May 14 & 15, 2024 • Calgary, AB
EVENT ENDED
Forward Summit | WEST
That’s a wrap on our biggest event ever!
With a sold-out audience and a visit from National Chief Cindy Woodhouse, this was the biggest Forward Summit yet.
- 1000+ Participants
- 200+ Communities
- 100+ Speakers
- 70+ Partners
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That's a Wrap on Forward Summit WEST 2024
With sold-out participation and a visit from the National Chief, Forward Summit | WEST 2024 brought together over 1000 participants, 100+ speakers, and 200+ communities for a groundbreaking event focused on Indigenous-led dialogue and economic reconciliation.
WEST
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Opened the Summit
The trailblazing leader from Pinaymootang First Nation, Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is the youngest woman and mother to hold the position of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and joined Forward Summit | WEST to lead the opening address.
Learn more about the program by viewing the 20+ sessions led by experts and leaders.
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Experience The Summit
Forward Summit goes beyond a typical conference—it’s an immersive experience that energizes and inspires through powerful speakers, thought-provoking conversations, and impactful networking.
Catch the highlights from Forward Summit | WEST and see why it’s creating such a buzz.
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Forward Summit | WEST 2024
Download the Post-Show Report
Get access to insights from Forward Summit | WEST 2024:
- Explore the Highlights: Discover the standout moments and top achievements from the event.
- Access the Survey Results: Gain insights from attendee feedback to see what resonated most.
- Audience Insights: Uncover more information on who attends by downloading our comprehensive report.
Event Overview
overview
New This Year: Partnership with Workforce Forward!
We’re doing 2024 bigger and better than ever. We’re partnering with Workforce Forward to bring the Indigenous Inclusion community to Forward Summit.
Agenda
Day 1: May 14
- 8:00AM - 8:30AM
Traditional Drummers
Speakers:
Hal Eagletail, Host/MC
Livia Manywounds, Host/MC
Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder, First Nations Blessing
Elder Rosemary Crowshoe, First Nations Blessing
Doreen Bergum, Métis Elder, Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 – Métis Blessing
Chief Roy Whitney, Chief of Tsuut’ina Nation, Treaty 7
Speakers:
Deputy Grand Chief Ramona Horseman, Deputy Grand Chief of the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Colby Delorme, President, Imagination Group of Companies
Roderick W, Indigenous Youth Panelist
Gabby J, Indigenous Youth Panelist
Kaden C, Indigenous Youth Panelist
Benji B, Indigenous Youth Panelist
- 10:15AM - 10:45AM
Morning Coffee & Networking
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Peter Lafontaine, Board Chairman, Rainforest Energy Corp
Amber Big Plume, Manager, Business Development and Projects, First Nation Power Development Inc.
Former Chief Billy Morin, Managing Director, Axxcelus Capital
Amelia Harman, Associate Lawyer
Jason Schulz, Executive Director, Strategic Advisory Services, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
- 10:45AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Digital Economy: The Impact of the Digital Divide & Technological Disruption on the Indigenous Economy in Canada, Including AI & Ethical AI
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Lawrence Gervais, Director, Indigenous Relations, Phoenix Energy Services, Inc.
Keeta Gladue, Manager of Indigenous Research Services, University of Calgary
Brandon Ringham, Senior Consultant, Creative Fire
Jill Kowalchuk, K-12 Education Advisor, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (amii)
Speakers:
Moderator: Philip Ducharme, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Procurement, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Tim Laronde, National Director Indigenous Strategies, Chandos Construction
Aaron Lambie, CEO, Nisto
Jeff Provost, Leader Indigenous Relations, MCW Consultants Ltd.
Tammy Moyse, Owner, Principal Consultant, Moyse & Associates
- 10:45AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Culture, Community and Kinship: Leveraging Tourism as an Economic Driver
Speakers:
Moderator: Buffy Handel, First Nations Economic Development Specialist, Nour Private Wealth
Terry Goertzen, Vice President, Economic Development, Travel Alberta
Michael Robert, CFO, Willow Lake Métis Nation
Carrie Armstrong, Director of Industry Development, Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Kimmy Houle, Environment/Economic Development Director, Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council
- 12:15PM – 1:30PM
Networking Lunch
- 1:30PM - 3:00PM
- Panel Discussion
Amplifying the Voices of Others: Indigenous Women as Trailblazers and Changemakers in a Quest for Progress
Speakers:
Moderator: Amanda Ens, Head Indigenous Talent Strategy, BMO Financial Group
Geena Jackson, Executive Producer, Bears Lair TV
Hope Regimbald, Lead, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations, LNG Canada
Annie Korver, Founder and Principal Rise Consulting Ltd.
Grand Chief Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer,
Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
- 3:00PM - 3:30PM
Afternoon Coffee and Networking
Speakers:
Moderator: Paul Robitaille, Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor, Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Jacob Handel, Director, Forest Carbon Origination, Finite Carbon
Tanis OneSpot, Executive Director – Lands, Tsuut’ina Nation
Jacob Taylor, CEO, Indigenous Aerospace
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Surviving to Thriving: Community Healing & Economic Development
Speakers:
Moderator: Jeremy Thompson, President, Eagle Spirit Business Development
Teresa Edwards, Executive Director & In-House Legal Counsel, Legacy of Hope Foundation
Brent Dodginghorse, Dodginghorse Ranch
Audrey Weasel Traveller, Cultural Education Advisor, Manitou Asinîy–Iniskim-Tsa Xani Inc.
Angela Grier, Registered Provisional Psychologist, Tsuut’ina Health Services
Speakers:
Moderator: Devin Gambler, Principal Owner, Pamihtâw Consulting Inc.
Jonathan Hordo, Partner, EY
Justin Bourque, Founder and President, Âsokan Generational Developments
Andrew Gaudry, Business Development Associate, Broderick Capital
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous Energy: Continuing to Advance Indigenous Participation in the Oil & Gas Industry
Speakers:
Moderator: Tyler Mitchell, Team Lead, Indigenous Relations, TC Energy
Jennifer Ezekiel, Vice President, ESG & Strategy, CDN Controls
Jonathan Wright, CEO, NuVista Energy
Shelley Calliou, Lands and Resources, Researcher, Kelly Lake Cree Nation
Amanda Robert, Senior Advisor, Indigenous & Community Relations, Suncor
- 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Opening Night Reception
Day 2: May 15
Speakers:
Ioana Giruca, CEO, CPHR Alberta
- 8:45AM - 9:00AM
- Keynote
Keynote Speech:
From DEI to Belonging: The Question for True Inclusion
Speakers:
Rod Miller, Partner, deVille Partners
- 9:00AM - 10:15AM
- Panel Discussion
“Nothing About us Without us”: Drawing Strength from Diversity
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Michelle Fournie, Founder, Sacred Four Communications
Deborah Green, National Specialist, Indigenous Workforce Development, Suncor Energy
Jeremy Thompson, Indigenous Relations, Iconic Power Systems
Robert Doane, Senior Director, CBC/Radio-Canada Indigenous
Patrick Twinn, Director, Indigenous Relations, ATB Financial
- 10:15AM - 10:45AM
Morning Coffee & Networking
- 10:45AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Bridging the Equity Gap: How to Structure Joint Ventures & Major Projects
Speakers:
Moderator:Billie Fortier, Partner, MLT Aikins
Monika Wilson, Vice President, Investments, Fort McKay Landing
Sandy Jackson, Business Development Manager, Pimee Well Services
Reg Potts, Indigenous Business Consultant,
Reg Potts & Associates
Mark Little, CEO & Co-Founder, Jotson Inc.
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Jorge Avilés, Senior Advisor, Cross-cultural & Indigenous Relations, AiM Land Services
Sheryl-Ann Carscadden, Founder and Owner, Sundance Source Consulting
Buddie Dixon, Indigenous Engagement Liaison, Disaster and Emergency Management Partnering 4 Resilience, ATCO Frontec
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Anne Harding, Owner at Forum Community Relations, Inc.
Christy Morgan, Reconciliation Strategy Manager, TELUS
Lisa San Filippo, Provincial Secretary, Economic Development & Tourism, Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Nievelina Carmona, HR Consultant, MNP (Formerly The Jouta Performance Group Inc.)
Speakers:
Moderator:Dennis Kirkness, Council Member, Tataskweyak Cree Nation
Sarah Jacknife, Co-Founder, (Re)rooting Indigenous Leadership Inc.
Gregory John, President and Leading Executive Officer (LEO), Unimaize Technologies Inc.
Leah Bartko, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Events, First Nations Technology Council
- 10:45AM - 12:15PM
- Roundtable
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion by Redefining Professionalism in the Workplace
Speakers:
Deanna Burgart Associate Professor, Schulich School of Engineering.
Cristi Adams, Executive Director & CEO, Indian Oil and Gas Canada, Indigenous Services Canada
Donovan Praymayer, Engineering Student, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
Mickey Macdonald, Engineering Student, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
- 12:15PM – 1:30PM
Networking Lunch
- 1:30PM - 3:00PM
- Panel Discussion
Reshaping Modern Economies: Indigenous Economic Innovation
Speakers:
Moderator: Chelsie Klassen, Global Director, Community Engagement, HATCH
Cliffton Cross, Council Member, Frog Lake First Nation
Annmarie Garbie, National Practice Leader, Indigenous Services, BFL Canada
Travis Meguinis, Commander & Chief of Red Nation Oil & Gas & Natural Law Energy
Chana Martineau, CEO, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC)
- 3:00PM - 3:30PM
Afternoon Coffee and Networking
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Food Sovereignty & Agriculture: Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator:Elizabeth Romo-Rabago, Co-Founder, Ciclomanias
Kevin Van Lagen, Rural Development and Education Consultant, BDO Canada
Chief Don Smoke, Chief, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate
Garett Strawberry, Economics Development Manager, O’Chiese First Nation
Taylor Behn-Tsakoza Community Liaison and Research Coordinator, Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal
Speakers:
Moderator: Mindy Henyu, Senior Manager, Indigenous Relations, Aecon Group Inc.
Guy Lonechild, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Power Authority
Clayton Heck, Chief Operational Officer / Chairman Sipihko Energy Inc.
Kennedy Bear Robe, Partner, Gowling WLG
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Indigenous and Industry Partnerships: Creating Economic and Employment Opportunities
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Moderator: Jorge Avilés, Senior Advisor, Cross-cultural & Indigenous Relations, AiM Land Services
Tanya Rexin, Indigenous Relations Manager, ATCO Frontec
Don Ross, CEO, George Gordon Developments
Leona Bird, Auntie in Residence, Jansen Discovery Lodge
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Business Collaboration: Indigenous Recruitment & Retention Strategies
Sponsor:
Speakers:
Business Collaboration:(Employment Strategies– Recruitment, Retention, Mentoring and developing Indigenous Talent)
Moderator: Cori Maedel, Partner MNP (Formerly The Jouta Performance Group Inc.)
Miranda Beaton, MBA, Senior HR Advisor & Special Projects, Fort McKay First Nation
Heather Wolf Ear, Indigenous Recruiting Lead, Soogadin
- 3:30PM - 5:00PM
- Roundtable
Best Practices in Workforce
Engagement:
Allyship & Antiracism Training
Speakers:
Allyship and Antiracism Training:
Allyship and antiracism training focused on Indigenous ways of thinking is an important step
towards fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous communities
and the broader society.
Moderator: Inez Ashworth, Founder & Lead Strategist, Inclusive Concepts Inc.
Don McIntyre, Dhillon School of Business , University of Lethbridge
Alita Murowchuk, Lead Indigenous Group and Reconciliation Activator, Canada, AECOM
agenda
speakers
Our Visionary Speakers
Geena Jackson
Tanya Rexin
Grand Chief Arthur Noskey
Former Chief Billy Morin
council
Leadership Council
Our content is established with the guidance of over twenty experts, community leaders, and passionate individuals recognized by the public.
Featured Members:
Mary French
Alita Murowchuk
Mindy Henyu
Tyler Mitchell
Come as a Team and Save!
Forward Summit brings together 1000+ participants and countless opportunities to make connections and gain knowledge. Multiply your value received from the event by bringing you team, and receive exclusive discounts while you’re at it.
Connect with our team to learn more about these exclusive discounts for teams, of four or more, and save hundreds on your tickets!
Stay at Blackfoot Hotel
When travelling to Central or Southeast Calgary, Hotel Blackfoot is a full-service vibrant hotel located just minutes from downtown and central to many Calgary attractions. Hotel Blackfoot welcomes business and leisure travellers to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy visiting Calgary, Alberta.
Guests can call the hotel directly at 403-252-2253 or 1-800-661-1151 and quote the Booking ID 28867 to book rooms.
Looking to stay on-site at the Grey Eagle?
The Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre is located in South-West Calgary on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation and serves as a doorstep to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This beautiful, modern 4 Star Resort Hotel offers first-class services and amenities.
Get a reduced rate by using our link below:
Join as an Artisan
Calling all Indigenous artisans!
Showcase your unique hand-made crafts and cultural heritage at our upcoming event. Share your traditions with a vibrant community eager to celebrate diversity and creativity.
Be one of our Indigenous artisans by registering here to join the wait list for the free artisan fair at Forward Summit!
Join Forward Summit as 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.
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.
