Forward Summit has partnered with Workforce Forward to bring the Indigenous Inclusion community to Forward Summit | EAST, making 2024 bigger and better.
In May of 2024, Forward Summit | WEST saw a sold-out audience and a visit from National Chief Cindy Woodhouse, making it the biggest Forward Summit yet. We want to keep that momentum and ensure that Forward Summit | EAST is just as exciting, informative and significant. Held at the Casino Rama in Rama First Nation, Orillia, ON on September 25 and 26, 2024, guests will have the chance to sit in on informative panels, listen to experienced speakers who have traveled from all across Canada, reconnect with familiar faces from previous events and create new connects and partnerships that may last for a long, long time.
What You’ll See
“The Future is Youth”
The future holds great potential for Indigenous youth and their active participation in economic and leadership roles. Fostering inclusivity and creating space for Indigenous youth in the workforce is crucial for building a more equitable and sustainable future. The youth panels at Forward Summit | WEST were incredibly important for guests of all ages, and with a talented list of young speakers from universities across Canada, Forward Summit | EAST will continue that trend.
“Building a Better Future: Indigenous Architecture, Trades and the Art of Building with Culture”
Buffy Handel, featured on the cover of the upcoming Forward Magazine volume 2, will moderate the panel of experts as they discuss the design and conception of new buildings and Indigenous ownership on construction projects. The panel will also detail how to advocate for the trades industry and apply culture to new developments that can advance economic development for communities and Indigenous-owned businesses.
“Building Strength from Diversity: Indigenous Inclusion in the Workplace”
Attend the Workforce Forward panel that will dive into education about decolonization and how to approach decolonization in the East, as well as what different organizations are doing to Indigenize its workplaces, what Indigenous representation means and how to achieve it at all levels and how to talk about inclusion in the workplace.
To learn more about these events and the complete Forward Summit | EAST agenda, please visit: https://forwardsummit.ca/fs-east-2024-2/
Who You’ll See
Over 20 experts, community leaders, and passionate individuals recognized by the public have carefully guided our content for Forward Summit | EAST.
Chief Ted Williams became a council member at age 25 and two years later became the youngest elected Chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Chief Ted has also held a successful career in real estate and chaired the successful development of Casino Rama.
Tracy Primeau is the Founder & Principal of Agile Bear, offering insights on diversity, women in STEM and Indigenous relationship building at conferences, professional development events and other initiatives such as Forward Summit.
The Leadership Council plays a vital role in shaping the Forward Summit agenda and organizing the speakers and moderators.
Mary Kelly is the Manager of Community Relations for Agnico Eagle Mines’ operations in Ontario and part of the Ontario Regional Management Team. Mary has more than 20 years experience collaborating with Indigenous Nations and Peoples.
David Johnson is the Director, Indigenous-Led Projects and Partnerships at EastPoint, which means that he is responsible for bringing Indigenous visions, goals, and aspirations for in-community infrastructure projects to reality.
These speakers and Leadership Council members, and many more, will be in attendance to ensure that Forward Summit | EAST is an unforgettable, impactful experience for all those onstage and everyone who hears their words and shares in their stories.
To learn more about the attending speakers, please visit: https://forwardsummit.ca/speakers/east-speakers-2024/
For all those Canadians who live on the West Coast, or those unable to attend Forward Summit | EAST, Forward Summit | WEST COAST will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver on October 22-23, 2024.