Workshops & Conferences
Inspiring Connections. Practical Tools.
"I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the NEDC team for the amazing opportunity to attend the IYE Workshop in Tofino. It was such an inspiring and empowering experience to be surrounded by like-minded peers who, like me, are eager to learn more about entrepreneurship. The supportive environment made it easy for us to connect, exchange ideas, and even explore potential collaborations. Thank you again for making this possible and for all the work you do to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. I'm feeling more motivated than ever and grateful to be part of this community." - Nikki Robertson
Upcoming Events
Join us for hands-on workshops and conferences designed to empower Indigenous business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn from Indigenous business experts about entrepreneurship, business planning, financing options, and more—all in a supportive, community-driven environment.
November
20nov(nov 20)8:30 am21(nov 21)12:00 pmShifting EconomiesFirst Nations Leadership & Business Forum
Time
November 20, 2026 8:30 am - November 21, 2026 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Speakers for this event
-
Shelly Kaushik
Economist
Bank of Montreal
Previous Events
Here are the events we've held in the past year
October 2025
14oct(oct 14)12:00 pm17(oct 17)4:00 pmIYE Tofino Workshop
Time
October 14, 2025 12:00 pm - October 17, 2025 4:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Speakers for this event
-
Alissa Assu
Entrepreneur & Facilitator
February 2026
03feb(feb 3)8:00 am05(feb 5)3:00 pmIndigenous Seafood Conference
Event Details
Indigenous Seafood Conference 2026 Watch the Event Recap Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/7hYtAkRQNio The Indigenous Seafood Conference, co-hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), the Ha’oom Fisheries
Event Details
Indigenous Seafood Conference 2026
Watch the Event Recap Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/7hYtAkRQNio
The Indigenous Seafood Conference, co-hosted by the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), the Ha’oom Fisheries Society (HFS), and the Native Fishing Association (NFA), brings together stakeholders within the seafood industry to foster connection, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. The conference will take place February 3–5, 2026, at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. It provides a collaborative space where industry experts and participants can exchange insights, address challenges, and explore opportunities to strengthen local fisheries and food systems.
This year’s program features a skippers-only session, offering a dedicated space to connect, share challenges and successes, and build mentorship relationships. Participants will explore cross-training opportunities and exchange practical strategies for developing successful, sustainable, and community-focused operations, including key aspects of business and vessel management.
The broader conference program will cover topics identified through participant feedback, including regulations and policy updates, sustainability and environmental stewardship, marketing and selling catch, strengthening local food systems, certifications, infrastructure for bringing fish to market, and fishing access. The full agenda is being finalized and will be made available once confirmed.
There is no cost for Indigenous participants to attend this conference. Travel reimbursements, accommodations, and meals will be provided.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT
Time
February 3, 2026 8:00 am - February 5, 2026 3:00 pm(GMT-08:00)
RSVP to This Event
RSVPing is closed at this time.
Speakers for this event
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Alan Thompson
President
St. Jean's Cannery
-
Alli Cheng
Senior Manager, Tax Services
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
-
Andrew Boogards
Business Services Officer
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation
-
Andy Olson
CEO/Founder
Indigenous Fishers First
-
Andy Webster
Coastal Fisher & Fisheries Advocate
-
Archie Little
Chair, Board of Directors
Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)
-
Arthur Black
Owner
Marlson Industries
-
Arthur Black Sr.
Owner
Marlson Industries
-
Ash Peters
Seafood Manager
Thrifty's Foods, Safeway & Sobeys West
-
Bruce Williams
Facilitator
Spark Strategic Group
-
Chris Hamblin
Meat Director
Country Grocer
-
Christine Hunt
Advocate
-
Clayton Betker
Service Manager - ABM Match
CELT Industries
-
Cliff Atleo
Elder Advisor
First Nations Health Council
-
Connie Crocker
First Nations Liaison
Kelp Rescue Initiative
-
Craig Cavin
Operations Director South Island | Ownership
Country Grocer
-
d'Art Newton
Partner - ABM Match
Wisdom Circle Collective
-
Daphane Nelson
CFE Manager
Kwakiutl Nation Development Corporation
-
Derek Lamb
Partner - ABM Match
Chan Nowosad Boates
-
Desiree Baker
Owner - ABM Match
REV Consulting
-
Elder Matias
Partner - ABM Match
Mighty Raven Technology
-
Errol Sam
Ahousaht Nation Fisher & Community Leader
Ahousaht First Nation
-
Fiona MacRaild
Executive Director
Native Fishing Association (NFA)
-
Hudson Savey
Fisher
Ha'oom Fisheries Society
-
Ian Tostenson
President & CEO
BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
-
James LaFlamme
Fisheries Manager
Tseshaht First Nation
-
Jamie Podmorow
Business Development Manager - ABM Match
CanScribe College
-
Jennifer Gallic
Business Development Officer
NEDC
-
Jennifer Gidora
Operations Manager
Finest At Sea Ocean Products
-
Jesse Thompson
Director
Native Brotherhood of BC
-
Joey Ewing
Vice President and General Manager
Finest At Sea
-
Katrin Harry
Managing Partner
Advanced Business Match (ABM)
-
Kayla Savey
Business Manager
Ha'oom Fisheries Society
-
Lauren Dean
Trade and Stewardship Officer
Ha'oom Fisheries Society
-
Les Sam
Owner
Les Sam Construction
-
Lesley France
Senior Manager, Assurance Services
Doane Grant Thornton LLP
-
Marc Peeler
Owner
Confidence Fishing Company
-
Mark J. Duiven
Executive Director
National Indigenous Fisheries Institute
-
Mark Lewis
Board Chair
Native Fishing Association
-
Nicole Patterson
Seafood Operations Manager
Country Grocer
-
Rosemary Georgeson
Artist/Film Maker/Storyteller
-
Ryan Cutler
Project Manager
Cando
-
Shaelynne Bood
Confidence Fishing Company
-
Stevie Dennis
Owner
Naas Foods
-
Wally Samuel
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Ha'oom Fisheries Society
-
Wayne Sparrow
Chief
Musqueam Indian Band
-
William Gladstone Sr.
King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient
Schedule
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- February 3, 2026
- 8:00amNative Fishing Association: Skippers Session8:00am - 4:30pmSpeakersAlli ChengChief Brent EdwardsClayton BetkerCraig FisztnerFiona MacRaildLesley FranceMark Lewis
- 5:30pmDoors Open to the Ballroom for Welcome Dinner5:30pm - 8:00pmSpeakersArchie LittleCliff AtleoWally SamuelWilliam Gladstone Sr.
- February 4, 2026
- 8:00amBreakfast Buffet Opens8:00am - 8:30am
- 9:00amOpening Remarks9:00am - 9:10amSpeakersMark Lewis
- 9:15amGenerations on the Water9:15am - 10:15amSpeakersChristine HuntMarc PeelerShaelynne Bood
- 10:15amBreak10:15am - 10:30am
- 10:30amTools, Technology & Innovation in Indigenous Fishing10:30am - 12:00pmSpeakersAndy OlsonArthur BlackMark J. DuivenRyan Cutler
- 12:00pmLunch12:00pm - 1:00pm
- 1:00pmSeafood in the Marketplace: Retail & Manufacturing1:00pm - 2:15pmSpeakersAlan ThompsonAsh PetersChris HamblinCraig CavinIan TostensonJennifer GidoraNicole Patterson
- 2:15pmBreak2:15pm - 2:30pm
- 2:30pmHonoring the Contributions of Women in the Fishing Industry2:30pm - 3:30pmSpeakersConnie CrockerKayla SaveyLauren DeanRosemary GeorgesonShaelynne Bood
- 3:30pmAdvanced Business Match (ABM)3:30pm - 5:30pmSpeakersAndrew BoogardsClayton BetkerDerek LambDesiree BakerElder MatiasJamie PodmorowKatrin Harry
- February 5, 2026
- 8:00amBreakfast Buffet Opens8:00am - 8:30am
- 9:00amWelcome and Day 2 Recap9:00am - 9:10amSpeakersBruce Williams
- 9:10amFrom Agreements to Action: Navigating Indigenous Seafood Export9:10am - 10:15amSpeakersJoey EwingStephen DennisWayne Sparrow
- 10:15amBreak10:15am - 10:30am
- 10:30amOpportunties for Growth & Partnership10:30am - 12:00pmSpeakersDaphane NelsonFiona MacRaildJames LaFlammeJennifer GallicLauren Dean
- 12:00pmLunch12:00pm - 1:00pm
- 1:00pmStrategies for Success/Adding Value to Your Catch1:00pm - 2:30pmSpeakersAndy WebsterErrol SamHudson SaveyLes Sam
- 2:30pmClosing Remarks2:30pm - 2:45pmSpeakersMark LewisWally Samuel
- 3:00pmConference Ends3:00pm - 3:00pmSpeakersBruce Williams
March 2026
03mar10:30 am2:30 pmIndigenous Business Growth Roundtable
Event Details
Indigenous Business Growth Roundtable Hosted by Global Affairs Canada and Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development
Event Details
Indigenous Business Growth Roundtable
Hosted by Global Affairs Canada and Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)
Join us for a dynamic and collaborative roundtable focused on advancing Indigenous business success. This interactive session brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs, Nations’ Economic Development Corporations, ecosystem partners, and subject-matter experts to explore programs, services, and funding opportunities that support Indigenous business growth. Participants will gain valuable insights into resources designed to strengthen and scale business operations, support expansion into new and international markets, and identify funding and advisory services aligned with their current stage of growth.
Location: Coast Bastion Hotel
Territory: Hosted on the territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation
City: Nanaimo, BC
This roundtable also offers the opportunity to connect directly with government representatives and ecosystem partners, learn about upcoming initiatives, and discover practical pathways to help move your business forward.
Event Agenda
Morning Session
The day begins with short, practical presentations and conversations led by partner organizations and community leaders. Participants will receive clear overviews of available services and funding, hear real-world examples of how programs can be applied in different business scenarios, and have time for open questions and discussion.
Lunch & Networking
Lunch will be provided following the morning session, with dedicated time to network, build relationships, and continue conversations with fellow entrepreneurs and partners.
Afternoon Table Discussions
In the afternoon, participants will join small-group table discussions based on topics most relevant to their business or Nation. This format allows for direct engagement with key organizations and tailored conversations.
Planned table topics include:
Funding and Business Growth Supports – PacifiCan
Export Readiness, Planning and Services – Export Navigator / Government of British Columbia
Trade Supports and Market Entry Guidance – Global Affairs Canada
Investment, Partnerships and Foreign Direct Investment – Invest in Canada
Technical and Scaling Supports – National Research Council of Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Indigenous Economic Development Pathways and Financing – Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation
Whether you are launching, scaling, or exploring new markets, this roundtable is designed to provide practical tools, meaningful connections, and actionable next steps to support your business journey. We look forward to welcoming you!
For more information, please contact Mary Finch at mary@nedc.info
Time
March 3, 2026 10:30 am - 2:30 pm(GMT-08:00)
Coast Bastion Hotel | Nanaimo, BC
07mar(mar 7)10:00 am08(mar 8)5:00 pmVictoria Women's Expo - Featuring Indigenous Women Makers!
Event Details
We’re thrilled to partner with the 2026 Victoria Women’s Expo — a vibrant two-day event celebrating women, local makers, and innovative businesses! The Expo takes place March
Event Details
We’re thrilled to partner with the 2026 Victoria Women’s Expo — a vibrant two-day event celebrating women, local makers, and innovative businesses! The Expo takes place March 7 & 8, 2026 at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria, BC, and features over 100 exhibitors showcasing products, services, wellness, style, inspiration, and more.
This year, we’re especially excited to shine a spotlight on a few of our Indigenous Women Makers, including Ay Lelum and Ravensong Soap & Candles, who will be featured at the event alongside other talented women entrepreneurs.
Special Offer: The first 40 Indigenous women who register to attend will receive FREE admission, a goodie bag, and refreshments included — don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
Whether you’re looking for unique local products, meaningful connections, or inspiration for your personal and professional journey, the Victoria Women’s Expo is a must-attend event. Grab your spot, support women-owned businesses, and enjoy a weekend full of community, creativity, and celebration!
This event is funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and in partnership with WeBC.
Time
March 7, 2026 10:00 am - March 8, 2026 5:00 pm(GMT-08:00)
Pearkes Recreation Centre
May 2026
20may(may 20)12:00 pm21(may 21)3:30 pmIWE Duncan Workshop
Time
May 20, 2026 12:00 pm - May 21, 2026 3:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Thriving Nations Conference
Join us to Share Ideas and Network