroline Phelps, General Manager, Vancouver Fashion Week
Joshua Conrad, Founder/Creative Director, Slow Studies Creative
- 3:30PM - 4:45PM
- Workshop
Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture - Returning to the Land; The Interconnection Between Indigenous Communities and The Natural Resource Sector
Speakers:
Moderator: Dean Assinewe, Indigenous Lead, Reforest Canada Collective
Sonia Strobel, CEO, Skipper Otto’s Community Supported Fishery (CSF)
Percy Guichon, Former Chief & Current Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation, CEO of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR)
Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Chair, Indigenous Advisory Council, Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Andy Olson, CEO/Founder, Indigenous Fishers First
- 3:30PM - 4:45PM
- Roundtable
Building a Better Future: Infrastructure, Housing & Nation Building
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator: Tim Laronde, National Director, Indigenous Strategies, Chandos Construction
Andrew Hungerford, Partner, Seven Generations Capital
Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives & Engagement, UBC Sauder School of Business
Aleksi Makila, Operations Manager, Civil, Chandos Construction
Matt Singerman, Partner, Clark Wilson LLP
Day 2: September 4
Speakers:
Co-Host: Hal Eagletail, Owner, Eaglestar Enterprises Ltd.
Co-Host: Syex̱wáliya Ann Whonnock, Knowledge Carrier & Elder, Squamish Nation
Speakers:
Dr. Denise Findlay, Owner/Operator, Kweykway Consulting
- 9:15AM - 10:30AM
- Panel Discussion
From the Ground Up: Indigenous Voices Leading Workforce Inclusion
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator: Nadine Israel, Indigenous Relations: Employment & Training Specialist, BC Hydro – Indigenous Employment & Training Team
Alyssa Piva, MATM -Workplace Skills Instructor, Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwe̓pemc Nation (SSN)
Michelle Lillos– Talent Acquisition Partner · Rio Tinto
Taya Rankin, Employment & Training Co-Ordinator, St’at’imc Gov’t Services -St’at’imc Nation
Jordann Hazelwood, HR, Employment & Training Manager, Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwe̓pemc Nation – SSN
- 10:30AM - 11:00AM
Morning Coffee & Networking
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Energizing Reconciliation: Clean Energy and the Green Economy in British Columbia
Speakers:
Moderator: Catherine Pennington, Director of Indigenous Advisory Services, KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory Services
Al Leonard, Executive Vice-President of Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery, BC Hydro
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director, Clean Energy BC
Speakers:
Co-Presenter: Jorge Avilés, Senior Advisor, Cross-cultural & Indigenous Relations, AiM Land Services
Co-Presenter: Linette Hodges, Indigenous Relations Manager, Worley Canada
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
From Policy to Practice: Implementing Reconciliation Action Plans in the Workplace
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator:Lauren Remple, Founder & Principal Consultant, Sequoia Collaboration and Consulting
Laurie Dokis, RN, Citizen, Independent Nurse Consultant, Dokis First Nation
Vanessa Lesperance, Co-Founder – Decolonize and Rize
Joanne Stone-Campbell, Associate Director, ICBC
- 11:00AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous Community Safety During Major Projects in British Columbia
Speakers:
Moderator: Mary French, Contractor, Indigenous Relations
Branko Bejo, Vice President, Business Solutions, Securiguard Services Ltd.
Randy Beck, Former Chief of Security, Transmountain Pipeline
Chief Stuart Jackson, Chief & Council, Lower Nicola Indian Band
Shannon Pestun, Founder, Pestun Consulting & The Finance Cafe/ Sr Advisor, The Diversity Institute
- 12:15PM – 1:30PM
Networking Lunch
- 1:30PM - 2:45PM
- Panel Discussion
Empowering Indigenous Self-Determination in 2025 and Beyond: Major Projects, Access to Capital, Indigenous Equity, and Regulatory Transformation in B.C.
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator: Jeremy Thompson, CEO and President, Eagle Spirit Business Development
Sharon Singh, Partner, Environment | Indigenous, McMillan LLP.
Wade Griffin, National Director, Indigenous Engagement, BGIS
Tanya Corbet, Vice President and Director of Client Services, Sedgwick Strategies
- 2:45PM - 3:15PM
Afternoon Coffee and Networking
- 3:15PM - 4:30PM
- Roundtable
Emerging Technologies and Indigenous Communities: Evaluating Barriers and Opportunities to Economic Empowerment
Speakers:
Moderator: Tamara Goddard, Co-owner & President, Four Economics Canada
Ethan Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Nationsfirst Technologies
Blaine Castle, Esri Canada, Manager, Inside Sales
Marcela Mandeville, Founder & CEO, Bright Idea International
- 3:15PM - 4:30PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous and Industry Partnerships: Creating Economic and Employment Opportunities
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator: Jorge Avilés, Senior Advisor, Cross-cultural & Indigenous Relations, AiM Land Services
Tanya Rexin, Indigenous Relations Director, Aramark Canada
Suzanne Pederson, Founder, Facilitator & Coach, Hidden Potential Coaching & Learning
Sharon McLeod, Indigenous Relations Specialist, BC Hydro
- 3:15PM - 4:30PM
- Roundtable
Mapping the Landscape: Indigenous Skills Training and Employment in High-Demand Sectors (Tech, Healthcare, Trades & Defense)
Sponsored By:
Speakers:
Moderator:Shannon Pestun, Founder, Pestun Consulting & The Finance Cafe/ Sr Advisor, The Diversity Institute
Joey-Lee Morigeau, Director, Human Resources, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation
George Michell, Indigenous Liaison & Recruitment Coordinator, Seaspan Shipyards
Katie Skelton, Senior Director, Indigenous Learning Programs, Provincial Health Services Authority
Elysa Darling, Chief Operating Officer, DIGITAL Supercluster
speakers
Meet Our Previous Speakers
Industry experts and inspiring thought-leaders, our speakers are hand-selected by our Leadership Council to represent the topics that matter most right now.
Chief Roy S Jones Jr
Monika Bear Robe
Chief Councillor Crystal Smith
John Blanchette
Guy Lonechild
CEO
First Nations Power Authority
Chief Billy Morin
Managing Director
Axxcelus Capital Advisory
Amber Big Plume
Manager, Business Development and Projects
First Nation Power Development Inc
Jorge Avilés
Manager, Cross-cultural & Indigenous Relations
ATCO Gas
Tim Laronde
National Director, Indigenous Strategies
Chandos Construction
Jeff Provost
Leader, Indigenous Relations
MCW Consultants Ltd.
Tanya Rexin
Indigenous Relations Manager
ATCO Frontec
Diane Gray
President
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Don Ross
CEO
George Gordon Developments Ltd.
Paul Robitaille
Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Amanda Ens
Head, Indigenous Talent Strategy
BMO
Aaron Lambie
CEO/President
Nisto
council
Leadership Council
Our content is guided and put together with the guidance of over twenty experts, community leaders, and passionate individuals recognized by the public.
Featured Members:
Chief Roy S Jones Jr
Gwen Bridge
Angela Ferguson
Tim Laronde
Stay at the Hyatt Regency!
Located on bustling Burrard Street, Hyatt Regency Vancouver is the perfect hotel for both leisure and business travelers.
Book with Group Rate
- Visit Hyatt Regency website by clicking below
- Select Property: Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- Select Dates (discount available Oct 21-24)
- Under Special Rate, select “Corporate or Group Code” and enter: 68568
Become a Partner!
We have three events happening across Canada this year. Learn more about the high level Indigenous and non-indigenous industry and community leaders that your brand will get exposed to.
Popular spot go fast! Find out what opportunities are remaining by having our team reach out to you to connect.
Come as a Group & Save
Come as a team, leave empowered with a shared vision!
Download our Corporate Kit today to learn more about exclusive discounts for teams of four or more!
Join as an Artisan
Showcase your handmade and artisanal works at Forward Summit to connect with a vibrant community dedicated to cultural exchange
Apply to join the Artisan Fair
Travel
For all participants of Forward Summit, we are pleased to announce that we’ve partnered with national airlines to ensure competitive rates are provided for domestic and international travel to and from Forward Summit.
Air Canada: For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares & higher. Minimum 10 passenger requirement
Promotional Code: CJT9TG41
Westjet: 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.
Promotional Code: 7B7S6YT
Travel Agent Code: YBX09
networking
Get a Jump Start on Networking
See who’s attending and prebook your meetings using the app!
This platform is available to registered participants.
