Forward Summit | WEST

Thank you to all of the partners, speakers, Chiefs, Elders and participants who helped make Forward Summit | WEST 2023 a tremendous success! We look forward to seeing you at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ontario next September!

Relive the excitement of
Forward Summit | WEST !

The speakers at Forward Summit include leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous business leaders, policy makers, and experts in Indigenous economics, entrepreneurship, and financial development. These individuals bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and expertise to the table, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and promising initiatives. 

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8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcoming Address, First Nations & Métis Blessings

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Speakers
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

The Future is Youth

2023 Youth Delegation
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Morning Coffee Break

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Wahkohtowin – Nothing About us Without us

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

STEM and the Future of Work

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Visiting a Better Economy Through Tourism

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Healing is Prosperous

Speakers
12:15 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Networking Break

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

International Indigenous Panel - Shared Prosperity through International Collaboration

Speakers
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break & Networking

Speakers
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Procurement & Effecting Positive Change

Speakers
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Creating Space for Youth in the Workforce

Speakers
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Ethics of Indigenous Engagement

Speakers
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The Evolution of the Energy Industry in Canada

Speakers
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Opening Night Reception

- DAY TWO -
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Opening Keynote / Welcome Address

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Indigenous Women Leading the Way in the Workforce Panel

Speakers
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Morning Coffee & Networking

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Major Projects in Canada & Taking Joint Ventures to the Next Level

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Raising the Curtain on Canada’s Film & Creative Industries

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

ACE – Acquirement, Connectivity & Engagement - Breaking Down Workforce Issues

Speakers
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Living off the Land - How Agriculture & Traditional Knowledge Help Sustain Food Sovereignty

Speakers
12:15 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch and networking Break

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Importing Wealth & Exporting Goods

Speakers
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Indigenous Ownership in Energy

Speakers
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Métis Economic Potential

Speakers
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Nation to Nation Sharing

Speakers
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Coffee & Networking

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Future Economic Outlook for 2023 & Beyond Panel

Speakers
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM

Closing Remarks

Meet The Visionaries Behind Forward Summit | WEST

Jessica Vandenberghe

University of Alberta
Assistant Dean, Engineering Community and Culture at the Faculty of Engineering

Colby Delorme

President
Imagination Group of Companies

Matt Smith

Executive Director, Indigenous Economic Development
Government of Saskatchewan

Lacey Runner

Owner
Runner Therapy Services

Annie Korver

Founder & Principal
RISE Consulting

William Singer

Teacher
Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society

Nathan Wilson

Director, Innovation & Collaboration
SaskTel

Christopher Fry

Owner
Sustainative Inc.

Stuart Randell

Chief Investment Officer
Fort McKay Landing Board

Carol Crowe

Indigenous Engagement Consultant
Creative Fire

Garett

Economics Development Manager
O’Chiese First Nation

Mary Beth Green

Director of Human Resources
Fort McKay Group of Companies

Theresa Lynn

Strategic Programs Director
TELUS

Bryce Starlight

Vice President
Taza Development Corp.

Casey Gransden

Manager of Human Resources and Well-Being
Legacy of Hope Foundation

Patrick Kitchen

Creative Director
Indigify.me

Joff Rae

Producer / Chief Creative Officer
iSPARX

Aroha Dorset

Aotearoa Lead
INDIGI-X

Shae Bird

CEO
Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Warren Macphail

Niitsitapi | EVP Engineering
Project Reconciliation

Cameron Alexis

CEO
Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc.

Clifton Cross

Council Member
Frog Lake First Nations

Mike Toffan

Founder and Executive Director
Project Forest

Paul Poscente

Founder & CEO
Axxcelus Capital Advisory

J. Robert Black

Partner
MLT Aikins

Katie Kachur

Vice President Government Relations, West
Canadian Propane Association

Suzanne Carriere

Citizenship Judge
Government of Canada

Darryl Bouvier

Indigenous Partnerships & Relationships
Vertex Resource Group Ltd.

Mark Shilliday

Indigenous Recruitment Advisor
Enbridge

Chantal Miloy

Co-Founder / COO
Levvel Inc.

Miles Joliffe

Principal Consultant
Kinetic Canada

Aubrey-Anne

Operations Consultant
Tâtaga Inc.

Director of Indigenous Relations
Farm Credit Canada

Associate Producer
CTV Regina

Metis Elder
Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3

Luke Azevedo

Vice President, Creative Industries,Operations & Film Commissioner
Calgary Economic Development

Head, Indigenous Talent Strategy
BMO

Founder
The Chief's Daughter

Executive Director and CEO
Indian Oil and Gas Canada

Jeff Provost

Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Scotiabank

Co-Founder & Principal
SeekPeak

Senior Manager, Inclusion and Diversity
Rogers Communications

Manager, Iniikokaan Centre
Bow Valley College

Karen Restoule

Vice President
Crestview Strategy

Adam Lamont

Vice President, Telecom
Crown Capital Partners Inc.

Pablo Listingart

Founder & Executive Director
ComIT

Steve Mason

Managing Director
Project Reconciliation

Amberly Morin

Manager, Tourism Dept.
Enoch Cree Nation

Josh Montana

Vice President of Stewardship & Relations
WLCS

Gregory John (1)

President and Leading Executive Officer (LEO)
Unimaize Technologies Inc.

Anne Harding

Vice ChaIr
Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary (IGPSC)

Stephen Buffalo

President/CEO
Indian Resource Council (IRC)

Paul Bercier

Former Environment and Economic Development Advisor, Negotiator
Métis Nation of Alberta

Lisa Schmidt

Chair, Indigenous Inclusion Network
PwC Canada

Amanda Robert

Senior Advisor; Indigenous & Community Relations
Suncor

Alexandra Cropp

Senior Operations Manager
Mokwateh LP

Alec Carton pic

Principal & Founder
Tatâga Inc.

Jordann Hazelwood

Employment & Training Coordinator
Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation - SSN

Taylar Belanger

CEO / Founder
Lî Sol Harvesting Inc

David Nagy

Founder
eCommerce Canada

Jennifer Flanagan (1)

CEO & President
Actua, ICD.D (Corporate Director)

John Desjarlais

Executive Director
Indigenous Resource Network

Venkat Somasundaram (1)

Partner, Human and Social Services Transformation Executive, Indigenous Inclusion Network
PwC Canada

Reg Potts

Director of Partnerships and Indigenous Development
Backwoods Energy Services

Chelsie Klassen

Global Director, Community Engagement and Social Performance | Associate
Hatch

Wyanne Smallboy-Wesley

Indigenous Regional Community Development Lead and Facilitator
Further Education Society

Andre O'Bonsawin

National Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM)
Actua

Sarah Jacknife

Senior Manager, Indigenous Community Engagement
Rogers Communications

Aaron Lambie

President / CEO
Nisto

Wyanne Smallboy-Wesley

Indigenous Regional Community Development Lead and Facilitator
Further Education Society

Meet our Youth Panelists!
Chloe

Yellow Quill First Nation (Treaty 4), Saskatchewan
Grade 11, Forest Lawn High School

R. Spindler

Métis Nation of Alberta
Grade 11, Central Memorial High School

Samantha R

Sahtu Dene and Métis
Grade 10, Jack James High School

Jayda C

Red River Métis
Grade 10, Henry Wisewood High School

Meet the leading companies
joining us at Forward Summit
Our partners represent the best in business! Through their repeated commitment and generous support they champion the advancement of economic reconciliation in Canada!​
[ THE VISIONARIES & LEADERS ]
[ THE ALLIES & SUPPORTERS ]
[ THE EXHIBITORS ]

Meet Our 2023 Leaders!

Learn more about axxcelus capital advisory
The Deal lounge

Powered by: Axxcelus Capital Advisory

Indigenous equity ownership in major projects is integral to Reconciliation and building economic self-determination. Thankfully, there has been promising growth in this area. However, these transactions can be complex due to the unique circumstances of Indigenous communities.

That’s where The Deal Lounge comes in! Book a complimentary 30-minute slot for real-time brainstorming and collaboration with experts who will share best practices from their proven track record of success.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to hear from the best. Register today to book your appointment and take the first step towards success.

Areas of Expertise

+
Indigenous Engagement & Regulatory
+
Legal & Tax
+
Finance & Capital Markets
official Nominated Charity
The Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre is conveniently located on the west-central side of Calgary on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation and serves as a doorstep to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Their beautiful, modern 4 Star Resort Hotel offers first-class services and amenities.
How to get involved!
(A few ways to secure your participation in Spring 2023)
Become a partner

Gain access to a network of committed industry partners from both the public and private sectors! Learn more about how you can get involved below.

Demonstrate your influence & support of economic reconciliation in Canada!

Our available partnership opportunities are high-value, prominent brand exposure packages specifically designed to help you meet your strategic goals! 

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