Welcoming Indigenous Community Delegations
Forward Summit | Workforce Forward
Indigenous Economic Prosperity & Inclusion
Since 2017 Forward Summit has been honoured to welcome Indigenous Nations, governments, development corporations, and Indigenous-owned businesses from across Turtle Island to gather in a safe and welcoming space. Over 300 Nations have participated since the first event.
Each year, hundreds of Indigenous leaders and community members attend Forward Summit — many as community delegations — to learn together, build relationships, and explore pathways to Indigenous-led economic prosperity.
Why Attend as a Community Delegation
Many Indigenous communities choose to attend Forward Summit together because shared learning strengthens shared outcomes.
Attending as a delegation allows communities to:
- Learn collectively and reflect together
- Hear perspectives from Indigenous leaders, businesses, and partners
- Identify opportunities aligned with their own economic priorities
- Build relationships across Nations, industries, and governments
Delegations often return home with new ideas, new connections, and a clearer sense of what is possible.
Who Participates as Part of Indigenous Delegations
There is no single way to participate. Each community decides what makes sense for them.
Indigenous delegations often include:
• Chiefs, Councillors, or Board Members
• CEOs, Band Managers, or Executive Directors
• Economic Development and Business Teams
• Lands, Procurement, or Consultation Leads
• Youth and Emerging Leaders
Some communities attend with partners or advisors, while others attend independently.
All are welcome.
A Gathering Grounded in Indigenous Leadership
Forward Summit is guided by an Indigenous-led Leadership Council and centres Indigenous voices, experiences, and knowledge.
The Summit brings together:
- Indigenous leaders and Nations
- Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses
- Governments, investors, and industry partners
The focus is on economic participation, opportunity, and partnership — led by Indigenous priorities.
Support for Indigenous Delegations
We understand that each community’s circumstances are different.
Support for Indigenous delegations may include:
- Flexible delegation sizes
- Coordinated registration for community members
- Invoicing options
- Guidance on suggested delegation make-up
- Information to support internal discussions and approvals
If you have questions or specific needs, we are happy to talk them through.
Attending Together Creates Stronger Outcomes
Communities who attend together often tell us that:
- Shared learning makes conversations at home more meaningful
- Youth and emerging leaders gain confidence and perspective
- Teams return with greater alignment and momentum
For many, Forward Summit becomes part of an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event.
We Would Be Honoured to Welcome Your Community
If your Nation or organization is considering attending Forward Summit, we would be pleased to share more information and answer any questions you may have.
(No obligation. Conversations are welcomed.)
(No obligation. Conversations are welcomed.)
A Closing Note
Forward Summit is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming space for Indigenous communities. We recognize the diversity of Nations, cultures, and experiences, and we approach this gathering with humility and care.
We look forward to gathering together.